need ideas

[aidans70]

So I am fairly new to these trucks and am looking for advice on what are good mods to do to my sons 70 gmc. I already know I want to change from drums on the front to disc's and from 6 lug to 5. what would be my easiest and cheapest options for this? I have a chance to get an 88 donor truck for the front end but what about the rear axles? also I have found a 327 for it and a turbo 400 tranny. what other ideas do you guys have?

[71swb4x4]

Drum to disc is a great one. Others are to add a front sway bar, install an internally regulated alternator instead of the original external, HEI instead of points, and do the headlight relay conversion. I am sure there are tons more, those are the ones that came to the top of my mind. They are all good practical modifications that help imrove the day-to-day drivablility of the truck. Most add a measure of safety too.


Edit:
drum to disc: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444815
drum to disc again: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=35042
swaybar: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=72338
headlight relay: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=293913
headlight relay again: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=182351
more headlight relay: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=92228


And a great place to spend a bunch of time: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...play.php?f=220

[aidans70]

what about junk yards? are there any good ideas for parts from other trucks that help improve these trucks?

[PanelDeland]

Sway bars,71-87 IIRC disc brakes,later engine,OD tranny core,serpentine belts systems are all good JY mods.The 88 will have different width front suspension.GM built a lot of interchangability into their vehicles so many pieces can be swapped from later trucks and even some from cars.

[Dingfodgy]

Depending on the end result desired some lowered spindles and/or springs can help handling and appearance. Relocating the fuel tank under the bed is nice. Power windows, AC and sound-proofing will improve driving comfort alot. If you and your boy aren't over 6'2" a set of 40/20/40 seats out of a 2001+ Silverado is a great improvement. Tilt column and 15" steering wheel is quick and easy. Plus all the other mods those before me have mentioned.
Really, there is a seemingly endless list of upgrades you can do either as bolt on or with some fab work to modify these trucks. It all comes down to what you want when it's all said and done and how deep them pockets of yours are!

[Coley]

From a drive comfort point of view, the first thing I would make sure I had in my truck was a tilt wheel.
Ever since I had one in my original/first '72....that has been the first upgrade I've put in all my trucks since, at least when they didn't have one from the factory.
Unlike a/c or other options, which I appreciate, I find I use this one every time I get behind the wheel. and always notice its advantage.
Great investment and upgrade!!!
My two bits.
Coley