[Ivan D.]

On the 1/2-ton vs. 3/4-ton issue - if you cut across one of each from a Ford truck you will see the 3/4-ton axle has tubes that are significantly fatter in the walls, something like 1/4" wall for the halfton and 1/2" wall for the 3/4-ton. Additionally one of the Dana 60 stub shafts (believe it was the longer one) is actually only slightly larger than the Dana 44 HD shaft found in the 3/4-ton trucks, even tho the Dana 60 U-joints are freakin massive compared to the Dana 44 HD ones. Why am I posting that - maybe there's more to the Chevy 3/4-ton front axle that just bigger wheel hubs? Also a stock Dana 60 may not live long powered by that Cummins, it will physically hold up to the weight, but the stub shaft may give out under very high torque demand applications... Just more stuff to look into before spring into action for engine and axle swaps.