Upgrading from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton leaf springs

[Illbedipped]

Your owners manual tell you:
C1500 (assuming a 5.7)
3.08-5500lbs
3.42-6500lbs
3.73-7500lbs
I think that’s pushing it with age and condition/mileage considered.

I tow with my 92 C2500 several times a month. My trailer has good brakes so I would not hesitate to tow anything within it's rating today.

 

[Schurkey]

BIG difference in OEM brakes between 1500 JB3 and what comes on a 2500. I expect the 2500 to have AT LEAST JB6, and probably JB/JD7.

 

[Caman96]

I tow with my 92 C2500 several times a month. My trailer has good brakes so I would not hesitate to tow anything within it's rating today.

You probably have a 4L80 too. Also, comparing a light duty C1500 with JB3 brakes to a C2500. And of course the overall condition of a truck can be a factor as well.

 

[Logan R]

Ok so if and when I need to replace these rotors, pads and calipers what would they be “called”? I see on rock auto they have “normal” then sports package, heavy duty chasis. And sports package and heavy duty chasis. Not sure which is which. Or any other parts store I’m good with. Thanks

 

[Schurkey]

Order parts by the brake option code you have (or swapped-to)--JB3, JB5, JB6, etc.

Or if you've swapped to the bigger rotors/calipers/master/booster, just tell them you have an extended-cab truck instead of telling them you have a regular-cab.

 

[Logan R]

Ok, so all that heavy duty chasis stuff means not much. Will keep that in mine when ordering. Do you know if the extendo cabs have JB5’s or JB’6s? I should probly go with the 6’s if possible

 

[Schurkey]

"5" and "6" are identical at the front brakes, master cylinder, and booster.

"5" has the crappy 254mm (10") leading-trailing shoe drum rear brakes, "6" has the much-better 11.x Duo-Servo rear drums.

Best way to get the upgrade to "6" is to install a 9.5" semi-float rear axle from a light-duty (6-lug) 2500, which gets you the better brakes AND a rear axle that's way stronger. Downside is you need the 6-lug wheels, or you need custom 5-lug axle shafts. Or, steal the brakes including the backing plate from a Suburban.

A 400 suburban would have everything you should need to change over. Your pickup is 2wd C1500, there are usually several C1500 Burbs in the wrecking yards.....

 

[Logan R]

Ok thank you much!

 

[johnny_162]

Buddy of mine put "one ton" springs under his half-ton truck.

Rode like an ox-cart. Completely ridiculous.

Did NOTHING to increase the load-capacity of the axle bearings, axle shafts, etc.

Total waste of effort.

One-ton springs won't fit in a half-ton or a 3/4 ton as they're considerably wider. Unless someone cut and re welded all the brackets to the frame, it's simply just not possible. And you wouldn't have the brackets for the over-load pack. 3/4 ton springs would fit, but definitely not one-ton springs.

 

[b454rat]

I'm pretty sure springs are all the same size. Length and width. Even the squares had the same size, just 52" or 56" long. 3/4 or 1 ton will have more springs, and each leaf will be thicker.