Ok, I know I asked this before, but I'm stupid. . . Big10 question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*racedvl* · 11-29-2002, 10:53 PM

Ok, first what years did they make the Big10? Second, I can get a complete Big 10 front end for free, cross member and all. i was wanting to install this onto my 1969. Now I looked at the books at work, and I don't see seprate part # for big 10 front end parts, brakes, suspension, springs, ect. So I guess what I'm asking is, is there any diffrence in a Big10 front end, as to opposed to a regular C10? I am worried about bolting this thing to my 69 and making it sit goofy. And in the future, I wanna get droped spindles for the front.....later down the road. I'm gonna be swapping the engine this winter in it, and I suppose this would be a great time to swap the front cross member out. Thanks for any help, Jason.

**swervin ervin** · 11-30-2002, 02:40 PM

Jason,

I almost 100% positive the only difference between a regular C10 and a Big 10 is the rear suspension. This was done of course so GM could call these trucks heavy halfs or 5/8's ton to get out of the 1/2 ton emission's regulations.

The front suspension is based on the size of the engine as to what springs to use for weight. The only thing I would look for is if it has HD brakes. These will be 1-1/4" thick rotors, as compared to standard spindles being 1" thick rotors. This had nothing to do with Big 10's specifically, just if it came with HD brakes. My C10 came with HD brakes and 1-1/4" rotors stock.

TOMMAY · 11-30-2002, 06:24 PM

Mike,I believe the front coils are heavier on the Heavy Halfs.I looked this up in one of my manuals when I first got my truck.It's basically a three quarter suspension on a half ton truck.Swapping in the heavier suspension would probably be counter productive if you're gonna be lowering the truck.

Good Luck

Tom

**swervin ervin** · 11-30-2002, 08:53 PM

Tom,

you may be right because I'm not sure. But, I don't think the front coils would be different over regular C10's. The coils are setup for engine weight mostly. I don't think the front of a Big 10 or heavy half is any heavier. As you know the extra weight carrying capacity is all in the rear, with the leaf springs.

Again, not sure though. They may very well be bigger coils. If it were me, I would replace the coils anyway. You know they will be weak with age. I know everything else is the same at least.

*racedvl* · 11-30-2002, 10:47 PM

I dunno, I work at a parts wearhouse, and I saw no difference in the front springs. As a matter of fact, I saw no difference for any of the front end parts. I did see that heavy duty brake option, but it seemed to be only for 80 and up.

TOMMAY · 12-02-2002, 01:42 AM

You guys are probably right,I doubt there's enough difference to even show up in the parts books anymore.

The original F44 optioned trucks ,in 76 anyway,were delivered with front springs rated at 1625 pounds each,while the standard c-10 was rated at 1550 lbs. The springs were the same heigth but the wire diameter was slightly greater.

Just remember,you learn something useless and forget something useful every day.

Good Luck

Tom

79BIG10 · 12-02-2002, 04:42 AM

I know that I get 1/2 ton parts most of the time when getting items for my truck. Now when it comes to coil and leaf springs I'm going 3/4 ton all the way around. I think I remember on the front end Capt. Kaos said that I needed 1/2 though.

*racedvl* · 12-02-2002, 10:53 AM

Well, I think I'm gonna take the front end. It's free ya know! Anyways, it's 2 1/2 hours away. . . . So, I think I'll wait till after New Years.

11-29-2002, 10:53 PM	#1
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Ok, I know I asked this before, but I'm stupid. . . Big10 question. Ok, first what years did they make the Big10? Second, I can get a complete Big 10 front end for free, cross member and all. i was wanting to install this onto my 1969. Now I looked at the books at work, and I don't see seprate part # for big 10 front end parts, brakes, suspension, springs, ect. So I guess what I'm asking is, is there any diffrence in a Big10 front end, as to opposed to a regular C10? I am worried about bolting this thing to my 69 and making it sit goofy. And in the future, I wanna get droped spindles for the front.....later down the road. I'm gonna be swapping the engine this winter in it, and I suppose this would be a great time to swap the front cross member out. Thanks for any help, Jason.

11-30-2002, 02:40 PM	#2
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Jason, I almost 100% positive the only difference between a regular C10 and a Big 10 is the rear suspension. This was done of course so GM could call these trucks heavy halfs or 5/8's ton to get out of the 1/2 ton emission's regulations. The front suspension is based on the size of the engine as to what springs to use for weight. The only thing I would look for is if it has HD brakes. These will be 1-1/4" thick rotors, as compared to standard spindles being 1" thick rotors. This had nothing to do with Big 10's specifically, just if it came with HD brakes. My C10 came with HD brakes and 1-1/4" rotors stock. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

11-30-2002, 06:24 PM	#3
TOMMAY Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mobile,Al Posts: 163	TOMMAY Mike,I believe the front coils are heavier on the Heavy Halfs.I looked this up in one of my manuals when I first got my truck.It's basically a three quarter suspension on a half ton truck.Swapping in the heavier suspension would probably be counter productive if you're gonna be lowering the truck. Good Luck Tom __________________ 76 Silverado 74 Vette

11-30-2002, 08:53 PM	#4
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Tom, you may be right because I'm not sure. But, I don't think the front coils would be different over regular C10's. The coils are setup for engine weight mostly. I don't think the front of a Big 10 or heavy half is any heavier. As you know the extra weight carrying capacity is all in the rear, with the leaf springs. Again, not sure though. They may very well be bigger coils. If it were me, I would replace the coils anyway. You know they will be weak with age. I know everything else is the same at least. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

11-30-2002, 10:47 PM	#5
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	? I dunno, I work at a parts wearhouse, and I saw no difference in the front springs. As a matter of fact, I saw no difference for any of the front end parts. I did see that heavy duty brake option, but it seemed to be only for 80 and up.

12-02-2002, 01:42 AM	#6
TOMMAY Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mobile,Al Posts: 163	TOMMAY You guys are probably right,I doubt there's enough difference to even show up in the parts books anymore. The original F44 optioned trucks ,in 76 anyway,were delivered with front springs rated at 1625 pounds each,while the standard c-10 was rated at 1550 lbs. The springs were the same heigth but the wire diameter was slightly greater. Just remember,you learn something useless and forget something useful every day. Good Luck Tom __________________ 76 Silverado 74 Vette

12-02-2002, 04:42 AM	#7
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I know that I get 1/2 ton parts most of the time when getting items for my truck. Now when it comes to coil and leaf springs I'm going 3/4 ton all the way around. I think I remember on the front end Capt. Kaos said that I needed 1/2 though. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

12-02-2002, 10:53 AM	#8
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Well, I think I'm gonna take the front end. It's free ya know! Anyways, it's 2 1/2 hours away. . . . So, I think I'll wait till after New Years.

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