Suspension swap questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chris Guthro · 07-19-2011, 07:44 PM

Hello Guys, yet again another question i need answered before i dive into this running gear swap. I picked up a 80s 4x4 1/2 lwb frame but has no axles. Am i able to take my 76 3/4 4x4 suspension and bolt it up to the 1/2 ton spring hangers and shackles? Becuase the 76 3/4 ton frame rails are beyond my liking to repair

79BIG10 · 07-19-2011, 07:57 PM

I'm not sure but first thing is measure the length of the top of leafs going along the surface. This will tell you if it's the same or different. If it's the same length you may be able to get away with it but if not the same length then it won't work to my knowledge.

Chris Guthro · 07-19-2011, 09:51 PM

anyone else have any more info? who convertted their 1/2 tons to 3/4 and what did you do?

Mr. 250r · 07-19-2011, 10:57 PM

Although i'm not too sure and don't quote me lol but the 1/2t and 3/4t fronts are the same being d44's, and were they both long beds or is one a short bed because i think the rear spring lengths go from 52in for short beds to 56in on long beds. Assuming they were both long i don't see why it wouldn't swap over but then again i don't exactly know the difference for the late 70s and early 80s bodies

67_SS396 · 07-19-2011, 11:35 PM

The fronts are the same. The 3/4 ton should have 56" rear springs and the half ton probably has 52". Easy fix though by moving the rear most hanger back. Some trucks have the holes in the frame already and most suburbans do too.
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Chris Guthro · 07-20-2011, 08:12 AM

Yea they are both long beds. Ill have to measure the rear springs and see what they are before i order my rough country lift kit.

07-19-2011, 07:44 PM	#1
Chris Guthro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Antigonish Nova Scotia Posts: 213	Suspension swap questions Hello Guys, yet again another question i need answered before i dive into this running gear swap. I picked up a 80s 4x4 1/2 lwb frame but has no axles. Am i able to take my 76 3/4 4x4 suspension and bolt it up to the 1/2 ton spring hangers and shackles? Becuase the 76 3/4 ton frame rails are beyond my liking to repair

07-19-2011, 07:57 PM	#2
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Re: Suspension swap questions I'm not sure but first thing is measure the length of the top of leafs going along the surface. This will tell you if it's the same or different. If it's the same length you may be able to get away with it but if not the same length then it won't work to my knowledge. __________________ 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

07-19-2011, 09:51 PM	#3
Chris Guthro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Antigonish Nova Scotia Posts: 213	Re: Suspension swap questions anyone else have any more info? who convertted their 1/2 tons to 3/4 and what did you do?

07-19-2011, 10:57 PM	#4
Mr. 250r Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: freeburg, illinois Posts: 885	Re: Suspension swap questions Although i'm not too sure and don't quote me lol but the 1/2t and 3/4t fronts are the same being d44's, and were they both long beds or is one a short bed because i think the rear spring lengths go from 52in for short beds to 56in on long beds. Assuming they were both long i don't see why it wouldn't swap over but then again i don't exactly know the difference for the late 70s and early 80s bodies __________________ 1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB

07-19-2011, 11:35 PM	#5
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	Re: Suspension swap questions The fronts are the same. The 3/4 ton should have 56" rear springs and the half ton probably has 52". Easy fix though by moving the rear most hanger back. Some trucks have the holes in the frame already and most suburbans do too. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

07-20-2011, 08:12 AM	#6
Chris Guthro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Antigonish Nova Scotia Posts: 213	Re: Suspension swap questions Yea they are both long beds. Ill have to measure the rear springs and see what they are before i order my rough country lift kit.

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