Will '86 C10 front end work in my "68?

[bamafrost]

Hi all...

I was at a wrecking yard today getting the 3.73 posi rear end out of a '72 for only $150 with new rear drum brakes and the 5 on 5 pattern I need. Sweet.

The guy seemed like he really knew our old trucks and suggested my putting the entire front disc brake/suspension out of an '86 C10 in mine. He said it lines up perfectly and only 3 holes would need to be drilled (personally, I would weld instead of bolting). Is this often done?
For $150 (plus install costs) I'd have my front disc brakes and the 5 on 5 pattern I want. What do you guys think? I am a newbie at this and don't want to do anything dumb and expensive to fix.

I eagerly await your comments.

Also, anybody put '00-'06 Silverado seats in their older C10? They look good with the built-in shoulder seat belt...just concerned about the size and didn't have a tape with me.

Thanks, Tom

[OARNGESI]

Lots of people did both swaps pretty easy and straight forward the seats do take up more space in the cab though i plan to get a set for my blazer soon

[BarryB]

If the crossmember is bolted in, it will work. You do however have to drill some new holes but that isn't that big of a deal.

[N2TRUX]

Tom this is pretty common conversion. This might help answer your question-LINK

[westofb]

I just completed the swap...well I put an 85 front suspension in a 71... It is simple, everything bolts in perfect, on the cross member you only have to redrill 2 holes, the upper front hole in both sides. You will need the entire front suspension to do the swap, all the control arms, the springs, the center link (drag link), all the tierod ends, idler arm, pitman arm, steering box, and if you want the sway bar with all it's mounts and hardware. On a side note, I swapped because my cross member was rusted out in the spring pocket and I got a good deal on 85 lowering spindles. My truck had disc brakes to start with and I used the brake lines from the 71. The 85 cross member was already drilled for all the mounting points for the hardlines...was kind of hard to believe.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Pretty easy swap and welcome to the board.

[bamafrost]

Thanks for all the helpful input. I already have 1 " drop DJM front springs...will those work with the 1986 set-up? Also, I am assuming the McCaughy 2.5" drop spindles will bolt right up...right? Thanks again I am trying to get up to speed. Everyone is really helpful on this site.

Tom

[westofb]

Originally Posted by bamafrost

Thanks for all the helpful input. I already have 1 " drop DJM front springs...will those work with the 1986 set-up? Also, I am assuming the McCaughy 2.5" drop spindles will bolt right up...right? Thanks again I am trying to get up to speed. Everyone is really helpful on this site.

Tom

Don't know about the springs have both sets (newer and older) out at the present time...never sat them side by side so not sure if they are the same. The drop spindles have to be ordered to fit the 86, and you need to measure the rotor thickness before ordering (either 1 or 1.25 inches thick).
Jeff

[haminator]

I am planning to do a similair swap on my 70 Longhorn. I would like to know if I can just swap the A-arms and spindles. Also if I have to swap the complete crossmember are there engine mount stand holes or will I have to drill? I will not be using the newer style mounts. The front end is out of a 79 3/4 ton.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by haminator

I am planning to do a similair swap on my 70 Longhorn. I would like to know if I can just swap the A-arms and spindles. Also if I have to swap the complete crossmember are there engine mount stand holes or will I have to drill? I will not be using the newer style mounts. The front end is out of a 79 3/4 ton.

You can just swap a-arms, spindles, etc & not the entire c.member & get the same benefits.

[haminator]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You can just swap a-arms, spindles, etc & not the entire c.member & get the same benefits.

That is very good news, thanks. I am going to do the same on my sons 69 1/2 ton.

[2tons of fun]

its proably easier to just swap out the entire crossmember and suspension than it is to seperate the knuckles, arms, and unload the springs.


its 14 bolts for the cross member, 6 for the motor mounts and 2 fro the idler arm.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

its proably easier to just swap out the entire crossmember and suspension than it is to seperate the knuckles, arms, and unload the springs.


its 14 bolts for the cross member, 6 for the motor mounts and 2 fro the idler arm.

Unless of course you plan on rebuilding things. If you're taking it apart to replace BJ's, bushings, & tie-rods, or to install dropped spindles/springs, it's kind of pointless to swap the c.member.