62 c10 front end swap to a 64 help please

[superpieboy]

Hi everyone
I will be trying to replace the front end of my 62 that has torsion bars to a 64 front end so I can put air bags on the front, Ihave not bought the 64 front end yet! what I need help with is what parts can I reuse fron the 62 front end that will work with the 64, example can I just purchase the upper and lower A arms , cross member , and the side engine motor mounts for my 261 L6 .... can I retain my stock 6 lug 62 spindle and hubs and will they bolt on the 64 A arms? the wrecking yard guy says that i will need the 64 spindles and that my 62 spindles will not bolt on and do I need the 64 steering components like tie rods and whatever else, Its just that the wrecking yuard wants to charge me for every single piece and not give me a total price for the whole unit.....

thanks
jeff

[superpieboy]

anyone have any help for me........................................................

[Magnimike1]

I would buy and install the complete front end from engine mounts forward. No issues that way. Cross member and everything. Easier that way in my opinion.

[kc0kfg]

Why ??
I assume this is what you have
(dont mind the blue circle this was just a web pic I found)

Remove the snubber,plate the lower arm and plate the top pocket area.

remove the torsion bars and insert a 2600lb bag

unless Im missing something going to the work to rebuild the front to a 64 for bags seems like an extra step that is not needed.

[superpieboy]

Originally Posted by kc0kfg

Why ??
I assume this is what you have
(dont mind the blue circle this was just a web pic I found)

Remove the snubber,plate the lower arm and plate the top pocket area.

remove the torsion bars and insert a 2600lb bag

unless Im missing something going to the work to rebuild the front to a 64 for bags seems like an extra step that is not needed.

so do I install the lower plate under the lower arm, and do I just remove the rubber bumper or the whole bumper plate, isnt that plate holding the ball joint..
thanks jeff

[markeb01]

None of the parts from a 64 will bolt onto the 60-62 suspension. The control arms and ball joints are completely different. Interchangeable parts begin with the 1963 model. If you’re going to go to the trouble to change the crossmember it might be a better investment to use the newer components. Also the later rubber control arm bushings require no maintenance.

Here’s a link showing the install of a disc brake front crossmember in a 1960-62.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366850

The cheapest route might be to either buy a parts truck for the front suspension, or shop Craigslist for a complete front end.

The blue circle in the picture above was to indicate an adapter plate that was bolted to a 1960 GMC lower control arm to mount an aftermarket sway bar on the stock suspension. You won't find that on any stock 1960-62 truck.

You might find this thread interesting as well:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...rsion+bar+bags

[kc0kfg]

Now if you are looking for disc brakes then I would advise a newer set up, check out craigslist for a 73-87 Chev 1/2 ton truck in your area, bring it home and tear all you need of it, the scrap the rest you will be money ahead.

[Captainfab]

IMHO if you're going to all the work of changing your front suspension, why not go with disc brakes? It can be done and retain the 6 lug wheel bolt pattern.

If you're set on drum brakes, you should be able to find the '63-'70 parts for next to nothing. Most guys switch to disc brakes, and will just be wanting to get rid of the original suspension.

[Magnimike1]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

IMHO if you're going to all the work of changing your front suspension, why not go with disc brakes? It can be done and retain the 6 lug wheel bolt pattern.

If you're set on drum brakes, you should be able to find the '63-'70 parts for next to nothing. Most guys switch to disc brakes, and will just be wanting to get rid of the original suspension.

Exactly!
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