The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 59 fleetside 3/4 ton 6 cylinder parts available?

I have the chance to get this truck but am concerned about what parts are not available for this over a similar 1/2 ton truck. What will be difficult to find compared to 1/2 ton.

I have one and so far parts are pretty easy to find. If its stock and you want to stay close to that there is lots of stuff still around. Lots of good help here.

Fender spears on 3100s are supposed to be VERY hard to find. They aren't reproduced, and originals tend to be pitted.

I imagine it would only be worse for 3600s.

Bill

I have the same truck but with a V8 (original V8 truck). Haven't had any problems getting any parts, although if you're doing a frame-off, you will likely have some issues with some of the smaller parts.

Chris

Most parts that are available are the same as the 1/2 ton & the ones that are not the same mostly are available.
The only thing about a 3/4 ton is they ride vharder & are geared lower then the 1/2 tons. Resale value is not as good either.

What can be done about making it ride softer?

Good tires, good shocks...

-W

Body parts are mostly identical to 1/2 tons, other than the already mentioned spears. In the last six months I've seen good spears for 3600's listed on ebay 3 or 4 times, so difficult but not at all impossible. If it's a longbed like mine, those parts are available, but pricey.

The real problems are the suspension and drive train. The springs seem to be tough to find. Most vendors only list 1/2 ton. The wheels were tough as well. I upgraded mine, and had only a limited number of choices due to the backspacing. Most of the bearings are available at Napa, but good luck rebuilding your rear end using new parts from the vendors if you need to.

The resale value depends where you live, I think. I've had numerous people interested in mine once they realize it's the 3/4 ton.

Overall, I love the heavier-duty truck. The hard ride is fine, it's a truck! I threw on some softer tires and it's 150% better than stock. The lower gears are only issue in that I can't freeway it, but my daily commute is 2.5 miles, so that has only been an issue a few times. The fact that I can throw a huge load of pavers at it, for example, and it doesn't blink an eye, is great.

I also have been told that the value is not there compared to a 1/2 ton. It is a small window long bed fleetside 3/4 ton and will have the original 235 with slight modern improvements. I will upgrade the trans and maybe later the rearend. Other thatn that it will be completely stock and perfect body and paint after minimal bodywork and repair panels. How close to the value of a compareable 1/2 ton will it be at that point?

You seem to have the misconception that the only value of an old vehicle is how much money you can get out of it. You can seldom get the amount of money you have in one back. The real value is how much enjoyment you get from it. You can have just as much fun with a 3/4 ton as with a 1/2 ton.

Amen cletis! My truck is priceless to me. Rusty old hunk and all!

Jerryljr - based on what you are saying about your plans, I doubt that the value difference will be significant either way comparing 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton. Most of the value differences I see in any classic vehicle usually has more to do with the year, or particularly rare model/engine combos. Let's say the value difference here is 10%. Heck, let's go high and say 50%. Depending on market value in your area, compare that to what those changes you plan on will cost you, and you will have your answer.

Cletis, truer words have never been spoken............