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Old 04-07-2016, 10:43 PM   #1
rustytruck50
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'48 3800 front suspension question

I have a 1/2 ton front suspension from a '52 Chevy. Has anyone tried to swap this over to a 1 ton? I'm aware of the frame width being different, which could complicate things, but don't know what else may pose a problem.....any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!
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Old 04-07-2016, 10:50 PM   #2
dwcsr
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

What are you trying to accomplish by swapping axles?
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Old 04-08-2016, 05:03 PM   #3
rustytruck50
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

Honestly, I'm trying to go from work vehicle to hotrodded. I dislike the way it rides in its current stock form.
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Old 04-08-2016, 05:19 PM   #4
dwcsr
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

I don't think you'll get much better with a 1/2 ton axle. You could go with a less stiff spring if you want to keep the straight axle or an IFS coil spring front end. But a straight axle hitting a pot hole is rough 1/2 ton or 1 ton. IFS is better
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Old 04-08-2016, 05:36 PM   #5
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

I was just sure you were gonna tell me that...lol
Thank you for the input....I do prefer if for sure. Just have to figure out the keep or upgrade question.
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Old 04-08-2016, 07:18 PM   #6
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

The only real advantage to the 1/2 ton is you can upgrade to disc brakes easier....
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Old 04-08-2016, 10:42 PM   #7
dwcsr
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

Not anymore. We make a 3/4 and 1 ton disc conversion that a bolt on like the 1/2 ton but with 8900lb GVW brakes
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Old 04-09-2016, 03:48 PM   #8
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Re: '48 3800 front suspension question

The front frame of a 3800 truck is slightly narower than that of a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck. With that being said, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks use a 1.75" spring vs. a 2" spring.

As long as the center pins on the 1 ton and 1/2 ton are the same, I can't see why it wouldn't work. You may have to clearance the holes in the 1/2 ton axle to use with the 2" u-bolts.

Just my $.02 worth.

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