Frame question.

[Kevin Sartin]

Does anyone know what the differences between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton square body frames would be?

 

[nvrenuf]

Same year, long bed vs long bed they are basically the same. There is supposed to be a minute amount of thickness difference but I don't think it's worth arguing over.

You will see differences in the front frame horn shapes and body bushing styles based on year, up to '80 and '81 on. I also believe some 1/2 ton tons use short 52" rear springs whereas 3/4 tons will be 56".

 

[Blue85]

Nothing, really.

https://ck5.com/forums/threads/frame-dimensions.326928/#post-3988572

EDIT: Oops, @nvrenuf beat me.

 

[skunked]

Same year, long bed vs long bed they are basically the same. There is supposed to be a minute amount of thickness difference but I don't think it's worth arguing over.

You will see differences in the front frame horn shapes and body bushing styles based on year, up to '80 and '81 on. I also believe some 1/2 ton tons use short 52" rear springs whereas 3/4 tons will be 56".

some 1/2 tons had 56” I thought?

 

[TJ1978]

Both frames are 6 inches, suspension is the difference but that goes on the frame.... k30 I think goes to 8 inches

 

[HankScorpio]

Yep, I had a 1/2 ton long bed '82 with 52 inch rear springs. It was 8 lug swapped and lifted, had parts from a few different years. When I first got it I didn't know anything about trucks. I bought parts for a 3/4 ton 82 for years before I actually figured out that the truck started as a 1/2 ton (or at least the frame did).

 

[nvrenuf]

some 1/2 tons had 56” I thought?

Yeah, I just meant that I don’t think they are all 56” (1/2 ton).

 

[skunked]

Yeah, I just meant that I don’t think they are all 56” (1/2 ton).

I see that now. Even some C10’s have 56” springs.

 

[Kevin Sartin]

I've heard the K5s referred to as 1/4 ton trucks, is that from a lighter weight frame than a regular 1/2 ton?

 

[skunked]

I've heard the K5s referred to as 1/4 ton trucks, is that from a lighter weight frame than a regular 1/2 ton?

no

 

[frankin5]

Theoretically that could be said that a K5 is a 1/4 ton as it has the capacity to carry 5 adults. That would limit its load capacity in the bed. They have basically the same suspension.

 

[Kevin Sartin]

Any suggestions on a reasonable tow capacity for an 84 bagged K5 with a built 6.0, 4L80, FF 14 bolt with disc brakes?

 

[nvrenuf]

That would probably start with the bag manufacturer.

 

[skunked]

Any suggestions on a reasonable tow capacity for an 84 bagged K5 with a built 6.0, 4L80, FF 14 bolt with disc brakes?

probably whatever the hitch is rated for. The short wheelbase of a K5 is a less desirable platform for towing IMO.

 

[frankin5]

I pulled my 19' Bayliner for many years with no problems.

 

[imiceman44]

I pulled my 19' Bayliner for many years with no problems.

My friend pulled his 24' enclosed racecar trailer for years behind his 78 k5, stock everything.
He eventually got a crewcab but it did fine otherwise.
It's mostly about hitch reciever, suspension and brakes on the trailer.
Seeing that the k5 is a short wheelbase it helps a lot to get the shortest hitch to get the leverage behind the axle to a minimum, or a weight distribution hitch even better