The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1953 3/4 Ton Chevy

Just picked up my new-to-me 1953 Chevy longbed last night and discovered that it is a 3/4 ton. This will be my first restoration and am really looking forward to it. Here is a list of some things I want to accomplish but need some guidance in going about it.

- Power steering, power brakes and possibly front discs
- Change rear-end (what are my options?)
- Front and rear suspension mods (options?)

These are my big hitter items that I'm having trouble tracking down detailed solutions for. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Power brakes are easy

Disks are not impossible, but require a lot more fabricating on your part. 1/2 Ton disk brakes can be bought in a kit.

You can change the rear end, but then you won't have a 3/4 ton.

Don't know about the suspension mods.

Welcome to Stovebolt!

It depends on what you WANT to do. Are you talking a hot rod with little capability or still a truck?

Here's what I suggest about the rear end: 4.10 gears
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=707094#Post707094

It'll still be a 3/4 ton.

You could narrow a 72-87 front cradle and upgrade the suspension that way or you could even leave it stock width but it'd stick out too far on either side.