Converting 89 r1500 into a 1 ton 2wd

[shiftpro]

And four kids and X amount of dawgs..

I was just tossing some love at Arkansas..

 

[Vbb199]

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]

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]

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]

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)