The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 3/4 ton vs. 1/2 ton?

I have the chance to buy a 53 Chev 3600 3/4 ton , all original, runs and drives $1900 Should I hold out for a 1/2 ton?What are the big differences?

Lots of things really. At first glance the 3/4-ton is longbed and the 1/2-ton is shortbed. For some folks thats enough. The 3/4-ton has a heavier frame, springs, axle ratings and payload capacity. The 1/2-ton has 6-bolt wheels, semi floating 4.10 rear end, a frame that widens as it goes to the rear, and a torque-tube (enclosed) drive shaft among lots of other things. 3/4-ton has 8-bolt wheels, full floating 4.57 rear end, a parallel frame behind the cab and an open drive shaft. Maybe somebody else will think of other things.
I like my 3/4-ton!! That sounds like a good truck. Do you like it? If so you should buy it. Good luck!

Gary, welcome to the Stovebolt. I suggest that you buy one that YOU LIKE. If its the 3/4 then go for it. ALL trucks are interesting.

Welcome, Gary. Get the one you like, as Alvin just suggested. For me, the big thing is fuel economy and keeping the revs down on the highway, but maybe for you it isn't an issue.

Gary, Welcome to the Stovebolt truck site...Like Everyone says,
buy the one that You like the most/or the one that will require
less work...Bill B.

to me it depends what you want to do with your truck if you want a hot rod get a haf ton if you like origional and arent gonna go fast nothing wrong with 3/4 ton hell get one of each,thats what i do! timbuk

I would buy either. Either can be rodded, either can be restored. Either can be modified

Welcome to the 'bolt

Ditto.

We've got one of each and we're getting getting near driveability with the 3/4 ton. I'd heard that several areas of parts can be more costly on a 3/4 ton (brakes and something else) but it didn't seem too far out of hand.

Welcome Scott:

One area to think of is the 3/4 ton rear axle. It will have a 4.57 ratio (5.10 was offered as an option). Your top speed will be about 50MPH. You can easily get a 3.55 gear set for the 1/2 ton, but I don't think anyone makes replacement gears for the 3/4 ton rear axle. I ended up getting a Gear Vendors overdrive for mine, which works great but is expensive. It is kind of neat to have 7 speeds, but hardly necessary.

All technical stuff aside, the price you're talking is reasonable and these trucks are getting harder to find. You should buy it, you can always make it look like a 1/2 ton, but judging by my experience, you'll love it and be proud of the fact that it is NOT a 1/2 ton and pretty unique. Parts are still readily available, and some swap with the 1/2ers, but those that dont't are typically more expensive. Good luck!

I'll agree with the get the one you want . I've owned both in the past and prefered the 3/4 ton but I always buy for a working truck not a hot rod . But that 3/4 ton drove from northern Washington state to northeastern Kansas in 3 days with no problems other than a 50-55 mph speed a long but fun trip . And Welcome to Stovebolt ! ED H

I've owned both. I have a 3600 right now and really like it. Most people opt for the 1/2 ton but like others have already said, it's really a matter of your preference.