Changing front crossmember

[fasteddie1964]

Are there any advantages to changing out the complete frontend as opposed to just changing spindles from donor frontend and draglink and tierods?

[lolife99]

None,... since they started making "year specific" drop spindles for 60-62, and 63-70 drum brake truck owners, that want to install disc brakes.

20 years ago, donor front ends were a good swap,... because they could be found in great condition and installed with no mods.
Now all the donor crossmembers are just as wore out (and need to be rebuilt) just like the one in your truck.

[fasteddie1964]

Originally Posted by lolife99

None,... since they started making "year specific" drop spindles for 60-62, and 63-70 drum brake truck owners, that want to install disc brakes.

20 years ago, donor front ends were a good swap,... because they could be found in great condition and installed with no mods.
Now all the donor crossmembers are just as wore out (and need to be rebuilt) just like the one in your truck.

Will the upper and lower control arms interchange? I notice the old style has grease fitting and the later model has rubber bushings. I'm thinking the later would give a smoother ride, is that correct?

[lolife99]

They will interchange.
I dont think you will notice anything smoother about the ride.
Rebuild parts might be slightly cheaper using the 73-87 parts.
If you do decide to switch to 73-87 stuff,... get everything.
Steering linkage included.
No need to change the crossmember though.
Just from the a-arms out.

[fasteddie1964]

Originally Posted by lolife99

They will interchange.
I dont think you will notice anything smoother about the ride.
Rebuild parts might be slightly cheaper using the 73-87 parts.
If you do decide to switch to 73-87 stuff,... get everything.
Steering linkage included.
No need to change the crossmember though.
Just from the a-arms out.

Thanks Man. the guy I'm getting it from is gonna sell for scrap metal after parting. I might be able to get a-arms and everything needed without crossmember cheaper. He'll still have the extra weight of crossmember.

[lolife99]

Grab the P/S box too,... if he has it.
It's a great way to upgrade to power steering.
All you need is a set of P/S frame brackets from member/vendor Captainfab.