Swapping cradle help

[b.sharp]

I need to know if I can swap front parts from a 72 to a 64 without to much problems. It would be easier to swap spindle assemblies if possible or I can swap the whole cradle. Also going to swap the rear for the five lug. Anything I should be concerned about with this or is this as simple as it appears to be.

Thank you for your vast knowledge of parts swaps on this board.
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[Rich 5150 69]

its as simple as it seems to be, everything will bolt up, entire front crossmember, just need to drill two holes...

[Captainfab]

If your engine is out, it would be just as easy to install the entire suspension as one unit. You will just need to drill 2 holes, and elongate 2 holes. Otherwise, you can just change the ball joints in your original control arms and install the '72 spindles, rotors, calipers, etc.

[b.sharp]

Which holes will need to be drilled and which will need to be elongated? Can you get to these with the cradle in place or does this need to be done prior to installing the new cradle?

I appreciate the help. The frames are in two different places right now, but looked to be the same by looking at them close. I can swap them both easily they are both bare frames right now.
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[rbar]

Is everything on a 77 crossmember the same as a 72?

[Captainfab]

It's been so long ago, I don't remember exactly which ones. They are on the side of the frame, and are easy to see which ones they are. Yes you should be able to drill and elongate with the crossmember in place.

Originally Posted by b.sharp

Which holes will need to be drilled and which will need to be elongated? Can you get to these with the cradle in place or does this need to be done prior to installing the new cradle?

I appreciate the help. The frames are in two different places right now, but looked to be the same by looking at them close. I can swap them both easily they are both bare frames right now.
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Yes, the '73-'87 crossmembers are essentially the same as the earlier models. Around here the '73-'87 parts are much easier to find and much less $$ than the '71-'72 parts. Plus I like the rubber control arm bushings better than the steel bushings.

Originally Posted by rbar

Is everything on a 77 crossmember the same as a 72?

[brokenspoke]

I just removed the upper and lower control arms and swaped ...much faster

[b.sharp]

That does seam like it would be better. Not messing with the factory mounting sounds good also. I think I'll swap the a-arms along with everything else from there out. I still can't find any pics of the rear track bar. Mine has a bend upward towards the frame. I have a buddy who's is the same but he thought his was bent. Does anyone have a good picture they can post. The 72 is straight and may bolt up fine.

Thanks for they help guys. Greatly appreciated. Can't post pics from my iPad.
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[Captainfab]

If you swap the control arms onto your existing crossmember, I recommend re-installing with the later model, larger diameter LCA shaft U-bolts. You will have to drill out the holes in your crossmember though.

[b.sharp]

can you post a pic of which bolts you are refering to? I'm not sure which ones you are talking about. I've never done this swap before. It appears that the po started taking the cradle out. Not many bolts left in it, I might just swap the entire thing with the '72.

Thanks guys,

[sanford66]

I believe the 71-72 rear ends are wider from backing plate to backing plate. Joseph

[Captainfab]

No I don't happen to have any pics handy. What I am talking about are the small U-bolts that hold the lower control arm shafts to the suspension crossmember. If you do just switch the '72 components to your original crossmember, I would use the larger diameter U-bolts from the '72 assembly. But as stated, you will have to drill out the holes in the crossmember to accomodate the larger diameter of the '72 U-bolts.

I have had 2 of the original lower control arm U-bolts on my '66 Suburban break on me. I got lucky both times and no major damage occurred, but it could have been a bad situation.

Originally Posted by b.sharp

can you post a pic of which bolts you are refering to? I'm not sure which ones you are talking about. I've never done this swap before. It appears that the po started taking the cradle out. Not many bolts left in it, I might just swap the entire thing with the '72.

Thanks guys,