One ton conversion

[Iowaaxe]

I have a Frankenstein square body, 1978 k10 frame, factory axels.,1986 body with a shortbox, 1982 6.2 diesel, with a 1886 350 trans.. I want to put one ton axels with a dually rear-end. Change trans to 400 and keep 6.2 engine. My question is will the k10 frame handle what I want to do or do I need to find a 1 ton frame? Thanks for the help

 

[68post]

A half ton will hold a diesel just fine, but you can't work it near as hard as a real ton trk. Loaded heavy you will feel the frame squirm, and don't forget that big brakes are one of the most important, (if not the "most"), of working it heavy.
You can bend the frame if you overload it like the rest of us do to a ton.

 

[68post]

I've loaded 7 complete garage doors on mine a cpl times and would never try it even with correct springs in a half ton. Second time I did it broke out the bottom main leaf on one side.

 

[bucket]

Being a short bed, I'd guess it would be a lot harder to overload the frame enough to tweak it. Probably not impossible though! Lol

 

[Corvette Ed]

You have already got some good advice,so I’ll just say,welcome to the forum.

 

[68post]

Being a short bed, I'd guess it would be a lot harder to overload the frame enough to tweak it. Probably not impossible though! Lol

I didn't realize it was an SB..oops, still applies I guess but you're right about carrying a lot.

 

[bucket]

I've always wondered what it would be like to drive a reg cab, short bed dually. When pulling a trailer, would you be likely to get the common "short wheelbase sway', or would the dual tires take care of that issue? In a choppy backroad situation, would you get the normal bucking bronco type ride, or would it be worse?

 

[idahovette]

^^^^^^With your expertise @bucket , why don't you build one and then we will all find out!!!!

 

[AuroraGirl]

^^^^^^With your expertise @bucket , why don't you build one and then we will all find out!!!!

He pretty much volunteered for the task, I cant wait to see the results