6 lug disc brake conversion

[Tx Firefighter]

I am assuming the suspension on your late model donor is sound and safe to use without rebuilding. If it is, the following is the simplest way to do it.

-remove your present suspension. Leave the crossmember bolted to the frame, remove the arms, spindles, brakes, all steering, idler arm. Leave your steering box and pitman arm in place.

-now, replace everything that you removed with the parts off of your late model donor. You will likely have to drill the holes in the crossmember for the lower control arm u bolts to enlarge them. The later model trucks used larger u bolts than the early. Just pass a drill bit though the existing holes.

There are no rivets to remove, engine to support or anything this way. No reason the change your crossmember. All of the later model stuff bolts to the existing early model crossmember.

Reuse the entire brake lines from your late model donor. They will fit your early truck. You'll have to drill the two holes to mount the prop valve. Once you get the lines in place, you'll see where the prop valve lays. Just drill the two 5/16 holes and bolt it down.