frames whats up w/ size

[drives mopars]

is the 1 st gen frame same as a 1/2 ton



i looked at a 93 1/2 ton they looked the same

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

BAck to mid 80s, 3/4 ton std frame was about 6" high and . 25" thick. HD option was 7" tall and 3/16" thick, approximately. These are heavier than 1/2 ton. Later--about 91 or 92-- the diesel frames were even bigger, perhaps 8" tall. I don't have the exact measurements, but some first genners probably do--its in the service manuals.

 

[sparks57]

Dumb question:



Where does the 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton ratings come from?



I know the higher up, the beefier the truck... but is it the weight of the frame or something?



Thanks

 

[therabbittree]

its the relative carriing capacity or thats what it used to bee now it sems like trucks can do a lot more etc..... ie a 1/2 ton was supposedly good for 1000lbs in the bed 1 ton was good for 2000lbs in th ehbed etc... but like i said it was the guide line =way back now trucks carry much more

later

deo

\x/ hillfolk!

 

[Bluebird]

Frame/chassis numbers...

Oo. Here is my question... On the front of the frame just behind the tire (on both sides) is a blue plastic number attached to the frame. Mine reads-"60". Does anyone know what this number means? Patrick.

 

[therabbittree]

huh plastic number plate? etc?? never seen that on my truck. they're long gone if it had em... northeast road salt , plowing, and mud took care of it long time ago . . let me know though, i'm interested to know if i had one and what it could have meant.

thanks deo

 

[CPG]

Generally speaking, all 3/4 ton trucks have a heavier frame than a half ton.

One other important factor in the carrying of weight is the RE. The half ton has a semi floating axle, while the 3/4 ton has a full floating axle.

In otherwords the half ton axle supports the weight on the axle bearing on the end of the flange. As these trucks go, its usually a 6 stud wheel. On the 3/4 ton truck, the weight is supported on the axle tube or trunnion shaft. Being a larger dia. axle, this is an 8 stud wheel. If an axle should break on a half ton truck, one could lose the wheel. On the full floating axle on the 3/4 ton, if the axle breaks, the wheel is still independent from the axle as the axle tube or trunnion shaft supports the bearings (two) locked in.

One seldom hears of this breakage now days as the materials have improved over the years. International P/U's were famous for braking axles in the old days.

One can see a lot of half ton trucks towing travel trailers, as there is an old trucker's saying that one can tow more than he can haul.

With a fifth wheel or camper, there is more weight on the bearings. Thats why 3/4 ton trucks and up are considered the safe bet.



This does not really address the frame size but the frames are different either from the flange width or depth.



Chuck

 

[drives mopars]

frames seem to be getting bigger

my 93 1 ton seems small , it did not flex with a 4k camper on bed



now a 7500 lb trailer seems ok



my old 95 1/2 ton chevy flexed bad w/ 3k camper onit





bill