3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

[Asshat]

Considering the front end, doing the control arm bushings, ball joints and new springs. I got to thinking what it would cost to do this, and wondering if I would be better off just spending $900 for the disc brake conversion. I could probably save money by just keeping the drums, but then I have to deal with the hassle of adjusting brakes.
I know I could convert to 5 lug, but I don’t want to have a different wheel for the rear. The rear is a 12 bolt 8 lug, so my plan is to keep it 8 lug all the way around.

What would you guys do?

BTW, I am also planning on adding power steering.

[The Rocknrod]

Some good info on this thread people have done - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=523620
And here's a guy who did the cross member conversion - https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/s.../fromsearch/1/
A conversion kit - https://www.classicparts.com/1963-70...fo/71%2D978S8/
Some more good info on an 8 lug conversion - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461537

[SCOTI]

I would inspect the control arm shafts for excessive wear. If there is, rebuild as needed & use 71-87 disc brakes.

The swap is similar to the C10 disc brake conversions.

[LostMy65]

I got a disc brake crossmember off of a 79 3/4 ton and rolled my whole 66 crossmember out and then rolled the 79 one in.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I got a disc brake crossmember off of a 79 3/4 ton and rolled my whole 66 crossmember out and then rolled the 79 one in.

Is that the only way to do it? No way to use the existing stuff, like the control arms? And just get the spindles and rotors, calipers off a newer truck?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

Is that the only way to do it? No way to use the existing stuff, like the control arms? And just get the spindles and rotors, calipers off a newer truck?

Either way. The complete x-member swap or just the required brake specific/update required stuff can get it done.

[LostMy65]

It's whatever you think will be the route you want to go to get discs. I personally just wanted everything under there to be 73+ stuff.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

It's whatever you think will be the route you want to go to get discs. I personally just wanted everything under there to be 73+ stuff.

I understand the concept of wanting to change the entire front assembly, I just don’t really have the room. It would be easier for me to just change the components and maybe add power steering at the same time.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I understand the concept of wanting to change the entire front assembly, I just don’t really have the room. It would be easier for me to just change the components and maybe add power steering at the same time.

However you get there, power disc brakes is a great upgrade.

[Steeveedee]

The lower ball joints are different between the years, and the tie rods are different sizes. If you roll in a late-model setup, when you need parts you will know what you have. It's not a big deal to take the part in and get one if you know where it came from. You might try some of the aftermarket companies like Scarebird that make a setup that uses your old spindles. Someone on here may make parts, too. Maybe @CaptainFab? You'd still be rebuilding your original front end if you went that way. It is also possible that the donor truck (if that is the way you went) would need all those ball joints and other parts, as well.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

The lower ball joints are different between the years, and the tie rods are different sizes. If you roll in a late-model setup, when you need parts you will know what you have. It's not a big deal to take the part in and get one if you know where it came from. You might try some of the aftermarket companies like Scarebird that make a setup that uses your old spindles. Someone on here may make parts, too. Maybe @CaptainFab? You'd still be rebuilding your original front end if you went that way. It is also possible that the donor truck (if that is the way you went) would need all those ball joints and other parts, as well.

I did check if I could use my existing front end - there is a local company that will take my spindles and trun them down so I can fit rotors, etc. However, the cost is $900; that's just turning the spindles, doesn't include rotors, calipers, etc. I'm hoping I can get all the parts for 73-87 C20 (Rock Auto) to do this cheaper than that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I did check if I could use my existing front end - there is a local company that will take my spindles and trun them down so I can fit rotors, etc. However, the cost is $900; that's just turning the spindles, doesn't include rotors, calipers, etc. I'm hoping I can get all the parts for 73-87 C20 (Rock Auto) to do this cheaper than that.

Summit does good on pricing for some stuff as well & free shipping on purchases over $100 that aren't over-sized items (just in case RA doesn't have what you seek).

