Picked up a 71 stepside

[TX3GMC]

I picked up a 1971 swb stepside yesterday. It's a low option truck that is original as far as I can tell. The plan is to get power brakes, rebuild the frontend, lower and drive.

I have a couple questions;

Can I just add a power booster from another 71? Will I have to change any of the brake lines?


Can I just use lowering springs to achieve a 3/5 drop? Will I need any sway bars or relocate shocks?


Who has the best frontend rebuild kit?

[Kennuck]

We like pics

[EdSevered]

You'd think it would be obvious by now:

"You get no answers until you provide pics."

(Which I hope you do soon, 'cause I'm interested in the answers, too.)

-Ed

[knomadd]

Yes, we do like pics.... post them when you can.

I can't help you with the booster. I'm not 100% sure so I don't want to guess.

As for the drop, you can do it with springs, but you'll want drop shocks too. you don't need sway bars, but they will help the ride, and rear shock relocators would be good so you get better shock response. Keep in mind that a spring only drop (as opposed to a drop spindle and drop blocks) will have a harsher ride. There are MANY threads on this topic, so search and read what you can.

I bought all Moog front end parts, and would highly recommend using them too.

Good luck with your build, and HAVE FUN!!!

[hugger6933]

You can add a booster and you can just use the master cylinder that is already on there from what I have come to understand. I have not yet done this on a already functioning truck. So taking one that is driving and making a improvement on it whilst still being able to use and enjoy is all foreign to me. Simple things like going into the shop for a spark plug change end up in a motor rebuild. A steering adjustment on the shifter linkage has blossomed into a frame off on my project "Cheapie". While it still has the plans for being the "Cheap"build of the three frame off's I'm in process of doing [one 68 GMC and two Chevrolets] I do have plans for simple yet comfort things like tilt , tach, buckets and where the cheap aspect comes in is the 5 speed with a 327 small block and steel rally type wheels. The others are big blocks with T400 unless I go with a 4 l80 E [I have late model salvage]and have several of those laying around. Also the 6.0 bug has not yet bit again but might at any time[I have some of that stuff as well as 4.8 and 5.3's but I'm still thinking old school]. My point is don't take down your truck for no longer than needed to complete the task at hand or the project can stagnate and get stale and then you kinda lose interest and next thing you know time has got away from you and your truck is scattered and the project could die like so many have. If it is a first project or close to it I just wanted to share those cautions, because I hate to see people lose their trucks that way. Enjoy the power brakes. Did it have power steering? That is not too hard either it would be a great project to put on the list. Jim

[67Slider]

Welcome. I did the power brake upgrade. Make sure to get the pedal rod set up off the donor truck as the manual brake rod will be too short. You can just unhook the MC from the fire wall and gently bend the lines until you can get the booster in. Worked for me. I also did a 3/5 drop on mine and used the adjustable panhard bar, rear shock relocators and drop shocks. Nothing is ever cheap or easy. I did put a sway bar up front and it does help tremendously with body roll. No sway bar in the rear so I can't help you there.

[ole dollor]

Welcome from another Texan... I think we would like to see some photo's of your truck . I myself like lots of pic's

[TX3GMC]

Sorry for the lack of pictures, I was focused on getting the carb off to rebuild. I will try to get some pictures in the morning before work. Eventually I will restore the whole truck but for now I will keep with the patina look, with updated suspension.

[TX3GMC]

Hugger6933; I know what you mean, I have a 69 firebird that we started with replacing the rear main seal and that blossomed into motor rebuild, buying a Muncie trans, rebuilding the front end, as well as detailing the engine bay. What should have been a couples weeks has turned into almost a year on the lift.

[TX3GMC]

I am placing an order with CPP for the following:

LOWERING & HANDLING PERFORMANCE KIT
REAR SHOCK RELOCATOR BRACKETS
COMPLETE FRONT END KIT

If I decide to go with drop spindles what spindle would work best without any modifications?

Do I need anything else for the drop?

Is there a CPP discount for being a member?

[67Slider]

Call and ask for Jeff at CPP. Let him know you are a member of the site. Normally gives a 10% discount. Some have had bad luck with them but they have been nothing but good for me.

[kcsa75]

Day 2 and still no pics?

[TX3GMC]

[TX3GMC]

[TX3GMC]

[TX3GMC]

[BRL]

Originally Posted by TX3GMC

Attachment 1269399

Looks like a nice little stepside you got there.

[flashed]

Nice truck ,Im in for another one .

[midniteblues]

a few fresh parts and you'll have one nice truck.

[Evaded]

Cool Truck! I have all CPP lowering parts on my truck right now, i love them. Including drop spindles. lmk if you ever wanna meet up.

Evaded

[71HUGGER396]

Very nice truck!!!!!!