47-59 3/4 - 1/2 chassis differences

[62bagger]

I am new to this side of this forum. I would like to know what the differences are between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton chassis for the 58 & 59. Are they simular enough to swap 1/2 ton suspension on 3/4 chassis?
Thanks in advance for the info.

[dsraven]

if you go online, look for 55-59 chevrolet factory assembly manual, click on the trifive site and download the manual you can find the factory frame drawings for all the models. I believe the frames are dimensionally the same for the 55-57 models and then the 58-59 models. the latter 2 years were different from the front spring forward hangers forward in that they were longer to accomodate the longer sheet metal up front and also a longer overhang for the bumper and filler panel. the rad support mounts were also further forward in comparison. personally I used a 3/4 ton frame from a 58 under a 57 1/2 ton and moved the rad support mounts rearward the required amount. i ended up selling the frame before I was done because I swapped a frame from something newer nder the truck, but I know the body parts all fit and I would only have had to shorten the frame horms a couple inches for the bumper to fit correctly and possibly drill a couple of holes for the bumper side braces to fit. the cabs bolt up in the same location and the front spring mount locations are the same. if you look at the drawings you can confirm the dimensions yourself.

[62bagger]

Thanks for replying. the info was helpful. I have a chance to purchase a 3/4 ton but was not sure if it would be worth the effort.
Mike V

[_Ogre]

Actually, the 3200 ½T LWB frame is the same as the 3600 ¾T frame
Same everything, not just dimensionality the same.
If you look at the FAM, they have 3200, 3600 on the frame drawings

[dsraven]

sorry man, I read it wrong. I thought you were after the difference between the 2 eyed and the 4 eyed task force trucks. good thing ogre was on the ball. lol.

[mr48chev]

1/2 ton short box frame is a tad lighter than the 1/2 ton long bed 3200 and 3/4 ton frame on 58/59.

The page below from the GM Heritage center archives vehicle information kit for 58 Chevy truck https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf

You can find similar kits for most older Chevy trucks or other chevys here but later stuff might just be sales info.
https://www.gm.com/heritage/archive/...formation-kits

[_Ogre]

What are your plans for the frame? MII with bags?
The ½T and ¾T spring hangers should be the same, just more leaves in the pack. But any suspension kits would be the same, front or back

[mr48chev]

The GM heritage center 58 pfd doesn't have the rear spring info but the 59 does.

Scroll down to Rear springs https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf