72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cc_bob · 04-20-2006, 08:37 PM

Hi,
I did a search and found some info on using 73+ parts on the earlier trucks but I couldn't find anything about keeping the 3/4 ton spindles and rotors.

My control arms are shot on my 72 c20 and it looks as though it will be several hundred to rebuild what I have, I have a complete front end from a 74 1/2 ton that was rebuilt with new bushings, and all new joints. The 74 was my dad's, he put it together and drove it for one summer and it sat until I bought it for the cab (for a dump I have).

I would like to swap everything over to the newer front end and keep the springs, spindles and rotors from the 3/4 ton. Is this possible, or will I run into a bunch of problems?

Any and all help will be appreciated. I still may go with new parts if this doesn't work out. A long time ago I found someone who had a complete kit with Moog parts but I can't seem to find it now. Which suppliers carry Moog and have a complete Kit.

Thanks,

qksilver · 04-20-2006, 09:13 PM

you can swap 3/4 72 and older and 3/4 73 and newer but the parts are different from 1/2 to 3/4 ton, spindles, hub/rotor and ball joints

cc_bob · 04-20-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qksilver

you can swap 3/4 72 and older and 3/4 73 and newer but the parts are different from 1/2 to 3/4 ton, spindles, hub/rotor and ball joints

Not sure if I understand, are the "A" arms the same?
I was planning on using the spindles, hub/rotor, springs and calipers from the 72. And using the A-Arms, steering box, drag link, sway bar, and tie rod ends from the 74?

Can I do this if I buy a set of 72 ball joints and use them in the 74 A-Arms?

Thanks again for the help.

rkarr · 04-20-2006, 09:58 PM

call early classic enterprises... they may be able to help.. i bought a kit for my 69 from them. they do carry moog parts.

chevy_fatman · 04-21-2006, 12:59 AM

Just change the whole front crossmember with all the suspension, easier that taking everything apart and re-assembling it.

crazy longhorn · 04-21-2006, 09:47 AM

The ball joints,tierod ends are the same from 71-87 on the 3/4 ton trucks, & the a arms should also swap. The 1/2 ton trucks were a 71-72 deal on the parts, & 73- 87 on the next set of yrs. The 1/2 ton lower a arm ,will NOT accept the 3/4 ton ball joint, due to the size of the hole in the arm for the ball joint. If you use the 74, 1/2 ton pcs, I would swap the complete crossmember (as already mentioned), & run it as a 1/2 ton. On the older (67 -72) trucks, the steel bushed UPPER a arms will fit either a 1/2, or 3/4 ton ball joint.....just remember that you need the 3/4 ton LOWER arm ,to stay with the 3/4 ton spindles. best of luck.....

L

04-20-2006, 08:37 PM	#1
cc_bob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Burton, Ohio Posts: 95	72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question Hi, I did a search and found some info on using 73+ parts on the earlier trucks but I couldn't find anything about keeping the 3/4 ton spindles and rotors. My control arms are shot on my 72 c20 and it looks as though it will be several hundred to rebuild what I have, I have a complete front end from a 74 1/2 ton that was rebuilt with new bushings, and all new joints. The 74 was my dad's, he put it together and drove it for one summer and it sat until I bought it for the cab (for a dump I have). I would like to swap everything over to the newer front end and keep the springs, spindles and rotors from the 3/4 ton. Is this possible, or will I run into a bunch of problems? Any and all help will be appreciated. I still may go with new parts if this doesn't work out. A long time ago I found someone who had a complete kit with Moog parts but I can't seem to find it now. Which suppliers carry Moog and have a complete Kit. Thanks, __________________ 67 C10 396 stepside project 72 C20 402 72 K10 SWB (plow truck) 86 K20

04-20-2006, 09:13 PM	#2
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: 72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question you can swap 3/4 72 and older and 3/4 73 and newer but the parts are different from 1/2 to 3/4 ton, spindles, hub/rotor and ball joints

04-20-2006, 09:58 PM	#4
rkarr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 152	Re: 72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question call early classic enterprises... they may be able to help.. i bought a kit for my 69 from them. they do carry moog parts. __________________ Avatar is a pic of "Before"... Just wait.. ---------------- 1969 Fleetside: Shortened frame for SWB, ECE 4-6 drop. ECE SS tank. All new ECE suspension. Rebuilt 12 bolt 3:73 with Eaton Posi. Front and rear disc brakes. Ramjet 350 and 700r-4 trans. 20" Centerline wheels with Kumho 295/45/20 tires (I hope they fit). Progress pics: http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f2...uck/?start=all ---------------- Seriously... It's nothing a large dose of cash can't fix... Right? After all, I can't take it with me when I go... Just gotta have enough to get there!!!

04-21-2006, 12:59 AM	#5
chevy_fatman Where's my beer? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: I live in the state of denial.... Posts: 5,620	Re: 72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question Just change the whole front crossmember with all the suspension, easier that taking everything apart and re-assembling it.

04-21-2006, 09:47 AM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: 72 c20, 74 1/2 ton front end swap question The ball joints,tierod ends are the same from 71-87 on the 3/4 ton trucks, & the a arms should also swap. The 1/2 ton trucks were a 71-72 deal on the parts, & 73- 87 on the next set of yrs. The 1/2 ton lower a arm ,will NOT accept the 3/4 ton ball joint, due to the size of the hole in the arm for the ball joint. If you use the 74, 1/2 ton pcs, I would swap the complete crossmember (as already mentioned), & run it as a 1/2 ton. On the older (67 -72) trucks, the steel bushed UPPER a arms will fit either a 1/2, or 3/4 ton ball joint.....just remember that you need the 3/4 ton LOWER arm ,to stay with the 3/4 ton spindles. best of luck..... L __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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