building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**americanmusc1e** · 06-03-2018, 10:03 PM

I recently inherited this old farm truck. It's a 49 3800 single wheel that used to have a stake bed on it. Since it's already a 1-ton I'm looking to convert it into a hauler that I can haul parts/cars with. The heaviest I'm looking to tow would be my C10 (4000lbs without trailer). I know this truck has probably moved that much weight before, but i'm looking to do it safer and at higher speeds. The speed limits on Texas interstates are 75+mph and I'll get run over going 40-55mph. I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to do for engine, transmission and rear axle. I'm stuck on the front axle and front brakes.

I hate front drums. I know they can stop well, but they require constant adjustment to stop straight. I also know that there aren't really any good ways to convert my front axle (3600 and 3800) to disc. One way is to convert to a 3100 front axle but then I'm using Camaro discs and calipers for towing. That doesn't seem right. Are there any more heavy duty options available? I have a jeep ZJ front dummy axle that I could weld leaf perches onto, but the brakes are no bigger than Camaro brakes.

What other considerations should I be taking? I'm open to ideas. Right now I'm in the early planning stages.

**americanmusc1e** · 06-03-2018, 10:27 PM

http://americanmusc1e.com/Photos/20180426_123724.jpg

my first attempt at hosting photos on my web server :P

**Captainfab** · 06-04-2018, 12:09 AM

What I would do is install a '73-'87 C20 or C30 front suspension which already has disc brakes and will be 8 lug. If you must stay with a straight axle and leafs, some of the late '80-'s early '90's C4500's had straight axles. Those trucks have the 19.5" wheels.

**mongocanfly** · 06-04-2018, 11:43 AM

one down side to using later model truck axles or front suspension is the width...it just doesn't fit well with the narrow 1/2 3/4 &1 ton AD trucks.......if you went with a 4000 or 6000 series truck front clip,they have wider , longer and taller front sheetmetal...

nonstop · 06-04-2018, 01:05 PM

Long read, but looks to be pretty valuable info...

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads...25027&page=all

06-03-2018, 10:03 PM	#1
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling I recently inherited this old farm truck. It's a 49 3800 single wheel that used to have a stake bed on it. Since it's already a 1-ton I'm looking to convert it into a hauler that I can haul parts/cars with. The heaviest I'm looking to tow would be my C10 (4000lbs without trailer). I know this truck has probably moved that much weight before, but i'm looking to do it safer and at higher speeds. The speed limits on Texas interstates are 75+mph and I'll get run over going 40-55mph. I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to do for engine, transmission and rear axle. I'm stuck on the front axle and front brakes. I hate front drums. I know they can stop well, but they require constant adjustment to stop straight. I also know that there aren't really any good ways to convert my front axle (3600 and 3800) to disc. One way is to convert to a 3100 front axle but then I'm using Camaro discs and calipers for towing. That doesn't seem right. Are there any more heavy duty options available? I have a jeep ZJ front dummy axle that I could weld leaf perches onto, but the brakes are no bigger than Camaro brakes. What other considerations should I be taking? I'm open to ideas. Right now I'm in the early planning stages. __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

06-03-2018, 10:27 PM	#2
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling http://americanmusc1e.com/Photos/20180426_123724.jpg my first attempt at hosting photos on my web server :P __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

06-04-2018, 12:09 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling What I would do is install a '73-'87 C20 or C30 front suspension which already has disc brakes and will be 8 lug. If you must stay with a straight axle and leafs, some of the late '80-'s early '90's C4500's had straight axles. Those trucks have the 19.5" wheels. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

06-04-2018, 11:43 AM	#4
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,579	Re: building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling one down side to using later model truck axles or front suspension is the width...it just doesn't fit well with the narrow 1/2 3/4 &1 ton AD trucks.......if you went with a 4000 or 6000 series truck front clip,they have wider , longer and taller front sheetmetal... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver Last edited by mongocanfly; 06-04-2018 at 11:51 AM.

06-04-2018, 01:05 PM	#5
nonstop Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Northern California Posts: 422	Re: building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling Long read, but looks to be pretty valuable info... https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads...25027&page=all

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