1968 C10 Newbie...Lost Need Help w/Frame-Off Project

[Merican68C10]

First and foremost I'd like to say all of you here have a good thing going with this site! LOTS of information here (almost too much to try and take in, lol)!

I'm new to the site and also to owning a 1968 C10 (Originally a GMC leaf spring C10). When I bought the truck this summer I thought...."change a few things and ride it to cruise night!".....in reality drove it 5 miles and now have tore it down to it's last nut to perform my first "frame off"! LOL Why do guys do that?!

I've tried to read through all of the overwhelming data on this forum among others and am exhausted. There's too much to take in it feels!

What I currently have:

*1968 C10 (Originally a GMC V8/Rear Leaf Setup) now Chevy front end and tailgate. Suspension still same. I just tore down truck entirely and am literally starting from ground up, just sandblasted and painted the OE frame and front cross member last week and now want to start with front suspension (disc conversion, rims and lowering kit).

1. I currently have 17x8 (5" backspace) front rims and 17x9 (5" backspace) rear rims (5x5 Lug) that I would like to use for the project.

2. I currently have a Power Booster and Proportional Valve for front disc/rear drum setup.


What I'm looking to do:

1. Convert front 6-lug drum to 5-Lug Disc (5x5 Bolt Pattern)

2. Lower truck (4.5 Front/5-6 Rear) Was thinking: 2.5" drop spindles & 2" lowering springs in front/ either flip kit and shackles in back on Dana or GM. Would like as low as I can go without wheel rub or c-notching of frame. Nice static drop 3.5/5 or 4.5/6 ish!

3. Convert rear Dana 44 Splicer 6-Lug Drum to 5-Lug Drum (5x5 Bolt Pattern) or replace with GM 12-Bolt drum or disc


I have looked into Performance Online.com and CPP.com however am not sure what kit to get for the front suspension. I don't mind spending more money as long as the setup is better! On the flip side I don't want to just throw money out the window on a truck that will just be doing some burn outs and cruise nights!

I'm completely lost when it comes to this and am afraid of ordering the wrong components time and time again. Would like to buy right from the start. Any advice would be great and very appreciated! I thank all of you in advance that "dare to care" lol!