1/2 ton or 3/4

[MATT47025]

What are the features I should look for to distinguish between a 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton truck???

[Jeff Balazs]

Matt;

Here are a few simple things to look for.

1/2 ton: 108" wheelbase, 16" wheels with 5 bolt type lugs

3/4 ton: 116" wheelbase, 15" wheels with 5 lugs on 5" center

1 ton : 126" wheelbase, 16" wheels with 6 lugs

 

Jeff

[B1B Keven]

The 1/2 tons have the smaller 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern and lug bolts.

The 3/4 tons have a larger 5 on 5" bolt pattern and lug nuts.

I'm no help on the 1 tons.

 

This book is a great resource:

http://www.amazon.com/Dodge-B-Series-Trucks-Restorers-Collectors/dp/1583880879

[Dave72dt]

Your door tag would be your first place to look and will tell you what size it is if it hasn't been swapped to another chassis. Since you're looking at a '49, on the tag you'll see (should)a B1followed by another letter. "B" would equal 1/2 ton, c 3/4, D 1ton. wheelbase will also be on the tag. 108 would be 1/2 ton, and I think you could get the 3/4 in either the 116 or 126 length in a 7 or 9 ' box, and the 1 ton is 126 and would have the 9 box 1/2 ton runs the 5 x 4 1/2 bolt pattern on the wheels.

[Bobacuda]

My 1953 B4B (fluid drive) is a 1/2 ton, 116" wheelbase, 16" wheels with lug bolts spaced at 4.5".  Based on that I would say don't automatically assume 116" is a 3/4 ton.  Like Dave suggested, check the tag in the door.

[Merle Coggins]

My 1953 B4B (fluid drive) is a 1/2 ton, 116" wheelbase, 16" wheels with lug bolts spaced at 4.5".  Based on that I would say don't automatically assume 116" is a 3/4 ton.  Like Dave suggested, check the tag in the door.

 

I believe that began in '53, where they offered the 1/2 ton truck with 116" wheel base. Before that the 1/2 ton was only offered with the 108" wheel base.

[MATT47025]

Thanks so much for all your help. I plan on looking at it this afternoon. I may post photos later