I was wondering what the difference is between the 3/4 ton frame and the 1/2 ton frame? the reason I ask is I got a 3/4 ton that is my daily drive and just bought a 1/2 truck that the body is beat to hell and wanted to make my 3/4 ton frame a short box. But I dont want a 1/2 ton truck I like my 3/4 ton truck and I also have a six inch lift for it, but i would like to know before I started to tear both down.

 

What brand trucks, and what years?

 

We are assuming it is a GM product because you are in the GM forum.
So what year?
Body style configurations?
Lug nut count?---they made 6 lug 2500 series and 8 lug 1500s

 

They made a 8 lug half ton? I never knew that. I have a 1500HD, but mine still only has 6 lug wheels.

 

I've never heard of a 8 lug 1/2 ton either. I know they made a 5 lug and a HD 6 lug 1/2 ton
I've seen a 8 lug 3/4 and 1 ton
But HEY !!! That's why I'm here. TO LEARN

Chris
There is a significant difference between the 3/4 ton and the 1 ton.
They are both boxed rails and both made of the same gauge stamped steel but the one ton will have more doubled up walls and complete channels then the 3/4 ton does.
Also some of the cab mounts and bracketry differ

I would highly discourage shortening the wheel base to your 3/4 into a short box. It may compromise the 3/4 structural integrity

 

The GMT-800s had a 1500HD model available from about '01-06. It was a 8 lug chassis with only a 6.0L engine and crewcab only IIRC. I've also seen some GMT-400 Suburbans badged as 1500s but were 8 lug as well. The 8 lug 1/2 tons also had the 9.5" semi floating rear axle, not a full floating 10.5" unit.

 

Well there ya go... I learned something again today
Thanks Diesel Dan

 

Well, that sure is interesting. Now that I thin of it, there was a guy I used to work with that had a long bed GMC truck with 8 lug wheels that he claimed as a half ton, but I always thought he was full of crap.