Vannin' Home Forums Chevy General Discussion 1/2 or 3/4 ton

so can somebody explain what is differant between the 1/2 ton and the g25. i have a gmc diesel with 5 lug wheels but been told it is a 3/4 ton frame.wanting to lower front and due a flip on the rear.need to get new front end parts but if it is a 3/4 ton think i will look for a 1/2 ton instead.just use the diesel as my daily driver as i am currently doing.the better half said she would like to see us build a 70s style van instead of another truck something to haul more of the grandkids in to shows and the drags with us.thinking of maybe doing an old push truck style van using funny cars on outside with some of my hotwheels funnycars on inside with a 70s style seating and shag on walls.thanks for any info.

The GVW ratings are basically what is different.

On a GMC van 1/2-ton is a G15 and 3/4-ton is a G25. Yes some older 3/4-ton vans were only 5-lug. My 94 B250 (3/4-ton) is only 5-lug.

i guess what i need to know is about the front end. does it have the heavyduty 3/4 ton front under it like the 3/4 ton trucks or the 1/2 ton?i really do not want to go thru the hassle of having a lowered 3/4ton van just does'nt make sense to me like having a 4x4 and lowering it.easier just to get a 1/2 ton van for what i intend to with it. but then i do have the window van body that i wanted. damn now i need to think more and that can hurt!!

Most of what I've seen in the vans is that the 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton front end are about the same. Coil springs may be rated higher on the 3/4-ton, but stuff like control arms, tie rods, ball joints, etc. are the same between the two.

thanks for the info.Looks like its time to start comparing part numbers.Find out just what is the same and what is'nt so i can start getting parts to lower the front end.Can you still get dropped spindles for these or is there a better way without going to bags?Also does anybody make glass scopped hoods for vans anymore? I have'nt messed with a custom van in over 25 years just had a few conversion ones for hauling people or trailers around. thanks again!!

Generally what I've seen having parted a G-20 sitting alongside my G-10, springs are a little heavier, G-20/25's usually have a sway bar and they have the heavier brakes as standard instead of optional like on the 10/15's. The rear leaf springs have 5 instead of 4 and the main load spring is thicker and longer but not by a lot.