[30fathoms]

We did the complete cross swap. Found a $200 '79 C20 front cross for our '64 C20 project. That price was a little high but serviceable parts included the cross member, spindles, center link, three of four control arms, and heavy sway bar w/ all brackets. After the accounting wa$ done we broke even just on the spindles, center link, and sway bar. Its not a bad swap, even with the motor in place, and you get the more available newer components.
We looked at just swapping components but found we'd be money ahead even if we had to replace all the control arms on the '79 cross. Those '63-64 C20 lower control arm shafts mount differently than the newer ones...and are spendy if you can find'em.
Just my 2c, best of luck

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by 30fathoms

We did the complete cross swap. Found a $200 '79 C20 front cross for our '64 C20 project. That price was a little high but serviceable parts included the cross member, spindles, center link, three of four control arms, and heavy sway bar w/ all brackets. After the accounting wa$ done we broke even just on the spindles, center link, and sway bar. Its not a bad swap, even with the motor in place, and you get the more available newer components.
We looked at just swapping components but found we'd be money ahead even if we had to replace all the control arms on the '79 cross. Those '63-64 C20 lower control arm shafts mount differently than the newer ones...and are spendy if you can find'em.
Just my 2c, best of luck

My understanding was, you don’t need to swap the LCAs.

[30fathoms]

I believe you're correct, just a ball joint swap if you keep the lowers; however, if/when those lowers give up, it would be much easier and cheaper replacing the newer component. Having all components from the same year was a big factor for us. For example, the older inner TR and newer outer TR (needed for the spindles) are different sizes. There is an adapter adjusting sleeve for the TRs available but that builds in an "odd" part that may be a bit harder to find when replacement time comes.

[Asshat]

Parts list, from 73-87 C20:
Front spindles
Ball joints
Rotors
Pads
Calipers
Brake hoses
Tie rods

Does this look right?

[cwcarpenter98]

That list looks good to me. If you're also planning on converting to power steering, and going to a junkyard to grab the stuff on your list, you might want to get the steering gear and center link. If you do it that way, you won't have to run an adapter sleeve to connect the later model spindles to the stock, 63 center link. At that point, your entire steering system from the gear to the spindles will be from a squarebody

[gmcdeadhead]

i bought a 1987 R30 rolling chassis from a guy close to me that was selling the whole truck for like 1500, i told him i was only interested in the front end, rear end and the hydro boost brake set up , he said he'll part the rest out , how much would you give me, i said 500 , he said deal, in about a month i got a call from him and picked it all up , i would look into something like that , i got the front end , 14 bolt rear and all the hydro boost parts for the brakes , and installed it all on my 1966 c20, much cheaper than piecing it all together

[Asshat]

This should work, right? It’s from a 74, 8 lug.

[Steeveedee]

Yes. Are you going to take the whole crossmember, too? That's probably too much for your limited work space. Note that the disc brake hoses are plumbed to the front of the crossmember. Mike those rotors and make sure that they are thicker than the discard thickness. And don't buy rotors from the yard (if that's in a yard) because they may want close to new prices for used rotors.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Yes. Are you going to take the whole crossmember, too? That's probably too much for your limited work space. Note that the disc brake hoses are plumbed to the front of the crossmember. Mike those rotors and make sure that they are thicker than the discard thickness. And don't buy rotors from the yard (if that's in a yard) because they may want close to new prices for used rotors.

It’s a package deal, the whole thing. Too cheap to pass up. Not sure if my engine hoist will be able to lift it out of the bed.

[cwcarpenter98]

Buy it! Your hoist should be able to pick it up.

You'll even be able to add a sway bar to your truck. That's one of the best things I did to mine. It steers wayyyyyyy better with the sway bar than without one

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Buy it! Your hoist should be able to pick it up.

You'll even be able to add a sway bar to your truck. That's one of the best things I did to mine. It steers wayyyyyyy better with the sway bar than without one

x2. Prob no more weight vs an all iron BBC.

[Asshat]

Drove up to Ventura and picked it up. Now, just gotta clean it up.
Does this just unbolt? And, then I just slide it under the truck and bolt it up?
Does the motor need to come out?

Also picked up a new gas tank relocate kit - a guy on FB had it listed for $175, up in Camarillo. Got it for $125.

[lil hoodlum]

I'm fairly certain your front end that you just bought is a 1971-1972 C20. The control arm cups are different on the 1973+