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Differences between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Subs?

SLO C5

SLO C5

1/2 ton status
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Aug 29, 2007
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Location
San Luis Obispo, CA
Obviously the axles and suspension are beefier, but what else does the 3/4 give you?

I'm giving a 1/2 model a serious look, all of the suspension and brakes have been upgraded, to say the least. So what else would a 3/4 ton give you? Is the frame or suspension mounts any stronger? And if there is a significant difference, what inexpensive parts can be added to make up the gap?

The one in question I've posted a few times about, it's the one below. Pics do not do it justice, it is an absolute beast when you see it in person:

http://slo.craigslist.org/car/430214235.html
 
I have an original 3/4 ton in my yard minus the axles , nothing looks any different form a 1/2 ton . Mostly just running gear , and the required equipment to run them like radiators and such .
 
A stock 3/4 ton will give you no advantages over this other than emissions and then that depends on where you are located.

Here in GA a 3/4 ton does not require emissions inspection.
 
Good to know. I don't think that matters for emissions in CA, it's all what the vehicle came with from the factory in relation to what it puts out now. Ghey.
 
Its hit or miss . Some casting numbers were made in both 2 or 4 bolt main , and the production line isn't going to stop for single truck to wait for the "right" one . They used what they had on hand all day long .
 
It does matter for emissions in CA. There are 3 different categories of Burb - the 1/2, the "lite" 3/4, and the "heavy" 3/4 (8600 GVWR). They all had different emissions equipment originally, and thus very different requirements now.
 
longbedder said:
It does matter for emissions in CA. There are 3 different categories of Burb - the 1/2, the "lite" 3/4, and the "heavy" 3/4 (8600 GVWR). They all had different emissions equipment originally, and thus very different requirements now.
Click to expand...

OK, makes sense. I didn't go into details, but as I mentioned it's all about what the vehicle originally was and what it puts out now.

You guys know more than I do about it since I'm used to newer stuff. How laid back is the visual inspection on older trucks like these? Since there's no OBDII+ computer crap, do most places not really care as long as you actually pass the sniffer?

Case in point: my 93 LT1 Z28 Camaro has headers and had an off-road pipe. About 7 years ago, I gave the smog guy an extra $80 cash, and after he scanned the VIN on my Z28 he pulled it out and put the sniffer in the pipe of his Tahoe. Passed with flying colors. I get the feeling these places are harder and harder to find.

As far as the requirements for 1/2, lite 3/4, and heavy 3/4, do the heavier ones have less stringent requirements or is "breathing room" tighter? If you have a heavy 3/4 and the additional smog stuff it has make it a hindrance to making power?
 
They are draconian on the visual inspection, and shops are really tight on this stuff as they're afraid of getting popped on a violation and going out of business.

The flex you'll get between shops is how they read and interpret the rules.

I had to have the little flex-tube going from the header/manifold up to the air cleaner, and was told that I had to use aluminum or steel tape (not duct tape) to cover any holes in the air cleaner housing. Tell me how much sense that makes...:rolleyes:
 
Some of the '89-'91's that I have looked at had power steering and oil coolers on the 3/4 as well as large 32"? wide radiators. I have considered adding those coolers to my '89 Jimmy for the extra cooling.
 
My 1/2t has stock 56s in the rear.
I added 1 ton axles, so is a 3/4t now?.
Its curb weight is more than the stock loaded weight by 300lbs
 
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