You can use 73-87 1/2 ton disc brakes in order to install 73 up spindles you need to swap out your ball joints for 71-87 style and use 71-87 outer tie rods and use tie rod adapter sleeves. If you have access to the donor truck the best method is to remove the entire crossmember with all suspension and steering parts still bolted to it, roll it out from under donor complete, unbolt yours completly then roll donor under and bolt it in, using this method you don't need to swap parts all around. e sure to grab the master cylinder & prop valve from donor truck also.
This route is only economical if most all parts are good on donor vehicle, if you have to replace rotors, calipers, ball joints, tie rods, etc.... due to wear its generally cheaper route to buy a conversion kit that supplies stock style or drop spindles and rotors, calipers, hoses & bearings if your current tie rods and ball joints are good.
A plus to using 73-87 style is now you can install poly bushings in the upper and lower a-arms unlike 67-72 trucks which use metal on metal bushing in upper & lower a-arm cross shafts.
GMCPaul
|