Frame thickness on 1/2 Ton vs. 3/4 Ton?
 

I just got a 1/2 ton 4x4 from randy, I got to looking at the frame and it is the same thickness as my buddies 3/4 ton 4x4(as well as all other 3/4 tons I have seen). I know that it is thicker than 1/2 ton pickups, blazers, and suburbans, are 1/2 ton 4x4 pickups thicker than other 1/2 tons. Also the rear driveshaft is about 4" in diameter like a 3/4 ton 4x4, is that normal for a 1/2 ton 4x4? I haven't checked the VIN on the frame to see if it matches the title and VIN plate. Anyhow just looking for someone's input here, I am kind of stumped, other than the possiblity of someone swapping a 3/4 ton 4x4 frame under a 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup I have no answer---thanks
john

Thickness as in the thickness of the metal. There was a big debate here a year or so ago about that. I think the conclusion was reached that 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames are the same thickness. My 3/4 ton frame isnt thicker then a 1/2 ton frame.

frame
 

Well I don't know about 1/2 ton pickups(this is the first I have ever had), but I know that 3/4 ton pickups are thicker than blazers and 1/2 ton suburbans, and the at 3/4 ton suburban frames are thicker than 1/2 ton suburban frames.
john

My 71 3/4 ton sub frame is same thickness as my 72 1/2 ton sub-I'm pretty sure it's the same as my 71 4x4 and 681/2 tonframes as well-I'd need to double check-tommorrow!

only difference on 3/4 to 1/2 frames that I found was in the trailing arms and front control arms

frame
 

Just to be clear we are talking about the thickness of the metal used to make the frame, not an actual demension on the frame right? I was almost positive about the 1/2 ton sub being thinner.
john

Thickness was the same.

I remember looking in the data books and they gave the 3/4 ton frame the same thickness as the 1/2 ton.

Those big 4" drive shaft for the rear are what are on my 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton 4x4's. Only difference in the truck or sub era I have noticed is that some early 67 and maybe some 68's had a two piece rear drive shaft also. I might have even come across a 69 with a 2 piece rear shaft if I remember right.

my 3/4 ton 4x4 frame is thicker then a parts truck 70 1/2 ton 4x2 frame i have... i cut the frame horns off the parts truck so i could put a bumper on my K20 and when i put them against it it was noticably thinner

i thought the frames where the same but the difference was in the suspension

I've only dealt with the suburbans and in that respect,yes, the frames are identical with the exception of the suspension.

I can't speak to the thickness issue, but the restoration pack from GM says there is a difference in the strength. I can't recall the specific term, it was something like sectional modulous.