73-87 suspension swap ???

[coreyslude]

Just to make sure i have this right. The fifth part about using the existing crossmember, I would use the control arms, spindles, tie rods, everything from the 73-87 and nothing from the 1967 that i have but the actual crossmember? And any aftermarket parts i buy drop spindles etc would be the 73-87 stuff? Sorry to beat a dead horse just making sure.


67-70 truck with

73-87 Crossmember Not Yet Installed:
1) Your donor 73-87 crossmember came from the factory with disc brakes.
* This swap is almost a direct bolt in, with just a few holes to drill/elongate.

2) The preferred method is to use all of the 73-87 steering linkage:
* This includes the centerlink, inner and outer tie rods, idler arm and steering box. (A great way to gain P/S)

3) If you must use the 67-70 steering components, you will need to change the tie rods:
* The 67-70 inner and outer tie rods are a smaller diameter (5/8") vs. the 73-87 tie rods larger diameter (11/16").
* The 67-70 tie rods are also the opposite thread direction of the 73-87 tie rods.
* 67-70 inner is RH thread vs. 73-87 inner which is LH thread.
* 67-70 outer is LH thread vs. 73-87 outer which is RH thread.

3.1) So to connect the 73-87 spindle to the 67-70 steering centerlink you must use a:
* 67-70 outer tie rod (LH thread) in the inner location.
* connect that to a tie rod "conversion sleeve". (these are sold by many aftermarket suspension companies).
* use a 73-87 outer (RH thread) to connect to your 73-87 spindle.
* Again,... it's much simpler to use all of the 73-87 steering components.

4) Connecting the 73-87 rubber brake lines to the 67-70 steel lines, may require steel line fabrication, or brass "inverted flare" adapters.

5) You can also just swap all the components, from the a-arms out,... and leave your original 67-70 crossmember in place.
* This will require you to completly disassemble both the original 67-70 suspension and the 73-87 donor suspension.
* This is also a good time to clean, inspect, replace or rebuild any needed components.