• We have upgraded our forum software! See here for details.

1948 3/4 ton lug swap

C

chucks48

Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Location
mid missouri
i just picked up this 3/4 ton chevy, runs, moves under own power, but want to change to a car bolt pattern. i have read that the front axle will accept 1/2 ton rotor swap, just tying to verify this.
 
Welcome, Chuck!

What Bill said. You'll need to take the front axle of a half ton out from under it's springs. Depending on the year truck you get this from, and what year your truck is, you made need a different drag link, but that's about as easy as it gets. (Replace the old u-bolts, too.)

Then it's off to replacing the back axle.

Do a search of my posts on this~ I've talked it to death...:p

How 'bout some pictures? The fact you got one that runs, sounds like it may be in good shape, also?
 
thanks for the info. i have always wanted one of these, im in my late thirties now, finally get one. its been in the same family for thirty five years. i was told it was a original flat bed, if there is such a thing. the running boards stop at the back edge of the cab.
 
Welcome chuck !

VERY neat to get a family truck ;)

Yes , flat beds were sold by GM but more often farm trucks were sold as cab & chassis and the flatbed was procured locally or home built .

GM flatbeds are rare indeed , the corners and rails are different and very pretty but usually rusted out .
 
im not sure what direction to go with this truck, too many options. would like to lose the 8 lug wheels, but then everything underneath will need to be changed. also debating going with a flatbed, the runningboard come to a stop at the back of the cab, and are rounded off. i would also like to lower it down a little.
 
Flat beds are good too!

chucks48 said:
...but then everything underneath will need to be changed.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean.

Changing the a$$ end on a 3/4 is apparently an easy swap. These trucks (with the 8 lugs and the ugly hub) have an open end axle. All that needs to be done is find a similar width axle and mount the new perches. You can find an axle that is 5 or 6 lug, so you can go with whatever up front. I believe I'll be going with a Colorado back end just because it's 6 lug, new, and has a great ratio.
Doing this will not affect my drive line (which is a split line - carrier bearing) or tranny. (It's the original 4 on the floor which I hope will appreciate the different rear end. Going top rpms with the old back end was probably about 40~45 mph.:()
Anyway, whatever you think you want to do, this is the sight to help you realize your dreams!:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top