I have a 46 1/2 Ton Suburban and a 41 1 ton long bed pickup I am rebuilding both at the same time.
In the past I have had 2 1/2 Ton pick ups.
When it is all said and done many of the parts are the same or just a little more stout.
I strongly suggest that you get a parts book so that you can be sure what parts are the same, what parts are vastly different and/or what can be substituted/interchanged when the need arises.
Here are two examples:
Nobody offered a disc brake kit for my 41 1 ton but with the parts list I was able to determine that the critical parts were the same as the 1/2 ton in 41 so I took the gamble and ordered the 1/2 ton disc brake kit. It bolted on perfectly and any dual chamber disc brake is better than the old drum brakes.
In my Suburban I wanted an open drive line with 3.48 rear gears. I ended up using the bellhousing, 4 speed transmission out of the 1 ton along with its brake/clutch pedal assembly to get what I wanted in the Burb. I had a new rear end built to fit. FYI the 4 speed open line was an option in the Burb,1/2 ton & 3/4 ton pick ups so I did not sacrifice originality. Yes the burb got dic brakes as well for safety sake.
My 1 Ton has a small block 350, 700R4 transmission and 3.73 gears for economy. All riding on original 17" rims. 70mph at 2,000 rpm. This truck will look original until you pop the hood.
Your main differences will be wheel sizes, rearend gearing, brake drum sizes.
Be patient, without a gearing change don't expect much over 45 mph with that beast.
Dave Murray
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