8 to 6 or 5 lug conversion?

[LowBurbAZ]

Just bought my inlaws 87 3/4 ton suburban and not to sure about what would need to be done to convert it to 1/2 ton bolt pattern. All the square bodies that I own have all been 4x4's. So I know what to do on those to swap from 6 to 8 lug but I'm not to sure on the 2wd models. I'm going to swap the rear end from the 14FF to a 5 or 6 lug rear end that I have laying around but I need help with the front end. I'm going to bag and body drop it. I need to know if I can get away with just swapping the ball joints, spindles, etc. Or if I have to swap from the control arms out and if I would need to make any other changes to get it to work. I just don't want to have to spend the $ on buying stuff for trial and error fitment. Any help would be appreciated.

[thirdstreettito]

2wd (Going from 8x6.5 to 5x5)
- Bolt on a 1/2t front suspension(x-member and all)100-200$
- Replace rearend(100-250$) with a 1/2t or redrill axles(250$)
- I believe your driveshaft should still work 0$

[lolife99]

You can just replace the upper ball joints.
(they will bolt into your current upper a-arms)
The 3/4 ton lower balljoints are larger than the 1/2 ton version.
So you will need to replace the lower a-arm with a 1/2 ton version.
I believe the outer tie rod is all that needs to be replaced.

Another option:
ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) makes a "conversion" 2.5" drop spindle to do exactly what you are doing.
They bolt on using all your existing parts. Nothing to change.
Just bolt on the spindle, 1/2 ton rotors and calipers and you are good to go.

[dropd80s]

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

- Replace rearend(100-250$) with a 1/2t or redrill axles(250$)

Im sure you know this, but you can't redrill the axles on a FF14, you will have to swap.

[BigBlocksRule]

Too bad you're so far away, I have a couple of 6-lug dana 44's I'd swap for your 8-lug front for my new '85 dually I'm going to convert to 4x4...

[bk2minis]

Don't wont to thread jack but info on this seems to be eluding me
I also have a 3/4 ton burban that I'm doing a 5 lug swap on
I bought a c10 parts truck which leafs should be used


Again so sorry for jacking, but some say use the c10 some the R20

Also could the steering box from the c10 be used as mine is leaking

[Renagade61]

If you where closer to me I would trade with you. I'm going from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton on my 1990 2WD Sub.