The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton swap.

I have a '49 3600 that I am going to swap the axles to a 1/2 ton so I can upgrade to disc brakes and newer shocks. If I use the 1/2 ton springs, will this lower my truck? I don't want to lower it, as I want it to look as original aas possible. I just want the newer brakes and shocks. If I have to use the 3/4 ton springs with the 1/2 ton axles, that's OK. I won't be hauling anything heavy. I just don't know if there is a height difference between the two.

Kirk, I have a 48 3600, I put a 1/2 ton axle, from a 52 3100 under the front (the 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton front springs are the same). The rear springs are different between 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton. My 48 had helper springs on the rear. I removed them but left the other springs in place. I put a 1/2 ton rear end from a 64 C10 (3:73 gears) under my 3600. Now I have six lugs front and back with newer brakes and a better gear ratio. I have not noticed any significant difference in the height of the truck....I like the original height too. I now consider my truck a "heavy-half" ton. Scott

I was initially going to do this swap myself on my '50 3600. I opted to swap in the ifs from a '79 half ton. It was mush easier than expected, basically a bolt in affair. You end up with disc brakes and a smoother ride. You can usually find these units pretty cheap.

You say axles each time, but the dialog here has all been about the front axle and springs.

The rear might be a little more complicated.

The rear on a 3/4-ton is a bit different than that on a 1/2-ton. The rear has an open driveline, not the torque tube that the 1/2-tons had until '55. Also the 3/4-ton rear is mounted fixed and under the springs, while the 1/2-ton rear is pivot mounted on top of the springs.

The rear of the frame is parallel over the axle on your 3/4-ton, but not on a 1/2-ton. So not only are the springs on the sides of the frame instead of underneath, but the alignment of the springs is a little different.

All of this is why I'd suggest you look to put a later rear under the truck, at least a 1955, and that you be prepared to move the spring pads on the axle as you do so.

All this assuming you are planning to do the rear axle too...

I have opted to replace the rear on my 51 3/4 ton with a 10 bolt from a 79 Camero and use a spring kit from Total Cost Involved. If you can find a disc brake set up from a 2002 Firebird it will bolt right to the Camero axles.