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| | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 9 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 9 | I have a 1952 Chevy 3600 with the original 216 and transmission. What I would like to do is swap out the front axle with a 1/2 so that I can put a disk brake setup up on it. This should be a bolt in switch right? This would also allow me to change out the rear axle for better gearing. It would also allow me to get away from the 8 lug setup. I know it will lessen my payload but I plan on having this as a sunday driver.
Last edited by Don A Scott; 03/10/2009 4:14 AM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 14 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: May 2005 Posts: 14 | The first thing you should remember is that back then a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are two very different animals. Just look at the different spring packs used in each truck. Half ton springs are 1-3/4" wide. I think yours are wider on the 3/4 ton. Also, the overall lengths are most likely different. A 1/2 ton frame rails are tappered like an a frame. A 3/4 ton frame is only tappered at the front. To use a 1/2 ton front crossmember you will want to make sure that the spring pins are in the same location as on your 3/4 ton and I would use the 6 lug disc brake kit and not the 5 lug. As for the rear, put jack stands under the axle and take off both tires. Measure the face of one brake drum to the face of the other brake drum. This is the measurement you will need when looking for a new axle. Spring purches can easily be cut off and new ones welded on. Hope this helps you out. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Welcome to the Bolt Don. Check with the archives here; there have been a ton of conversations on this topic.
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 | The 1/2 ton front axle will be a bolt in swap. 1/2 and 3/4 tons use the same front springs.
3/4 tons used 9/16" u-bolts vs 1/2" on the 1/2 ton.
Don't forget to put the caster shims back in when you do the swap. | | |
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