Converting 89 r1500 into a 1 ton 2wd

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
9,042
Reaction score
15,334
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502
Maybe all you really need is a D60 and 14 bolt...?
And cross over steering..
and a big block..
You say this like you're unaware local people here want 10,000 for a dana 60 that looks like it's been at the bottom of the harbor for 20 years
Local postings are like:

Chevy Dana 60 for sale:
"no gears"
"no hubs"
"bent axle tube"
"pretty much everything is missing"
"project axle"
1500$
nO lOw BaLlErS
I kNoW wHaT mY sHyT iS wOrTh



Yeah?
Well I could build a custom 14B ff front axle for cheaper than that garbage.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
9,042
Reaction score
15,334
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502
Not bitching at you @shiftpro
It's just the prices of a dana 60 have went thru the roof because of all the axle swaps in jeeps and rockcrawlers.... The days of having a dana 60 just for a 1 ton truck are gone unfortunately

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 

85 CA SIERRA 1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2018
Posts
59
Reaction score
31
Location
So. Cal
First Name
TRACEY
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
SIERRA CLASSIC
Engine Size
5.0
Well, no not a booster, just larger brakes overall like you'd have on a ton or hvy 3/4 ton. You've answered my question that you will address this upgrade also, since this likely is the most important aspect of hauling and towing.
You forgot to also mention GOOD TRAILER BRAKES, preferably on both axles and a good controller in the truck something like a Tekonsha P3. When braking you should always be dragging the trailer vs being pushed by it. Also, drive smart, smooth planned moves, lots of following distance, maybe 3or4 seconds minimum, gear-down on downgrades, etc...
 

AuroraGirl

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2019
Posts
9,693
Reaction score
6,869
Location
Northern Wisconsin
First Name
Taylor
Truck Year
1978, 1980
Truck Model
K10, K25
Engine Size
400(?), 350
Iirc some 3/4 ton had different frames insofar they were thicker but same shapes. Maybe. And of course leaf spring size + secondary or assisting leaf springs(i heard about them in my manual, never saw one) and probably better shocks. Even a modern silverado I believe the only difference is brakes and leaf size. Possibly front coil(I believe they use coil)
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,167
Posts
950,725
Members
36,282
Latest member
Doug Hampton
Top