83 c20 upper and lower control arms on 68 c20

[ThomasW]

Can i swap the upper and lower control arms on my 68 c20 with new 83 c20 control arms?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ThomasW

Can i swap the upper and lower control arms on my 68 c20 with new 83 c20 control arms?

The upper mounting studs for the cross-shaft could possibly be larger for the later model arms if doing a truck to truck swap. I would measure/validate the studs on your '68 & compare them to the '83 upper arm shafts.

I've never messed w/an earlier C20; only 73-87 & later models. But, I have done enough 67-72's & 73-87 C10's to know things changed for the 73 models:

*The bushings on the 73-87 C20-C30 are still the same HD set-up like the earlier trucks.
*BJ's will be different between drum & disc set-ups.
*The later model arms will physically swap over but will require the rest of the package to be updated as well.

[SkidmoreGarage]

I had a complete swap from a 1973-1987 c20 in my 67 c20. I didn't do it myself, but I did have to remove it all.

From what I have learned re-engineering it:

The upper and lower control arms will bolt up but you will need larger lower u-bolts (9/16)
You will need later model spindles, which then will mean ball joints/brakes/wheel bearings/etc.
I think you also need the correct tie rod ends for the later model spindles.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I have never swapped crossmember between generations, but if your wanting to swap the arms. With all the differences there maybe or could be.

Is he not better off to swap the crossmember too at this point?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

I have never swapped crossmember between generations, but if your wanting to swap the arms. With all the differences there maybe or could be.

Is he not better off to swap the crossmember too at this point?

Swapping the x-member makes it easier for ID purposes on what to use so 'yes'. But, swapping x-members between generations can yield other differences since the rails are slightly different.

[SkidmoreGarage]

My 67 c20 to later c20 setup used the stock cross member. I don't see why you would need to change it. I think that all the mounting points are the same.