Found a Donor Truck - need advice

[shlickster]

I found a donor '72 Chevy for my '67 GMC project. Will the disc brakes just swap across? Also, being the '72 is a 5-bolt truck, I will need to change the rear axles in my '67 as they are 6-bolt. Can I just swap axle shafts or how do you tell if they before hand if they fit?

[1fun71]

I think the axles are different widths between those years, somebody will let you know for sure.

[70C10Step]

Yes the front brakes would work. As far as the back I would swap the whole rear end which I am doing with my truck. Mine is a little different because I am swapping in the trailing arms and getting rid of my leafs. I also think for the front you have to use the 72 ball joints etc. There are a couple of tech articles and other threads that will guide you in the right direction.

[HeavyD]

I would swap the whole rear..it will need a blast and paint anyway, so might as well do up the 5 bolt.

[mtndewmaniac66]

I was looking for answers and I found this link which may help you out as well.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ake+conversion

The easiest route (I have found so far) is to use the crossmember from the donor truck, that way everything is allready in place, and to also use the rear axle from the same truck to keep the same lug pattern. It is quite possibly the cheapest way to go also, as you know that anyone can pick up a used truck for around 5 bills vs purchasing all the parts separately, which could run up to, if not more than a grand or two. (plus the power steering system is there also)

BUT, I am sure that there are a hundred other ways that these fine people on this board can tell you.

[shlickster]

In regards to donor trucks, I would love to find one with disc brakes AND power steering. What years would work on the '67? Am I looking at 67-84 or something like that?

[PanelDeland]

I think it's 86 for PU and Subs to 88 IIRC.If not someone will correct me.Make sure you get MC,Booster and the distribution block/proportioning valve.Might want to grab the lines unless you are good at bending tubing and doing double flares.You will want to know what year in case you need to replace something and you should use the whole crossmember with the steering since the tie rod ends etc. are different.
If you search there are a ton of FAQ's on the swap so read them to educate yourself.