Front crossmember change on 68

[JMorg]

I have the front crossmember with control arms and spindles from a 1981 chevy to install in my 68 for the disc conversion. My question is what do I have to do for the steering linkage? Before I install and trial and error the situation, I was hoping I could get a heads up on what to use. Certain years trucks or do I need to buy a custom application? 2WD with power steering if that helps. Thanx in advance.

[bbcmudtruck]

My truck already had that conversion when I bought it. I did however replace all the wear items and rebuild the whole assembly. It basically bolts straight in with the exception of having to drill two holes. Everything lines up otherwise. My truck even has the matching brake booster and master. My advice is to get everything to do the swap. You'll need all the steering parts as well.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by JMorg

I have the front crossmember with control arms and spindles from a 1981 chevy to install in my 68 for the disc conversion. My question is what do I have to do for the steering linkage? Before I install and trial and error the situation, I was hoping I could get a heads up on what to use. Certain years trucks or do I need to buy a custom application? 2WD with power steering if that helps. Thanx in advance.

Personally I would swap everything except the crossmember itself.
And use the 1981 steering.
All of it.

Disassemble, inspect, clean and rebuild all parts that need it.
Then it will easily last you 100k miles or more.

[C10_ustacould]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Personally I would swap everything except the crossmember itself.
And use the 1981 steering.
All of it.

Disassemble, inspect, clean and rebuild all parts that need it.
Then it will easily last you 100k miles or more.

+1 If you leave your original crossmember in place you can use factory brake hardlines and conversion rubber brake hoses to simplify your installation. I changed the crossmember on my 68 and wished that I hadn't. The other bonus is you can buy ALL of the replacement parts at your local parts house!

[bbcmudtruck]

Well I'm glad you posted this question, because I'm getting ready to swap all of my stuff over to my new frame! I was going to swap the cross member and all.

[mcm1209]

Im also debating on weather to swap the cross member on not.
I think Im just going to go with the a-arms and leave the original cross member in there.

[JMorg]

Appreciate the info from you all. I will be swapping the crossmember out just due to the fact I have it in powdercoating already. But I do see the advantage of leaving the old one in. I will have to redo all my brake lines but what the hell..Im building for fun and not business or profit, just something else to personalize if as I see fit.

[mcm1209]

That's what I'm doing bud. I found a complete cross member from an 85 for $160. It's all apart right now waiting for sandblasting.