1971 front crossmember swap into 66 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevykevy · 11-05-2020, 10:53 PM

Going to swap the entire 1971 front crossmember into a 1966. Would like to maintain manual steering as both are currently manual. Will the 1966 steering gear with its current pitman arm line up and mount to centerlink of the 1971?

Any other concerns? Will Idler arm mount need to be moved?

**Captainfab** · 11-05-2020, 11:12 PM

There's really no need to swap the entire suspension, crossmember and all if you are only using a '71. You can simply change the balljoints and install the spindle assembly. The '71-'72 control arms and steel bushings are exactly the same as the '63-'70 control arms and steel bushings. I would suggest using the entire '71 steering linkage. This eliminated the need for the $60.00 aftermarket aluminum tierod adapters. Yes the pitman arm should fit the '71 draglink. Yes the '71 idler arm will need holes driller in the correct location. I offer a template for that.

chevykevy · 11-05-2020, 11:25 PM

Thanks for the reply captainfab.
Both chassis are rolling with no engines or front sheet metal installed so I was thinking the swap of entire crossmember may be less labor entensive?
Ill search for your template or send me a link
Thanks

**Captainfab** · 11-06-2020, 10:52 PM

The idler arm template is not posted here in any for sale thread and I do not have a link where to see it or purchase it. You will have to send me an email to captainfab454@hotmail.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevykevy

Thanks for the reply captainfab.
Both chassis are rolling with no engines or front sheet metal installed so I was thinking the swap of entire crossmember may be less labor entensive?
Ill search for your template or send me a link
Thanks

**Chevy Fleetside** · 11-07-2020, 11:34 AM

Probably not much difference in labor. I have done both. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...isc+brake+swap

chevykevy · 11-07-2020, 07:51 PM

Thanks Chevy Fleetside

11-05-2020, 10:53 PM	#1
chevykevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wyoming Posts: 641	1971 front crossmember swap into 66 Going to swap the entire 1971 front crossmember into a 1966. Would like to maintain manual steering as both are currently manual. Will the 1966 steering gear with its current pitman arm line up and mount to centerlink of the 1971? Any other concerns? Will Idler arm mount need to be moved?

11-05-2020, 11:12 PM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: 1971 front crossmember swap into 66 There's really no need to swap the entire suspension, crossmember and all if you are only using a '71. You can simply change the balljoints and install the spindle assembly. The '71-'72 control arms and steel bushings are exactly the same as the '63-'70 control arms and steel bushings. I would suggest using the entire '71 steering linkage. This eliminated the need for the $60.00 aftermarket aluminum tierod adapters. Yes the pitman arm should fit the '71 draglink. Yes the '71 idler arm will need holes driller in the correct location. I offer a template for that. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

11-05-2020, 11:25 PM	#3
chevykevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wyoming Posts: 641	Re: 1971 front crossmember swap into 66 Thanks for the reply captainfab. Both chassis are rolling with no engines or front sheet metal installed so I was thinking the swap of entire crossmember may be less labor entensive? Ill search for your template or send me a link Thanks

11-07-2020, 11:34 AM	#5
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: 1971 front crossmember swap into 66 Probably not much difference in labor. I have done both. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...isc+brake+swap __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536 Last edited by Chevy Fleetside; 11-08-2020 at 11:23 AM.

11-07-2020, 07:51 PM	#6
chevykevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wyoming Posts: 641	Re: 1971 front crossmember swap into 66 Thanks Chevy Fleetside



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