The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1/2 ton v. 3/4 ton v. 1 ton

I’m new to trucks so forgive my ignorance. I purchased a 51’ 1 ton a few months back and am curious what the difference is between a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton. My guess is that it is mainly in the axels, suspension and tires. I plan on restoring it, and am wondering what parts are interchangeable. I would not mind down grading the springs. I have been using it for various odd jobs and I don’t think I will ever use it to its capacity. I figure I might as well have a little ride comfort. I mainly bought it to haul around my motorcycle and my car.

Moosbrugger:
Welcome to the "Bolt". I have a 51 3/4 ton so my expertise carries only from the 3100 series or 1/2 ton to the 3600 series 3/4 ton. I converted mine to a ½ ton by swapping rear ends (10 bolt Camaro) and a TCI spring kit. I also swapped the six for a small block V8 with an auto transmission. It really depends on what you want for your finished product. The frame on the ¾ ton is a little different from the ½ ton and the springs mount differently. There are a lot of guys here that will offer options. The advice is good and worth taking. You just need to work your way through as you decide what you want for a ride.

Here it is, to my way of thinking: A 1/2-ton is an automobile. A station wagon with an open back. A car, that you can load with a backhoe. Don't get me wrong here; With my '53 3100 I moved a lotta freight, easily and well.

[img]http://thumb11.webshots.net/t/28/28/6/5/29/2946605290096215731ZQPyXX_th.jpg[/img]

All right, well, this WAS a gag photo. Even so, the one thing that truck wasn't comfortable with was packing a camper. Epic #2, on the other hand, a '51 3800, has a heavier frame and a heavier most everything else, and appears ready for whatever I can inflict on her. Click on this:

[img]http://thumb11.webshots.net/t/53/753/1/87/18/2078187180096215731SvWDHj_th.jpg[/img]

Here lies a load! Around 3,000 # of treated timber; lengths to 14', on its way to my sister's house at the top of a mountain. There's a guy lives hereabouts who put longer leaves under his 3800 and he says it rides smoothly, even empty. Mine rides like a truck, I admit it. But I've changed the gear ratio from the factory 5.14 - which rendered a fast cruise of 45 mph - to 4.10, and I COULD head off cross-country if it pleased me. 50 - 60 mph on a good road, no sweat!

I searched some old threads and have gotten some good information. I knew the gearing was going to be a problem for me. I’m used to driving fast. I just drove about 200 miles at 65 mph with my 1 ton. It seems to be doing fine, but I probably took a few years off the engine. I was told it is the original. I’m also interested if the fenders and grill are interchangeable between a 3100 and a 3800?

Yes, all body parts interchange between 1/2 and 1 ton.

Differences are in axles and springs, frame, and wheelbase lengths which affect bed and running board length as well.

65 mph in a '51 1-ton? With the stock rear gears that would be winding your original motor up pretty fast. Are you sure this truck is stock?

I've driven many a Advance Design truck.. from 3100's to the 2 tonners.. never got any of them running stock, under their own power, any faster than 55.

So 65 mph? Not unless you were going down a real steep hill and had the clutch pushed in.

Not stock, anyways.

i have got my 49 3600 (all Stock/original) to do 60 mph, i pegged it one time going down a grandually slopped hill and got 71 mph, but that was screaming, i generally drive 55-60 down the highway

I have a 3800, its a 53. My Husband has gotten the old Thing up to 60mph and I am laying on the horn to stop him. It is in your foot. My truck travels easily at 50mph with out winding it out to much. Fast enough for me in that thing! It has a 235 in it.
As far as parts, all BODY parts are interchangable. However brakes are not. Those are hard to find and you'll have to up grade to a newer system w/newer drums if your old ones are to bad off.
I am going to swap out the rear, just dunno to what exactly yet. Beings its a 8lug, you (and I) can only go to a 3/4T. Unless you switch out EVERYTHING to get to the 6 lug pattern. I am looking at a 70's or 80's 3/4T rear.
I havent had TOO much trouble with parts and such for mine. Mostly restoration is my troubles. Hardly a 1T out there with a bed for me to compair. I have found a small handfull, and a large fist full of stake/flat beds. I cant find some emblems (the 3800 side badge) and the rear bumper and brackets. I am getting to the point I am just going to use the regular 3100/3600 bumper.
Best of luck, post pics!