67 6-lug to 5-lug advise, have extra 72 chassis

[BBEEP]

I have a 67 longbed that I have already shortened the chassis. The box is almost done. I picked up a 72 shortbed chassis & cab, cheap. One caliper is frozen & its been sittin a long time.
So what to do!?! I want to convert the 67 to 5-lug. But can I just swap the axles? And for the front, do I swap the entire suspension? The 72 suspension will need all new brakes, rotors, calipers, bushings etc. Would it cost less to buy a conversion kit for my current suspension--if there is such a thing?
Swappin parts is kind of an old school thing to do, but is it really cheaper or easier in this case? I could probably get $4-500 for the 72 and start buyin parts for the 67.
The current suspension is original-ish, but drives very well. I have a set of 4 15x10 5-lug Ansen style slots that I just polished with 295/50's all the way around that I just HAVE to put on this shoptruck. (no, not the wheels that are currently on the 72)

[Captainfab]

You could switch the entire rear differential from the '72 into your '67. You an't just swap the axles as the track width is different between the two. For the front suspension, you can switch the spindles,rotors,calipers and such along with new '72 ball joints into your '67 control arms.

The alternative is, if you can sell the '72, you can use the money to purchase new parts to convert your '67. You will need 5 lug conversion axles for the rear along with '71-'75(?) rear brake drums. For the front you will need to find either a pair of '71-'72 stock spindles, or '73-'87 stock front spindles. If you are wanting to lower the front of your truck, then purchase your dropped spindles instead. Then you can purchase all the other necessary front disc brake parts for the year range of truck that the spindles are for. These can be bought from your local auto parts supply. Also you don't have to use parts from/for a '71-'72. The '73-'87 parts will swap just as easily and used stock parts can be found easier and most of the time cheaper than the '71-'72 parts. Often times you can find a complete truck for a reasonable price. If you are going to have the engine out, I would recommend changing the entire front suspension, crossmember and all. This way you will gain a couple of upgrades such as larger lower control arm U-bolts, and the rubber bushed control arm shafts(which can be changed for urethane bushings if you so desire)

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

I picked up a 72 shortbed chassis & cab, cheap. One caliper is frozen & its been sittin a long time.... I want to convert the 67 to 5-lug.... do I swap the entire suspension? The 72 suspension will need all new brakes, rotors, calipers, bushings etc. Would it cost less to buy a conversion kit for my current suspension--if there is such a thing?

If the 72 stuff has not already been rebuilt, go the 'kit' route. No sense swapping worn out parts just to need to rebuild them. Check w/one of our supporting board vendors for a disc brake swap kit. Others options would be CPP (classic performance products), ECE (early classic enterprises), & POL (performance on-line); all offer disc brake & suspension parts for this exact swap.

I want to convert the 67 to 5-lug. But can I just swap the axles?

You can swap the entire housing assembly but the axles won't be a direct swap. Again, the same companies above offer 5-lug axle swap kits as well. These kits are well worth the expense vs. using 38yr old axles/drums....

Dang.... Capt-Fab types faster than I do.....

[BBEEP]

I have a reputable guy who will swap all the suspension, pull the motor & trans, cab, detail the frame & engine, etc and put it all back together for $1500 plus parts (and I can supply them). He has done it many times before.
Just sayin . . .

[sweetnlow67]

i swapped the axles from my 67 lug to the 72 5 lug, it only took me a an hour or 2 it was fairly easy but like they said the track width is a little different, the 5 lug axles are about in inch longer but they fit just fine, it worked for me to get it loaded on a trailer

[BBEEP]

Bought a 'kit' for the front from my local yard for $225. New brakes & hoses.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

Bought a 'kit' for the front from my local yard for $225. New brakes & hoses.

$225 should get you the brake assemblies, a-arms, & all the steering linkage.

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

$225 should get you the brake assemblies, a-arms, & all the steering linkage.

I thought I didn't need the a-arms & linkage!?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

I thought I didn't need the a-arms & linkage!?

You don't.... but for that price you should have gotten them.

Assuming they're 73-87 parts because the rotors don't have the typical 'groove' cut in them that 71-72's have, the later model a-arms have rubber bushings for less noise/vibration transfer & should be a little more forgiving on harsh roads. The later steering gear simplifies the installation by using all 73-87 parts vs. adapting your current 'early' gear to the later spindles/tie-rods.

You can still get where you need to be w/what you have in the pics if it's 71-72 stuff.

[BBEEP]

SO HERE IS THE PROBLEM!!!:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436333

I got the conversion done, & it looks great--but can't drive it!!!

[BBEEP]

5-lug!!