46 chevy 1.5 ton front axle swap

molinerat · Sep 24, 2016

I'm wanting to change out the front axle on my 46 1.5 ton to a 1/2 ton axle. My question is, will a front axle from a 48-54 GM 1/2 ton fit in its place?

zzrodder · Sep 25, 2016

It's just a matter of the center to center measurement of the leaf spring mounts on the axle - if they are the same, or within 1/2", it's a direct bolt on.

Dr Crankenstein · Sep 25, 2016

Spring mounts (center-to-center) are the same, but the heavier (1.5 ton) has wider springs than the 1/2 ton... so, you'd have to change the axle, springs, hangers and shackles... or, hog the holes out...

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molinerat · Sep 25, 2016

Thanks for the info, fellas!

molinerat · Sep 25, 2016

Another question, are all the brake parts and hubs interchangeable between a 1/2 ton 46 and a 1/2 ton 48-54? I know it sounds like I'm rambling a lot but there is actually a little method to my madness! LOL

Dr Crankenstein · Sep 25, 2016

Yes, they should interchange. ( Up to '59, I believe.)

Beginning in '51, they had Bendix brakes. (Self-energizing/self-adjusting.) The entire brake assembly, hubs, drums and backing plates should swap, though the lower mounting holes will need to be enlarged from 7/16'' to 1/2''.

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molinerat · Sep 26, 2016

I'm wanting to keep it 6 lug and all the disc brake kits I find to fit the 46 change it to 5 lug. But I can find disc brake kits to fit 48-59 that keep it 6 lug. So, if I order a kit to fit a 48-59 it should work on my 46 1/2 ton axle?