van swap to truck?
 

just one quick question...will a 76 chevy 1/2 ton "van" work for the front end swap on a friends 65?...thank you

Re: van swap to truck?
 

it might depending on the bolt pattern if it' 5 on 5 it should work to do an A arm swap , the crossmember and center link are wider so you can't use them ,box is different also the rear end is wider If it's free it would probably be worth it , for the A arm knuckles and brake parts but if he has to pay for it a 1/2 ton pick up or sub is a lot better cause you can use almost every thing
Are we more confused??

Re: van swap to truck?
 

:agree: IIRC the early to mid 70's vans were 5 x 4 3/4 bolt pattern. I'm not sure just what year they went to 5 x 5.

Re: van swap to truck?
 

not sure about the 76. i used a 2000 for the six lug it worked. but the tie rods came in from the bottom not the top.

Re: van swap to truck?
 

Some were 5 on5 mostly heavier GVW and "3/4" tons

Re: van swap to truck?
 

the early vans used 1/2 ton pu style knuckles and a arms on a wider cross member

Re: van swap to truck?
 

I'm doing a front swap on my 54 Suburban using pickup and van parts. I have learned that the A arms (upper and lower) between the pick ups and vans are basically the same except the cross bar on the lower A arm on the van is bigger. I tried a 79 1/2 ton van and a 82 3/4 ton 5 lug and they are both the same. Both are 5 on 5 too.

[IMG]http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/44...600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

The vans are on the left. I compared them to a 3/4 ton and they look to be the same size. It will not fit the 1/2 ton.

Why not get 73 up ball joints and use the van knuckles? That's what I'm doing. I had some 65 1/2 ton A arms and put 73up ball joints in and bingo. Here's my build thread;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369297

Re: van swap to truck?
 

thank you for all the information,looks like a parts "truck" is in my future.....

Re: van swap to truck?
 

i was going to put the front end from a 78 chevy on my 60 chevy, but it was a little too wide for what i liked. althought they got a heavier suspension when they ordered teh van from factory, still 5 lug 1/2 ton tho..i am using a 72 truck front end and drilling the rear axles to 5.