Help with C20 conversion.

[fixit-p]

I need help making up my mind. I have a 69 C20 and want to convert it to a 1/2 ton, I also have a 65 GMC big window 1/2 ton 6 lug short wideside. Would the 65 make a good donor? I know I'll still have to buy drop spindles, springs and disk brake components. Or I could pick up an 85 short step with low miles (85k) for $1000 in good cond. I'll prolly still need spindles and springs but I'll have extra engine, tranny, decent wheels (I think) and hopefully a tilt colum. Seems like a no brainer but sometimes I have no brain

[lolife99]

If you want disc brakes,... get any 71-87 for a donor truck. Does your 69 C20 have a leaf spring rearend or coil spring rearend?
Most 71-72 trucks will have a 5-lug coil spring rearend. 73-87 will provide you with a leaf spring rearend. Both will have all the disc brake stuff you need.

[fixit-p]

Thanks lowlife99 my c20 has leafs but I'm changing to trailing arms with coils. possibly baged in the future. Are the 85's rear axle tubes the same dia as the 71-72? also the 85 is a stepside so I wonder where the fuel tank is, if it's out back that would be an added bonus I also found a 1970 rolling chassis in good shape for $200 the price is right but I'll still need spindles and all the disk brake components.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by fixit-p

Thanks lowlife99 my c20 has leafs but I'm changing to trailing arms with coils. possibly baged in the future. Are the 85's rear axle tubes the same dia as the 71-72? also the 85 is a stepside so I wonder where the fuel tank is, if it's out back that would be an added bonus I also found a 1970 rolling chassis in good shape for $200 the price is right but I'll still need spindles and all the disk brake components.

The fuel tank for an '85 is under the bed/cab outside of the frame rails. Not ideal & definitely not worthy of swapping. Axle tubes are the same though.

My suggestion is use the 65 stuff since you already have it. Adding used discs is always a gamble unless you are knowledgeable of the donors service history. The 65's a-arms & stuff will work w/the disc swap & you'll just need to source the accessory type items (frame clips for brake lines, splash shields, caliper hardware.....).

[fixit-p]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

The fuel tank for an '85 is under the bed/cab outside of the frame rails. Not ideal & definitely not worthy of swapping. Axle tubes are the same though.

Thanks Scoti, good to know on the fuel tank loc, I had a 76 with the tanks outside of the rails and remember receiving a letter from GM offering $500 towards purchase of a new truck

The 65 has a noisy rear end but now I have proper motivation to pull the cover if it's shot I may go with the roller and hope that ones good.