Hi Bob,
I recently put together my '50 1/2 ton with a Must. II front suspension,
Camaro rear end and a lot of other goodies. My objectives were to maintain
original(ish) looks, get the drivetrain modernised and reliable and still
have a usable truck. I wish now I had kept the original front suspension as
I have lost my ground clearance in the front. The kit lowered the front 6"
or so; it was only supposed to lower it 2". Also, there is less strengh to
the front suspension and the 11" disc rotors are nice but aren't truck
brakes. If I do it again I'll retain the orig front axle and get a disc
brake kit for it.
> 1. should I find a 1/2 ton frame to make parts hunting easier,
If you can find the parts you need locally, I'd say the 3/4 ton will be
better for hauling, but I've heard stories of Montana loggers using old half
tons with 3 speed trannys for many years. Disc brake kits are readily
available for the half ton front axle, not necessarily so for the 3/4t. A
few fellow listers probably have old halt ton running gear to sell, I'd bet.
> 2. what is the recommended front suspension (is the original
>really
> that bad),
If you want to haul, I'd stay with the original front suspension or use a
truck front clip. Stay away from the Must. II stuff. If you want a cool
looking stance and a front suspension that handles amazingly well in an old
truck, the Heidt's Must II kit is a good deal.
> 3. what is the recommended rearend for easy installation?
The original rears are stout. If you weld you can use about any rear end
you want. I'd recommend a 12 bolt chevy truck axle, maybe. The Camaro 10
bolt worked great in mine, but I don't haul too much. Yet.
Good luck,
Dave Riffel
>
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