97 C2500 6-Lug to 8-Lug Conversion?

[jdla140]

My dad and I did this swap a couple years ago to my 98, but it is a 4x4 though. Would I ever want to do it again, not really. I wished I would've just swapped it over to a 3/4 ton frame tbh.

Also on the subject of 2500LD's, what is the real difference between a 2500LD and F44 1500? My 97 has the F44 package, 14B SF 6 lug, but has 1500 badges, I thought the F44 was a 2500LD? I've been searching everywhere for an answer.

The difference is spring rates and GVWR. Other than that they're identical. Well, other than door badges. an ECSB f44 1500 will have a 6600 GVWR and the same truck as a 2500LD will have a 7200 GVWR.

 

[98chevy2500SS]

The difference is spring rates and GVWR. Other than that they're identical. Well, other than door badges. an ECSB f44 1500 will have a 6600 GVWR and the same truck as a 2500LD will have a 7200 GVWR.

Oh ok, I was wondering why my truck was rated at 6600 GVWR on the door rather than 7200 GVWR. So wouldn't I have to add another spring in the rear to make it have a 7200 GVWR? I might just put the 2500 badges on it anyway since it close to an actual 2500LD, lol.

 

[NightRunner]

Funny this came up, I actually found a 2500LD with a GT5 G80 that the guy wants $350 for. Considered doing this swap with my 5 lug C1500. Maybe it isn't impossible.

 

[someotherguy]

Oh ok, I was wondering why my truck was rated at 6600 GVWR on the door rather than 7200 GVWR. So wouldn't I have to add another spring in the rear to make it have a 7200 GVWR? I might just put the 2500 badges on it anyway since it close to an actual 2500LD, lol.

Spring packs between F44 1500 and LD 2500 same number of leafs but they're not exactly identical. Also the 2500 has a few extra small support brackets around the frame in numerous places.

Richard

 

[98chevy2500SS]

Spring packs between F44 1500 and LD 2500 same number of leafs but they're not exactly identical. Also the 2500 has a few extra small support brackets around the frame in numerous places.

Richard

Oh ok, that I didn't know. Thanks

 

[bamabound]

jdla140 and someotherguy thank you, just learned something new. i figured there was a difference but seeing both F44 1500s and 2500LD with 6 lug 14 sf & both with nv4500 i wasnt sure of the difference. i also had a 93 GMC 1500 w/o F44 that had a nv4500 but just a 10 bolt rear

 

[someotherguy]

The NV4500 would have been a special order item on either of those models; typically you would see the light duty transmission regardless of a 1500 w/F44 or a 2500 LD. At least with automatics - they'd be 700R4/4L60/4L60E depending on year.

I did have a regular '94 1500 (non-F44) optioned with an NV4500 a while back and that was unexpected, to be sure!

Richard

 

[wiscomick]

One thing that does drive me nutty with this thing is the crazy rake it has. Almost seems like it has 3/4 ton rear springs but 1/2 ton coil springs in front. I wonder if there's a 3/4 ton front spring available that would bring the front up a bit? I don't mind a little rake, but this thing is ridiculous the way it sits.

 

[someotherguy]

Just throw a set of drop shackles on. Easy and only about $50 for good ones.

Richard

 

[Yazmasaud]

The rear is as easy as swapping the axle out.. front is another story. There's no direct-swap rotor, so you'd have to change the spindle. The spindle won't attach to the lighter duty upper ball joint so you'd have to re-drill the control arm for a different ball joint.. or change out the upper control arm with one from an 8 lug truck. (It will bolt right in.)

If this change is strictly just to run those 8 lug wheels I'd consider whether a set of quality adapters might get the job done instead. Obviously they're going to increase track width a minimum of about 1.5" or so on each side so if clearance is an issue, they're not gonna work.

Richard

Rear axle shafts or whole axle need to be swapped? Front calipers needs be replaced as well or old ones should work? I have 1995 c2500 2wd truck with 6 lugs. I will be starting to convert it to 8 lugs this weekend.