68 c20 independant suspension questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TheTodd · 12-25-2019, 10:25 AM

Good morning and Merry Xmas (2019).
I have a 68 c20 camper special and am looking to do a front independent suspension conversion...I'm not the handiest, however, I have friends that are and would help. I know I could buy one for ~5k but I'm looking to see if there is another year that I can swap with? I do want to upgrade to disc brakes as well and would like to keep the same hub caps (as the truck was bought brand new by my grandfather) if possible. The truck is stock minus the motor 396 w/light cam. If I'm missing something here please feel free to blast me, or if I am in the wrong area, please point me in the right way.
Thank you
Todd

**HO455** · 12-25-2019, 10:39 AM

Welcome Aboard and Happy Holidays! Your truck currently has an independent front suspension, so my guess you are looking to convert to disc brakes and maybe convert from 6 lug wheels to 5 lug wheels?
This thread is pretty much the definitive thread on conversions using factory parts.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456889

TheTodd · 12-25-2019, 12:52 PM

Thank you. I obviously was mistaken about the suspension. I know it has the 8 lug rims and they are the 16.5 x 9.5r size. I've read a few different things saying that you can keep the hubcaps with certain gm years' stock rims, then again, I've read the opposite as well. Again thank you for your help and happy holidays.

Mike C · 12-25-2019, 01:09 PM

Tires for the 16.5" rims are a challenge, but you can find 16" wheels and 8 lug disc brakes from either a 71-72 donor or a 73-91 C/V 20 donor. (pickup or suburban).

**HO455** · 12-25-2019, 02:04 PM

If was doing this on a truck needing a suspension rebuild I would do like Mike C said and replace the front suspension with parts from a 73-91. There are some heavier duty brake options available for the later years. You can even swap the entire front crossmember if you want.
With the hubcaps and wheels its all about the details. What hubcaps on what wheels. If you post some pictures of your hubcaps someone should be able to direct you to what wheels to use. Again good information from Mike C about the 16.5 tire selection.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 12-26-2019, 01:18 AM

I would avoid 16's to some extent, and go for 17's if your looking for something special.

16 inch tires are the old standard compared to 17's, and tire selection shows.

I would do 16's if the stock look is very important to you, or if you want the 2000 PYO rims from GM. They are the 8 lug rims that look like a snow flake. They are stupid light, and very strong. My personal fav, but just a bit narrow.

12-25-2019, 10:25 AM	#1
TheTodd Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: NC Posts: 2	68 c20 independant suspension questions Good morning and Merry Xmas (2019). I have a 68 c20 camper special and am looking to do a front independent suspension conversion...I'm not the handiest, however, I have friends that are and would help. I know I could buy one for ~5k but I'm looking to see if there is another year that I can swap with? I do want to upgrade to disc brakes as well and would like to keep the same hub caps (as the truck was bought brand new by my grandfather) if possible. The truck is stock minus the motor 396 w/light cam. If I'm missing something here please feel free to blast me, or if I am in the wrong area, please point me in the right way. Thank you Todd Attached Images

12-25-2019, 10:39 AM	#2
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: 68 c20 independant suspension questions Welcome Aboard and Happy Holidays! Your truck currently has an independent front suspension, so my guess you are looking to convert to disc brakes and maybe convert from 6 lug wheels to 5 lug wheels? This thread is pretty much the definitive thread on conversions using factory parts. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456889 __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

12-25-2019, 12:52 PM	#3
TheTodd Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: NC Posts: 2	Re: 68 c20 independant suspension questions Thank you. I obviously was mistaken about the suspension. I know it has the 8 lug rims and they are the 16.5 x 9.5r size. I've read a few different things saying that you can keep the hubcaps with certain gm years' stock rims, then again, I've read the opposite as well. Again thank you for your help and happy holidays.

12-25-2019, 01:09 PM	#4
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: 68 c20 independant suspension questions Tires for the 16.5" rims are a challenge, but you can find 16" wheels and 8 lug disc brakes from either a 71-72 donor or a 73-91 C/V 20 donor. (pickup or suburban). __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

12-25-2019, 02:04 PM	#5
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: 68 c20 independant suspension questions If was doing this on a truck needing a suspension rebuild I would do like Mike C said and replace the front suspension with parts from a 73-91. There are some heavier duty brake options available for the later years. You can even swap the entire front crossmember if you want. With the hubcaps and wheels its all about the details. What hubcaps on what wheels. If you post some pictures of your hubcaps someone should be able to direct you to what wheels to use. Again good information from Mike C about the 16.5 tire selection. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

12-26-2019, 01:18 AM	#6
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,628	Re: 68 c20 independant suspension questions I would avoid 16's to some extent, and go for 17's if your looking for something special. 16 inch tires are the old standard compared to 17's, and tire selection shows. I would do 16's if the stock look is very important to you, or if you want the 2000 PYO rims from GM. They are the 8 lug rims that look like a snow flake. They are stupid light, and very strong. My personal fav, but just a bit narrow.



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