suspension questions for 1 ton to 1/2 ton conversion

[Longhorn Man]

I am not familiar with the ins and outs of the front end stuff. I DO know the 1/2 ton spindles will not slip inot a one ton ball joint. I know it has been outlined on here, as far as what you can use that is on your truck, and what you need to swap out.
I usually say, just swap out the whole cross member. You get everything from one truck, you know what to say when getting parts at the corner parts house, and you know it'll all work together. You'll also be able to swap to power steering too.
The 10 bolt in later trucks is either the same width as an early 70 to 72 (which is 3/8 inch per side wider than 67 - early 70) or at least it is VERY close. As a light duty one ton owner (my 70 one ton) i would highly recomend removing most of the leafs in your spring pack. Take the dump bed off, and go around the block... you'll see why I say this.

Don't forget you'll need to upgrade your master cylinder and proportioning valve to a disk/drum set up, and you can expect issues. You'll have to relocate one of the shock mounts on the rear axle, not to big a deal since you are welding on it already. You'll need drive shaft work since the distance from the carrier bearing to the diff yoke will not be the same, hoses and mounting tabs, both front and rear will not work like stock, a shackle kit and/or a C notch will be needed out back if you plan on just doing an axle over leaf flip, some sorting and brain storming may be needed... don't expect it to be just a nuts and bolts job. Very doable, but not a weekend project.