How do I convert a 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton suspension? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WB72 · 07-13-2003, 12:09 PM

I have a donor rolling 71 C10 frame that I would like to use the suspension from on my 72 C20. What peices do I need to take from the C10?

Front:
Will I need ball joints and tie rod ends as well as the upper and lower control arns to fit the C10 spindle?

Rear:
Both units have coils, will the rear end simply replace the C20 unit?

I will be using new springs both front and rear, but I believe the C10 and the C20 can interchange, is this correct?

FRENCHBLUE72 · 07-13-2003, 12:23 PM

When I changed mine over I unbolted the whole 3/4 ton cross member and swaped it with the 1/2 to bolted right in. As for the rear just unbolt the axle and swap it out with the 1/2 ton . The only problem I had was different rear brake line set-up ,which I have not resolved yet. Did I miss anything.

crazy longhorn · 07-13-2003, 06:30 PM

The crossmember, & the upper a arms will work from the c 20. You need to swap the lower a arms(due to ball joint size), & the balljoints ,spindles ,ect from the 1/2 ton truck. If you have the steer linkage, you will be ahead of the game. I dont think you will find a difference in the center link, but the outer tierod ends will be different on the 1/2 ton. at the rear, the diff will bolt in, but I beleive you will need the track bar & bracket from the 1/2 ton truck to make the swap complete. u joint sizes will also be different, as well as d shaft lenghts. Good luck,crazyL

spinning wheels · 07-13-2003, 07:59 PM

Other than not having the 8 lug wheels. What advantage would you get installing smaller suspension parts?

crazy longhorn · 07-13-2003, 08:06 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by spinning wheels
Other than not having the 8 lug wheels. What advantage would you get installing smaller suspension parts? [/QUO A lower stance, smoother ride, less unsprung weight.......& a more fun truck

crazyL, rowin 6 of em, with a big @ss smile

WB72 · 07-13-2003, 09:42 PM

The biggest advantage, for me, would be to be able to get drop spindles.

07-13-2003, 12:09 PM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	How do I convert a 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton suspension? I have a donor rolling 71 C10 frame that I would like to use the suspension from on my 72 C20. What peices do I need to take from the C10? Front: Will I need ball joints and tie rod ends as well as the upper and lower control arns to fit the C10 spindle? Rear: Both units have coils, will the rear end simply replace the C20 unit? I will be using new springs both front and rear, but I believe the C10 and the C20 can interchange, is this correct? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

07-13-2003, 12:23 PM	#2
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	When I changed mine over I unbolted the whole 3/4 ton cross member and swaped it with the 1/2 to bolted right in. As for the rear just unbolt the axle and swap it out with the 1/2 ton . The only problem I had was different rear brake line set-up ,which I have not resolved yet. Did I miss anything. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

07-13-2003, 06:30 PM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	The crossmember, & the upper a arms will work from the c 20. You need to swap the lower a arms(due to ball joint size), & the balljoints ,spindles ,ect from the 1/2 ton truck. If you have the steer linkage, you will be ahead of the game. I dont think you will find a difference in the center link, but the outer tierod ends will be different on the 1/2 ton. at the rear, the diff will bolt in, but I beleive you will need the track bar & bracket from the 1/2 ton truck to make the swap complete. u joint sizes will also be different, as well as d shaft lenghts. Good luck,crazyL __________________ 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....

07-13-2003, 07:59 PM	#4
spinning wheels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Hacienda Heights, California USA Posts: 474	Other than not having the 8 lug wheels. What advantage would you get installing smaller suspension parts? __________________ '72 GMC custom camper 350/350

07-13-2003, 08:06 PM	#5
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	[QUOTE]Originally posted by spinning wheels Other than not having the 8 lug wheels. What advantage would you get installing smaller suspension parts? [/QUO A lower stance, smoother ride, less unsprung weight.......& a more fun truck crazyL, rowin 6 of em, with a big @ss smile __________________ 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....

07-13-2003, 09:42 PM	#6
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	The biggest advantage, for me, would be to be able to get drop spindles. __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA



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