Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Hey guys, I need to know if the control arms are the same on the 71 and 68? I'm about to strip the 71 frame today, (for the 5 lug stuff), and wanted to see if the control arms needed to come off the 71 and go on the 68 frame or not? Thanks, Jason

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

ball joints are different, but the tuffest part is the tie rod ends. You need to make(fabricate) an adapter. heres a pic of what I did
http://imagehost.bizhat.com/users_th...b_dsc00526.jpg

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

When I did the swap on my 68 I just used all of the suspension parts off of the 71 so I didn't hace any problems

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Can't I just take all the tie rods from the 71 and swap them to the 68 frame? I just got back home, from town, so I'm about to go over to the truck and start removing the front cap and cab today, then tomorrow, I'll start on the suspension. Hopefully, I will have some more replies by then too :)

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

i'm doing this very swap right now so here's the scoop.

71 upper and lower ball joints will fit in the 68 a-arms. you will need to swap the 68 ball joints for the 71 ball joints. i did this today. it took about 3hrs with disassembly.

next you will have to do something with the tierods. 68 tie rods won't work with the 71 spindles and 71 inner tie rods wont work with the 68 steering link.

you will either need to purchase and or make a tie rod adjusting sleeves or purchase these inner tie rods to use the 71 sleeves.
Auto Zone part numbers ES403L and ES406L.
good luck and btw here's the FAQ on this subject:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=160435

ondrew

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

I solved that...I have 72 disc brake front end with the 72 steering link. It's not ready to be installed yet but.....That'll work right?

Mike

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Damn, I was told that it was a perfect swap, guess not? :confused: Would it be better to just buy a 5-lug disc conversion kit for the 68 suspension? I would need everything new for the 71 anyway, if I went to that much trouble... :(

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Why Not Just Swap The Whole Crossmember?? Then You Can Just Buy Replacement Parts For A 71. John :)

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Well, hell, I never thought about that!!! I'll do that then :lol:

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

I BELIEVE 71 TO 68 IS A DIRECT BOLT IN SWAP. I'VE NEVER DONE A 71 OR 72 INTO A 67-70 PICKUP BUT I'VE DONE SEVERAL MID 70s TO MID 80s SWAPS INTO PRE 71 CHEVY TRUCKS. IF YOUR GONNA REBUILD IT THE TIME TO DO IT IS WHEN IT'S OUT & YOU CAN GET THAT SUCKER UP ON A BENCH, INSTEAD OF HUNKERED OVER OR LAYING ON YOUR BACK. I'VE DONE EM BOTH WAYS & ON THE BENCH IS ABOUT 3 TIMES AS FAST. :) JOHN

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Here is a complete 72' front crossmember and on the board:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...duct=251&cat=2

sorry...gues that is pick-up only...long ways.

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Thanks, but I have a complete 71 long bed in my yard :rolleyes:

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Help! I followed the directions above to swap 71-72 discs into my '67. The 67 drag link seems to be the rub with its smaller (than 71-72) hole for the tie rod. Just got back from Autozone and they have discontinued the ES406L inner tie rod that is mentioned in this thread and the referenced FAQ. They still stock the ES403L which I purchased.
Can anyone tell me the application for the Autozone ES406L inner tie rod end so that I can see if another supplier has something like it?. The guy at the counter couldn't tell me. Now there's a surprise!

Thanks!!

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

well i hate to tell you, i done this swap and a nother board member here told me so if you do a search you can be for sure. I boght a custom adjusting sleve from cpp they can tell you wat all you need, i can't rember if it is shorter or longer but i think you use 71-72 outers for the outers, and 68 outers for you inners, i know it looks very good once installed and that sleve looks awsome. call classic performance products and they lead you the right way. ill have to tell you though once you buy all the new tirods and new sleves. your wallet will be empty. i think i came in around 200.00 dollars

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

Problem solved!!! :metal:

Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame?
 

;) Thats The Way I've Always Done It. Never Did It The Other Way, But This Seems Like Alot Less Work To Me, & Any Frontend Parts You Need Are Just For A 71 Chevy Pickup. All Of Them. ;) John