Whoa her up!

[panhandler62]

..


I couldn't find anything resembling a clear FAQ on this but would certainly accept a link to one if someone knows of one.. anywho --

I have a 68 C-20. I want to retain the 8 lug wheels (cuz I like heavy duty!) but would like to upgrade to disks in front.

It seems like the best way to get this done is to canibalize a beater that has the parts I need but since that means 71/72 trucks .. and common they aren't -- what else will either fit or fit with relatively minor mods? I'm betting that a hulk of an 82 chevy is going to be an eiaseer catch in a bone yard than a 72 C-20.

Please bear in mind -- This is my first real custom project and budget could be an issue, so cool as a Vette front end or dropmember based suspension is -- those are out of my $$$ range and level of experiance.

[panhandler62]

Hmmm.. is this a bad question to ask or is it just a case that no one has an answer? :P

I guess I can find a late model to canibalize and hope for the best.. was just hoping to have a better idea of what to look for in the bone yards.

[chevy72blu]

I dont know for sure, but I imagine that there is an 8 lug out of a 73+ with disks that will fit... But why not just go with a 5 lug? There are many heavy duty options availible for what most people build and are much easier to find.

I have 73+ front a arms, drop member, and rear in my 72.

[panhandler62]

I could go with 5 lugs but that means replacing more parts.. because I'm not about to run an 8 lug rear and 5 lug front.

I'll have 4 useless wheels afterwards.. but I suppose someone might want them. lol

I think the fitment question still applies if I go that rout .. waht (beyond the obvious 71/71 trucks) fit a 68?

[N2TRUX]

The 73-87 front crossmember is a direct bolt in (sorta). From what I understand there are a couple of holes that don't line up so a little drilling might be required.

With that said, finding a donor 73-87 C-20 should be simple and cheap. You might consider what else you need, and try for a truck that you can steal other parts as well....

[panhandler62]

I found exactly what I need once already... but it's in Mo and I'm in Wv ...

[crazy longhorn]

On your 3/4 ton, the 71-87 s use the same ball joints ect.....also the 3/4 tons still had the steel bushings in the a arms, unlike the 1/2 tons going rubber bushed in 73. Probably the easiest swap would be the complete crossmember (as already mentioned), but you CAN just swap the balljoints, tierods,spindles & all steer linkage & retain your stock a arms. best of luck, L

[panhandler62]

Great... thanks for the info.