I have to ask because the search is disabled

[BigChevMan]

on my 69 c-20. I plan on converting it to 1/2 ton suspension. My question is this. If I go to 73-87 suspension parts will the 73-87 control arms bolt up to my 69 3/4 ton crossmember? I would just do a complete crossmember swap....but I see no point since I'll be tearing it apart to rebuild it anyway with new bushings and ball joints and such. Is this feasible? I'd like to know because this is going to be my winter project hopefully.

[BigChevMan]

anyone?

[Sublvr72]

control arms are differant, with modification you can bolt the whole crossmember assembly, My burb was a 3/4 ton, I just found 71-72 parts and swapped it all over

[BigChevMan]

Originally Posted by Sublvr72

control arms are differant, with modification you can bolt the whole crossmember assembly, My burb was a 3/4 ton, I just found 71-72 parts and swapped it all over

I don't think i'm following. If I can swap lower control arms from a 67-72 chevy truck and upper ball joints to get 1/2 ton suspension...then why can't I just swap in 1/2 ton 73-87 stuff?

[flatblackclassic]

The Crossmember is different. If you get the crossmember and everything you can make it work with a little creativity.

[LONGHAIR]

I would say that the simpest way to go about this would be to rebuild the 73-87 crossmember assembly while it is still out of the truck. It is far easier to work on out here anyway.......and your truck is not disabled while you do that part. The you can swap the entire rebuilt unit into your truck. There are four bolts that hold the thing in (on each side) and the only modification is drilling for one of them to line-up. The other three just drop right in.

[BigChevMan]

Thanks guys..I guess I got confused because someone said I could just swap lower control arms on the 3/4 ton suspension for 1/2 ton arms and bolt on 1/2 ton spindles. I then also read that you can switch out the 67-72 1/2 ton stuff for the 73-87 half ton stuff. Oh well..I'll just go with a whole new crossmember unless I can find some 72 stuff for a decent price.

[sdkid]

This is a little in another direction, but, will a 4x4 crossmember swap just as easily? I'm swapping my 70 2wd with 78 4x4 donor truck parts.

[lolife99]

BigChevMan,... Look at Early Classic Enterprises website. They make spindles, (dropped and stock) for your 3/4 ton a-arms, that accept 1/2 ton rotors. Makes for an easy swap. If you already had the 1/2 ton stuff available,... use it. If you have to buy it all new,... I would consider ECE's spindles.

[BigChevMan]

Originally Posted by lolife99

BigChevMan,... Look at Early Classic Enterprises website. They make spindles, (dropped and stock) for your 3/4 ton a-arms, that accept 1/2 ton rotors. Makes for an easy swap. If you already had the 1/2 ton stuff available,... use it. If you have to buy it all new,... I would consider ECE's spindles.

Man...see...I would go that route...but front end rebuilds are so much more expensive for the 67-72 stuff it's crazy. I could buy a used 73-87 front suspension complete and rebuild it and powder coat all of it for what it would cost me just for the parts for the stock rebuild. That's the reason why I haven't just ripped the stock stuff apart and started rebuilding it. Thanks though. I've used up plenty of early classics bandwith drooling over parts I need to buy when the fundage builds up again.