'60-'62 aftermarket front Susp

[RBW]

I started looking for an aftermarket, bolt on suspension system that would replace the '60-'62 torsion bar system with a coil over that includes disc brakes and could accept a power steering system. So far, I found the one offered by the Roadster Shop, but it's $4500 + rotors and calipers. Performance Online has nothing for the '60-'62 series. Don't see anything at Classic Performance either. Does anyone carry an affordable (under $2500) replacement suspension for these trucks?

[slepysal]

You can use a 72 up cross member check out the FAQ there is a great write up

[RBW]

Originally Posted by slepysal

You can use a 72 up cross member check out the FAQ there is a great write up

Thanks for the tip. I am aware of that option, but since the wrecking yards around here don't have anything in the 72-87 range right now, and since it sounds like quite a wrestling match, thought I'd first check to see if there might be something the big brown truck can bring to my house.

[slepysal]

So let me ask you why do you want to do the swap? Is it to be able to add disc and power brakes? Do you want to add air ride? Or do you just want to get rid of the torsion bar set up?
The reason I ask is there may be other options then removing the t bars

[RBW]

Want to install PS and PB disks. With all I've heard about the lack of parts for the torsion bar suspension system and how expensive they are, and how they tend to wear out quickly, it doesn't seem like a good idea to invest a lot of time and money into the old system if switching to the coil over system cures many of those problems. I'm seeing everything imaginable available for the '63 and up front suspensions.

[72cs20]

There is a guy up in Fremont that has a bunch of 71 and up crossmembers ready to go. His number is 510 651-5874. I got mine from him and I'm in the middle of doing the swap for my 62 C20. I'm using the crossmember from a 72 C20.

This is what I got from him:


Here is my project thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=703583

I'll be posting an update with more photos later today to show the differences between the 62 and 72 parts.

[LVPhotos]

Well Porterbuilt sells a bolt on kit, bags or coil over. The cost is a bit more than updating ball joints and running drop spindles with disks. There are plenty of parts for torsion bar system. You just got to look. There's nothing wrong with the bars. Chevy did bring them back. Switch to 70-87 ball joints and run 70-87 spindles or now available for 60-62 sindles 5 or six lug.

[slepysal]

I upgrade my 1960 . I kept the torsion bars, installed new upper and lower ball joints, outer and inner tie rods with new sleeves. I added power disc brakes and power steering.
Yes the 60-62 parts are a bit harder to find but they are available. And the big brown truck can bring it all to you !

[hotrodjohn1956]

I have been dealing with Scott's Hot Rods in CA. They make great stuff that really works. at a reasonable price. 805-485-0382. GOOD LUCK, JOHN

[RBW]

Originally Posted by hotrodjohn1956

I have been dealing with Scott's Hot Rods in CA. They make great stuff that really works. at a reasonable price. 805-485-0382. GOOD LUCK, JOHN

I looked at their site, and am seeing the typical '60-'62 missing from their list of available replacement front suspension kits. I'll call Monday.

[hotrodjohn1956]

You cant go 100% by the web site. A person here just bought 2 complete frames for a 1964. I also am going to have him do a complete bolt-in front suspension for a 1964, that I am doing right now. Hopefully will be sending a deposit within the next few weeks. I spoke to him about the front and they told me it is a complete bolt in. Will keep you posted. John

[irondoctor]

I put a 78 chevy front suspension in my 66. It was easy and cheap. I used CCP drop spindles, sway bay, and made my own PS brkt.
Here is the only picture I have showing the suspension.

[verdell]

I kept my torsion bars, added drop spindles, power disc brakes and 5-lug rotors to my '60 as well. The ball joints are expensive but they are available. Inner and outer tie rid ends can be found too. It's an option..

[RBW]

"There is a guy up in Fremont that has a bunch of 71 and up crossmembers ready to go. His number is 510 651-5874. I got mine from him and I'm in the middle of doing the swap for my 62 C20. I'm using the crossmember from a 72 C20."

That might be a good option. I'm just over an hour away from Fremont.

[RBW]

It's good to see comments about the viability of rebuilding and upgrading the torsion bar front suspension. I certainly wouldn't mind skipping all the time and expense of replacing everything. I'm guessing there's a pretty wide range in quality among replacement components like ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. I'll also take a wild guess that these quality variations have something to do with the country in which they are made. Can you guys tell me who sells some of the better made parts. Maybe even USA made?

[hotrodjohn1956]

Looks good, how much lower than stock did it end up being. John

[irondoctor]

Well I didnt do any measuring before I tore into it but here is a before and after.
I also used 2" drop springs and had to cut a coil to get it level.
Rear has 5" drop springs and 2" blocks.

[RBW]

Nice truck!

[RBW]

If I keep the torsion bar suspension. I'll convert it to PS. Are the CPP kits good? Are there others I should consider?

Also plan to replace the shocks. I just bought the truck and it looks a little lower than stock, but I don't know if it's been lowered enough to require the shorter shocks or standard length. If anyone has a stock height truck, could you give me the measurements from the lower back corner of the front wheel opening to the ground? And also the same measurement for the lower back corner of the rear wheel opening?