Please help

New2Trucks · March 26, 2006

hello all, i have a 84 1500 reg.cab and box, i was wondering how much work it takes to put all 3/4 ton suspension and parts in it, or is it even possible to do that? if so what parts do i need to convert it from 1/2 to 3/4, and is it kind of pointless because its still a 1/2 ton frame? or would i be better off selling it to someone and just replacing it.?

Ok second question, i have a rattle under my drive side floor, i thought it was an exhaust rattle, because i can almost feel it hitting my left foot, but after it warms up iits not as noticable, my mechanic told me it was an exhaust leak, but how do leaks sound like metal hitting itself, any help wouldbe great thanks.

Question 3, how can i make my rear end posi? can i not just weld it up so it is? and is it bad to have posi rear end like that? like how its bad to leave your truck in 4x4 becuase it makes the wheels spin the same speed when the outside one should go faster around corners, is it the same if you have aposi rear end, pleasehelp.

Rolandd · March 26, 2006

hello all, i have a 84 1500 reg.cab and box, i was wondering how much work it takes to put all 3/4 ton suspension and parts in it, or is it even possible to do that? if so what parts do i need to convert it from 1/2 to 3/4, and is it kind of pointless because its still a 1/2 ton frame? or would i be better off selling it to someone and just replacing it.?

Ok second question, i have a rattle under my drive side floor, i thought it was an exhaust rattle, because i can almost feel it hitting my left foot, but after it warms up iits not as noticable, my mechanic told me it was an exhaust leak, but how do leaks sound like metal hitting itself, any help wouldbe great thanks.

Question 3, how can i make my rear end posi? can i not just weld it up so it is? and is it bad to have posi rear end like that? like how its bad to leave your truck in 4x4 becuase it makes the wheels spin the same speed when the outside one should go faster around corners, is it the same if you have aposi rear end, pleasehelp.

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To convert from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton you will need to change all springs, breaks, and wheels. Also, the 3/4 ton axle gears are lower, usually 3.75:1 to 4.5:1 (actual numbers will vary depending on the axle manufacturer) for more towing torque. I'm not sure about the frame depth for these trucks. If you have a manual tranny it may be different, the auto trans and engine cooling systems will be different.

To make your own 3/4 ton, change the axles and springs, break system including the master cylinder and metering and proportioning valves, and the rear load sensing valve in the break system if your truck has one. With the change in gears from the different axles, be sure to recalibrate your speedometer. The new axles will require new wheels and tires. As you are making this change to haul more, be sure to upgrade your cooling system and tranny.

Unless you are unemployed and have been given a donor truck, I would recommend finding a good 3/4 ton truck and taking from your current truck what you need. You could sell your current truck and probably break even if you play your cards right, saving yourself tens of hours of work. Nobody wants a pile of used half-ton suspension parts after you do a conversion.

Exhaust leaks can sound metalic. Crawl under and have a look, you can usually feel the leak or see black where it is leaking. The sould will change with temperature, meaning that it may sound different when cold than after warm-up.

Posi rear ends have clutches to allow the differential to do its job under normal cornering but provide torque to both wheels when the difference in wheel speed becomes excessive. Welding the axles together will cause excessive tire wear and be very hard to drive on wet pavement as one or both wheels will be slipping around corners. To convert an axle, get the posi differential carrier from a doner and install. It is usually less time consuming and cheaper to change axles because you don't have to buy all the soft parts (gaskets, seals, etc.) that you need when changing just the diff carrier.