My brother has a 96 1/2 4x4 and has bought a larger camper(works out of town),and was asking me to ask you all how hard would it bt to change it over to a 3/4? I know everyone will say just get another truck(i did to),but he loves his truck and says he really cant use two because of the campgrounds and traveling. Also he doesnt want to spend the extra for insurance for a truck he would just use once or twice a year,and the upkeep.He knows his 1/2 isnt big enough for the camper he has so what would need to be done to change it over? Also what engine would you recomend? He has the 305,also i have a 400sbc he was asking about(not sure how to make this one work),and i am trying to talk to him about a crate engine.Which one would you suggest?He is thinking about 4K to 6K and will probably try to do it this winter.Thanx guys for your opinions.

I will try to get some pics of his truck today if possible

I would be pretty easy:
put a 14bolt ff rear (couple hundred bucks)
convert the front to 8 lug, or get a dana 60 for the front. Put some one ton springs on the rear to help the sagging.

As for motor, crate 350, headers, mild cam, dual plane intake, oil cooler, tranny cooler.

This is the only pic of it i have on my computer for now,cant really blame him it is a sweet truck.He thought about getting a new truck for his needs but couldnt see spending around 30K for something he didnt like that much,when he can put some into his and be happy with it,

Okay brother, that throws a monkey wrench into the works, that is a '96, probably what you meant in the first place. I still believe that the rear springs and axle will still bolt in, which would then only need to address the rear brake lines, e brake and u joint, I'm not exactly sure what is different in the IFS between 1/2 and 3/4 so maybe someone else could help with that. Um, as far that goes, you'll also have to invest in some new wheels and tires. I'd go kinda skinny, as in not too fat, because the skinnier the tire,the less rolling resistance, but you may want something to help with the extra load of the truck and camper. I would say maybe on the front, the halfshafts MAY be different, maybe not, it may just be the springs in the front and the hub or however it goes to 6 lug. I would say find a donor truck and get cuttin
Brandon

I fixed the year....lol.that may make a difference thanx for the advice so far.

it would be easier and cheaper on him if he could find a 3/4 or 1 ton truck thats rusted out or that's been rolled. then you could just swap the bodies and have a heavier running gear.