Having suspension problems

[stretch-t]

My '64 GMC build has ran into a major snag. I wrecked out an '84 GMC Suburban to use the suspension pieces from in my build. Now I find that the rear end is 2 inches wider and the front crossmember is too wide to bolt to my frame (about 1-1/2"). Are GMC's that different from Chevy's? Or did I just get the wrong year components to try and use. I wanted to retain the leaf springs in the rear, mainly just for simplicity. It was suggested by my son to just section the front crossmember, but this changes the drag link and sway bar as well.

Really thinking about chucking the project and cutting my losses....I'm really that disgusted at this point!

[markeb01]

Here's a comprehensive thread on the front suspension swap options:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

The track on the later components is between 3/4 - 1" wider per side, which just requires calculation in selecting correct wheel offset to place the tires where you prefer. I installed a 1975 front suspension in my 1960, and it was almost 10 years later on this forum that I discovered the track was wider. The difference is so slight I never noticed any change on the truck.

A forum search should turn up a bunch of other threads regarding the rear end install. It probably won't require much more than relocating the mounting perches. There are a lot of guys on here that have used the later 5 lug rear ends on the earlier chassis.

[Tx Firefighter]

Stretch, there is something wrong. I am running an 84 Suburban clip under my current 63 and have done the same swap under lots of trucks in the past.

Can you post pictures ?

[stretch-t]

OK, Have to admit I was wrr...wrrr...mistaken. the frame had "drawn" in when I cut out the old cross members for the three speed.

I've got it bolted in and it looks good. Trying to figure out where to drill the frame for the tie rod idler arm now. I guess when the cross arm is level and same distance from cross member that's where it needs to be? Any pics or deminisions would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help guys. This place is the best!!

Kerry

[62gmc910]

re bolt the origonal idler bracket and scribe a mark on the frame where the center of the idler is , the 84 bracket just moves the idler a bit to the left to center it with the steering box , don,t try to cheat and use the 63 mount because it will cause the idler to go over center on a hard left turn.

[Captainfab]

If you still have the '84 frame you can take some measurements from that and transfer them to your GMC frame. But I would double check them with the method that 62gmc910 mentioned.