1/2 ton to 3/4 ton swap help needed

[RPIcka]

I have axles out of a 1972 3/4 ton 4x4, the rear is an Eaton and the front a Dana 44. Can I swap these into a 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 but just unbolting and bolting on?

[Lobie]

Originally Posted by RPIcka

I have axles out of a 1972 3/4 ton 4x4, the rear is an Eaton and the front a Dana 44. Can I swap these into a 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 but just unbolting and bolting on?

The spring perch spacing should be the same and bolt right up. The front drive shaft will bolt up but you need to check the rear. It may be a 1310 or 1350 ujoint. The half ton has a 1310 not sure what's on the eaton.
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[N2TRUX]

RPIcka I moved your post to the 4x4 forum. Your going to get better action over here.

[odog]

Should bolt in no problem, the u joint is a 1350 on the eaton so if you are using the 1/2 ton drive line you need one of those conversion joints, 1310 on one end 1350 on the other. The front will bolt right in.

[RPIcka]

So what exactly seperates the 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons? Is it just the axles or what else?

[classicundercar]

Heavier springs on the 3/4
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[Mike C]

Heavier frame, bigger brakes and axles, different shocks, wheels and tires, etc.

[OldCreek]

I directly swapped an H052 for the 12 bolt in my K5 by using a 1310-1350 universal joint. With a 4" lift the drive shaft length was fine and didn't need to be changed. Without a lift, I have no idea if the drive shaft length will be o.k. or too long....

[RPIcka]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Heavier frame, bigger brakes and axles, different shocks, wheels and tires, etc.

The frame was actually heavier? I am on the fence as whether to buy a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton and swap in 3/4 ton axles. I want heavy duty.

[odog]

I just swapped from a 12 bolt dana 44 1/2 ton combo to a 14 bolt 44 3/4 ton combo. I kept the 1/2 ton springs only because I wasnt comfortable relocating the spring mounts on the frame, but I did add overloads. Both the 14 bolt and the eaton are full floaters I believe, which are stronger than the 12 bolt. I upgraded because I haul a lot of firewood, and last summer I had 2 cords on and bent the 12 bolt. I wanted heavy duty, but I had to upgrade what I had. Seems to be working so far.

[andrewmp6]

If you want a short bed truck they was 1/2 ton only,But if you want a truck to use as a truck i would get a 3/4 ton or maybe a 1ton depends how it will be used.The eaton was a full floater the 14 bolt they made in full floater and a semi floater but i think the semi floater was in the 88 up body style.

[63chevyll]

Actually, I remember reading the 1/2 and 3/4 frames are the same, just brakes and springs upgraded.

The 3/4 ton may have had bolt in frame braces, but the only larger, stronger frames are on true 1 tons
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[special-K]

1/2t and 3/4t frames are the same. The difference is in the axles,suspension,brakes,wheels,and tires.

The best way to covert to 3/4t is use a 3/4t rear driveshaft and shorten it. If you are not lifting you will need driveshaft work anyway due to the larger differential.

[RPIcka]

Thanks guys!