Front suspension cradle
 

I am planning on completely rebuilding my front suspsension cradle. I hope to remove it completely, detail and paint it along with rebuild. Do I need to support the motor before and during removal? When I have it out I would like to completely dissassemble and rebuild the upper and lower a-arm shafts, ball joints, tie rod ends, the works. I also would like to replace drum brakes with new disc kit and install 2.5" drop spindles and stock height springs and shocks. Does anyone have any advise as to this process and trouble areas I might run into?

From what you say you want to do it sounds like you'd be better off just getting a front crossmember and suspension unit from a 71/72 doing all the work on it then just bolting it in

I am thinking about keeping the 6 lug configuration to use my 6 lug ralleys. Truck is not in use now and I would have to buy a another front cradle to go the route you mentioned, I don't see the advantage to buying 5 lug setup with all used parts, am I missing something. I realy want to rebuild entire system like new, althought I am still trying to put together the costs to do so now. Maybe soemone could suggest practical phase in of this so I could break it into 2 yrs worth of work. After 1st phase I could start driving it and then take apart 2nd time to finish. I would hate to have to redo anything twice though.

I just did this but for a different reason. I converted to 2wd and notched my crossmember. I can't see why you need to take out the crossmember. If you do, you need to support/take out the engine. It is supported by the crossmember. I would just rebuilt the front end in place. Also, don't forget the added expense of 6 lug rotors. They did not come that way from the factory. I think that CPP has them for the cheapest price. I bought mine from ECE at $89 each. Another thing, If you can afford it, buy a complete rebuild kit. Good luck.

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"KEEP IT DOWN!"
70 Jimmy 454 2wd
56 GMC Big Window

taking out a set of springs with a disconected crossmember seems dangerous to me.....
mcghauys classic, or something like that has a good deal on 6 lug rotors

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That's a good point. I disasembled my 72 front suspension I bought for the conversion and went through 2 spring compressors! What a pain!

i took out the springs when the x member was out, i used a spring compressor and also a chain through the spring, it jumped a little thats all.

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68 swb fleet soon to be bagged and big block powered
68 lwb fleet in primer
35 chevy truck
97 dodge on 35 boggers
3 out of 4 aint bad!
Jefferson city, MO

people who arent rich like some other members use a 71-87 parts truck to ocnvert to disc brakes with, new balljoints hoses and tie rods are all thats needed really

i also dont reccommend removing springs with no weight on the lower arm,s, thats not a good idea, you dont need a compressor if you have weight on the suspension, IE is installed under truck, a chain is good idea though, just in case it ever did want to go anywher,e but they never do jump out, its strut springs that do that

good luck

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-71/C-10(thx teeitup and crews!)350 4+4/CH465(thx 71Chev, GMCPaul, and CPNE)longfleet bed(thnx meathead95)!still building it-
-'84 Z28(Z28) 1G1AP87GXEL100000 with H.O. 305/4bbl/190net/hp(L69) 3.73 rear(GT4/YC4) 700R4(MD8-MXO) & other goodies :)
-79 G20 pass van, 350/th350/10bolt,
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Randy- Lincoln, IL

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