Compatible with 66 step side

[LuckyRabbit4]

I’ve got a 66 C10 long bed step side. I’ve been trying to update parts as I go with other models but I have a hard time finding what bolts up to this. For example, years that fit power steering, suspension to convert to calipers front and back, brake system. Really anything that can be upgraded with other models when I can instead of buying new.

I’m putting an early 70s sbc 400 in there now and would like to update some things while the engine is out and I have space.

Also, I find 80-90s s10 all over the are that are now rollers but have fully bagged suspension and components that work. There’s no chance these would bolt up? These trucks go for $400-600 all day.
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[The Rocknrod]

We have a vendor on site (captainfab) who makes and sells the brake booster bracket to firewall here: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=1#post3257836
And the Power Steering bracket for the frame here: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=332923
And if you look in our FAQ section here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002
You will Disc Brakes links, for example - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4450757
And - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260
etc, etc ...

[AcampoDave]

S10 frames are not a good solution. Too small and according to Fatmans the A arm geometry is poor and handling especially suffers with wider tires. Mid 70's Squarebody frames will raise the truck to around the height of a stock 4x4.... but their front sub frame assembly and rear ends are commonly used. Luckily everything you need for your existing truck is out there and this forum is a great place to get it sorted out. After you check out the links that Rocknrod gave you you can certainly come back here with more specific questions and find the answers. I have a '66 too and I've done the squarebody subframe swap as a means to gain disc brakes and power steering. I still had to buy new parts, rotors, calipers, ball joints etc. Lucky for me the squarebody was a freebie so I saved a few bucks over the price of a complete kit. (Especially since I didn't want to lower the truck)

[Captainfab]

Thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate it

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

We have a vendor on site (captainfab) who makes and sells the brake booster bracket to firewall here: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=1#post3257836
And the Power Steering bracket for the frame here: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=332923
And if you look in our FAQ section here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002
You will Disc Brakes links, for example - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4450757
And - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260
etc, etc ...

Most everything needed to upgrade a '60-'66 truck's brakes and steering can be sourced from a '73-'87 squarebody truck.

[LuckyRabbit4]

Thanks for the great info. I really look forward to getting started on the frame/body mods very soon. Rebuilding the 400 right now. I’ll keep an eye out for 70s trucks. I do want to lower mine but honestly the back is really the most I’m concerned about lowering. Just looks so high.
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[AcampoDave]

My advice is to get the front set up first and bring the back down to match. When I put the squarebody subframe on mine it came down about an inch an a half even though I re-used my same springs. Not sure why even the spindles are stock height .

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

My advice is to get the front set up first and bring the back down to match. When I put the squarebody subframe on mine it came down about an inch an a half even though I re-used my same springs. Not sure why even the spindles are stock height .

"Squarebody subframe"?? Please explain this.

Do you mean you're using the square body front suspension pieces?

[AcampoDave]

Correct, from hub to hub....crossmember, A arms rotors etc, except I opted to use my same '66 springs.
I even started a thread about it coming out an inch and a half lower than planned. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=586664

[SCOTI]

Gotcha.

'Subframe' is usually used to describe the front 'frame' stub as in the rails/x-member/core support on a car like a Camaro/Nova car set-up.

I get the crossmember swap.

[AcampoDave]

Sorry, I need to get my terminology straight. Btw, if you choose to go with a kit you pretty much end up with the same thing as there's not a whole lot of difference between the crossmembers....except for the U bolts that hold the lower A arms. The stock ones for our trucks were smaller and weaker, but it's simple to ream the holes and install the larger sqarebody U bolts.

[seabeevin]

I have a 87 r20 front cross member for my c20, have not installed it yet but what I like is the later model engine mounts. Much safer than the old ones. Especially if you are going to put some power under the hood.

[kaycee]

So are these front cross members the same width as our rearend ?? I had to use the axles allso on my 69 when I used a 74 front.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by kaycee

So are these front cross members the same width as our rearend ?? I had to use the axles allso on my 69 when I used a 74 front.

The crossmembers are same in width. The brake combo will be where the track width change occurs. Original GM disc brakes have a wider track width vs drum brake trucks.