What year front end? Please Help
 

Here is the deal. I'm doing a rodstoration on my 67 C10 LWB.
I am planning on 2 1/2" drop spindles in the front, along with the front disk brake kit with 5 lugs.
Here is the question.
Leaving money out of mix, what is the best soloution (not the cheapest or easiest).
The current front end on the 67 is in really good shape as far as a lack of rust, and very minimal dings etc.
The question is, would the purchase of a front end out of a good clean 72 be a better plan as far as a better turning radious and better brake line routing?
I am planning on powder coating the parts, and building a near show quality rig, and wan't it right the first time.
I'm trusting you guru's will help me with good advice.

P.S. I know that the 72 will come with disk brakes and 5 lug rotors. So please advise on turning radious and brake line routing, or other considerations. I'm not looking for the cheapest route. Just the best.

Thanks guys!
Darren

If your frontend is nice and tight, why not just use a conversion kit like Early Classic's? That's what I did...turning radius is, well, it's still a truck. :) Running the lines was no problem...and I don't think you're going to find much / any real difference in turn radius for any of the different methods / kits.

You can get either 5 or 6 bolt rotors and 2.5" drop spindles with the kit no problem. And all of the parts included in the kit are top-notch, no nameless crap here (lotta Raybestos stuff)

It's far from the cheapest, but it's a really well-done kit and their customer service is top notch. And IMO it's a lot easier than swapping out most/all of the frontend for a '71-'72 spec one, especially if you know the one you have is in good shape.

There's quite a few vendors on the board as well, though, and I've heard great things about them and their stuff too. I'm sure you'll hear plenty. :)

Thanks for the input.
Yah, I'm sure i'll use Early Classics stuff.
I was just asking about the turn radious because the 67 has diffrent steering stops on the lower A arms than the 72 does.
Any other thoughts guys?
I wouldn't say my 67 front end is "tight" by any measure. I'm sure all the parts are original, and will need replaced anyway.
I also heard that the brake lines are run diffrently for the upgrade on the 67 front end, and I wanted to make sure it doesn't look like a "sort of retrofit" when I'm done.
And I know for a fact that the 72 front end has a real "clean" looking setup / routing method from the factory.
I'm just hoping that someone that has done the upgrade on a 67 can let me know first hand how it turned out.

Thanks
Darren

Has anyone done the upgrade? Or just some advice?
I need advice so I can get going on this project.

Darren

try DC truck parts in Vancouver,Dave is accros the street from Procaliber on fourth plain,his#is 360-260-9350.he also has lots of parts.

I still have the stock crossmember under my 69,& used 71-72 lower a arms, with 75 spindles. you need to use the ball joints, tie rods , & center link for the later truck. my brake line routing is like the factory 75........lines ,hoses, master , prop valve & all. I didnt worry about a couple brake hose brackets, just drilled a hole in the frame ea side , & routed the hoses in front of the upper a arms like the 75. the prop valve is also "hidden" on the back side of the first crossmember. The steering radius problem that guys are talking about are when using the stock disc spindles(71-72,or 73 up) with the 67-70 lower a arms.......if you order aftermarket drop spindles to fit the 67- 70 there should be no problems. You can rebuild the 72 front end, & bolt the complete crossmember under your truck, but my thoughts are that by changing the crossmember you are only gaining a couple brackets that could be easily welded on to the 67 crossmember. hope that helps, good luck......crazy longhorn:bowtie:

Find a 71 or 72 parts truck and get the complete front end.
If you can get a parts truck cheap enough also keep your eyes out for the power brakes and power steering.

The power steering will take some modification to you chassis if you dont already have p/s, the power brakes would bolt on if you have all the parts.

My vote is find a good donor 71 or 72 1/2 ton truck

WOW! Someone else from Washougal!! Hey there Dusti!
Dusti, I know Dave. I have purchased things from him before.
He is a nice guy. A bit expensive however.

Thanks for the advice guys! I knew I could count on you!

Darren