Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

I’m sure many have done this, however, not sure if the best way to go is 5 or 6 lug. A rear end swap is inevitable too, and wondering if the higher gear rear ends are 5 or 6 lug.
Hoping someone could shed some light on possible solutions.

The 8 lug wheels are difficult to find, so converting the C20 to a C10 Drivetrain makes sense. Can anyone elaborate on what higher gear rear end would be ideal?

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

What year truck again?

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

If you are keeping the stock engine and trans, something like a 3.08 would be a good highway gear. If you are going to swap in an overdrive transmission, 3.73s or 4.10s is the way to go. I have 3.73s and and overdrive trans in my truck and I spin around 2200 RPM to go 70mph.

Up until 70, all the factory 1/2 ton stuff was 6 lug. 71 to 87 1/2 ton 2wd is 5 lug.

Do you have coil springs or leaf springs in the rear?

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

1963.

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

It’s a combination of leaf and coil.

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

I heard it was all 5 lug, then in the 80s it went to 6 lug.

Seems like I have to have my spindles machines down to work with 5 lug disc brakes, C10 style.

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

If you want to run 5 lug, probably your easiest option will be to get a front cross member from a 73-87 so you can have an easier time getting replacement parts. Get the whole thing including the control arms and spindles. Drop spindles for the 1/2 tons are cheaper than the 3/4 tons

For your rear end, does it have trailing arms on the rear? If so, you could use a 71-72 rear end from a coil spring truck and it will bolt up no problem. If you want to use a squarebody rear, CaptainFab sells weld on mounts so you can mount to the trailing arms.

5 lug started in 71 for all half tons

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

Here is a thread on rear ends that fit our trucks - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562446
I found it in the FAQ section - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002
There's even a thread on a 14-bolt conversion in there.

Re: Front Disc brake Conversion and rear end swap on C20
 

Well, I'm still undecided. I guess I have three options:

1. Keep the 16.5 wheels and get new tires.

2. Get 8 lug, 16 inch wheels.

3. Find a conversion kit for the front and a different rear end.

At this point, I am good with option 1 or 2; if I keep the truck for a while I may just do the rear end so I have a taller gear.

Option 3 is probably going to cost a pretty penny.