85 model discs on a 65

[thunderkiss65]

First, I'd like to say hi to everyone on the forums here. I recently got a 65 chevy that I'm working on a little bit and am really wanting to ditch the front drums. Aside from being a 5 lug, will the front end components (a arms to spindles) on a box chevy bolt up to my 65 chassis? I got to talking with a local body guy and he said that it would work, but it seems like a stretch to me. If anyone could give me some help on this it would be great. thanks

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by thunderkiss65

First, I'd like to say hi to everyone on the forums here. I recently got a 65 chevy that I'm working on a little bit and am really wanting to ditch the front drums. Aside from being a 5 lug, will the front end components (a arms to spindles) on a box chevy bolt up to my 65 chassis? I got to talking with a local body guy and he said that it would work, but it seems like a stretch to me. If anyone could give me some help on this it would be great. thanks

Yes, the parts are a direct swap. You can even use the entire later model front crossmember (and many people opt to do the swap this way) but it seems like extra work for the result. The a-arms will swap over to your original c.member as well & will only require drilling the u-bolt holes slightly larger to get strength or you can use the smaller original u-bolts (both will work).

Your original pitman arm/idler can be re-used or if you want you can use the power steering stuff too (you'll need some frame reinforcement brackets for the heavier pwr steering box though).

Keeping it 6-lug w/the disc set-up is just a rotor purchase away. Nothing special required (other than later model disc brake style wheels).

[thunderkiss65]

thanks for the info man. whats the purpose of swapping out the crossmember to the later model one?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by thunderkiss65

thanks for the info man. whats the purpose of swapping out the crossmember to the later model one?

Some people like to swap the entire c.member as a unit w/the claim it's easier to swap as one piece. I've never swapped one like that simply because all the ones I've worked on required rebuilding (thus removal of the individual pieces). I have always just swapped the parts over to the existing c.member.

[1966gmc]

Couldn't you just swap ball joints from an 85 to the 65 A-Arms? Save some time by not having to swap the arms

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 1966gmc

Couldn't you just swap ball joints from an 85 to the 65 A-Arms? Save some time by not having to swap the arms

Yes, but the later a-arms have full rubber bushings vs. the earlier rubber-lined steel for slightly better noise/vibration/compliance.

[txinliner]

Originally Posted by thunderkiss65

First, I'd like to say hi to everyone on the forums here. I recently got a 65 chevy that I'm working on a little bit and am really wanting to ditch the front drums. Aside from being a 5 lug, will the front end components (a arms to spindles) on a box chevy bolt up to my 65 chassis? I got to talking with a local body guy and he said that it would work, but it seems like a stretch to me. If anyone could give me some help on this it would be great. thanks

Ive got a65 swb that Im currently in the process of doing the same thing to.Yes rotors spindles and calipers from 73 to 87 will work for this truck you will however have to change upper , lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends to match components.You can use inner tie rods but you must use a special adjuster sleave ( got mine from performance online.com) good luck