1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars...

[65stepside]

Will it work with just bolting it up and taking all the torsion bars and front 1960 crossmember out? thx in advance
Jason

[Revin68]

I'm about to try that conversion myself. Just bought a '73 1/2 ton frame for the front suspension and the 12 bolt 3.08:1 rear. I plan on just unbolting the old torsionbar suspension on my '60. Supposed to be an almost direct bolt in with only a couple of holes to drill. The guy who sold me the '73 however, told me that the torsion frames are about a 1/2" narrower. I will be putting a tape measure to it soon and will let you know. If so, I can probably make spacers out of 1/4" plate.

Robert

[Imperial Kustom]

I did this conversion on my '62. It was pretty easy, but not a direct bolt in, and the crossmember was a '63. Only two of the holes lined up, so some had to be drilled new, and others had only to be opened up. The frame rails needed to be pinched about a half inch per side, but it was easy. These frames are pretty flimsy. I used the '62 steering because it cleared the best ( but my crossmember has fabbed ends). All in all it was pretty simple. Just make sure you have good sharp drill bits!!!!

[62ChevyStep]

ditto on imperials comments I used a 86' crossmember

[65stepside]

When you guys say pinch, do you mean squeeze them towards each other?
I'm looking at a 78 3/4 ton off craigslist has a 350 w/4 spd for $500. Seems reasonable the guys "desperate" to get rid of it, so i'm trying to wait it out to see if i can get it cheaper. He about cried when I told him I was gonna tear it apart....

[Imperial Kustom]

Yes! Move them toward eachother.