1961 C30 Suspension and Brakes Conversion

[MichaelNicholas]

Hello
I just bought a 1961 Apache C30 1 ton truck. While scouring through the Internet looking for upgrade parts, I realized that a disc brake conversion kit is not available for my particular truck. When completed, I want to still use the original 8 lug wheels and (dually) tires. Additionally, I had planned to retrofit springs and shocks to replace the torsion bar suspension.

As a workaround, I am wondering about finding a donor 1 ton truck from the mid 60's to mid 70's, swapping out the front suspension and changing the rear end. The assumption is that the donor parts would be 8 lug and of equal strength. I then would hopefully be able to buy an 8 lug, 4 wheel disc brake conversion kit. Again, important that I can still use my original 7x18 wheels and tires.

I read somewhere, likely on this forum, that a user swapped out his torsion bar suspension with 73ish (if memory serves) parts and that it was practically bolt-on. He said he had to drill one hole.

My home setup is not equipped to do a bunch of cutting, fabbing and welding, so I am hoping that the vast knowledge and experience on this forum will be able to find any flaws in my plan and whether I can use my 1961 era wheels.

Thank you, in advance, for your help

Michael

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum Michael

What you need is a '71-'87 C30 donor truck. You will have to change the entire front suspension including the crossmember. On the '60-'62's you have to drill more than 1 hole per side. When you change the differential, the later model spring pads may not be in the correct location for your '61. I'm assuming your C30 has leaf springs in the rear? I don't know for certain that you can use your original wheels but I don't see why not. The only thing I would question on them is the diameter of the center hole being large enough for the later model hubs. That could easily be remedied at a machine shop.

I can help you with the power steering box adapter plate and the power brake booster bracket when you get to that point.

[72cs20]

When disc brakes were introduced, the wheel lug size was increased to 9/16 from 1/2 inch. You'll need to be aware of this if you want to use your original wheels.

[MichaelNicholas]

Captainfab,

Thank you for that info. Can I ask, wouldn't a '63 or '64 front end be more compatible? I have no direct knowledge about this setup, just seems the closer in manufacture year the less radical the design changes?

Michael

[MichaelNicholas]

Originally Posted by 72cs20

When disc brakes were introduced, the wheel lug size was increased to 9/16 from 1/2 inch. You'll need to be aware of this if you want to use your original wheels.

Oh boy, sounds like an issue.

Thank you guys very much for the insight. Let the planning phase begin!
Michael

[Captainfab]

I see no point is swapping in another drum brake front suspension. I thought you wanted disc brakes? Opening up the wheel stud holes a little and increasing the taper a little is not a big deal.

Originally Posted by MichaelNicholas

Captainfab,

Thank you for that info. Can I ask, wouldn't a '63 or '64 front end be more compatible? I have no direct knowledge about this setup, just seems the closer in manufacture year the less radical the design changes?

Michael

[MichaelNicholas]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I see no point is swapping in another drum brake front suspension. I thought you wanted disc brakes? Opening up the wheel stud holes a little and increasing the taper a little is not a big deal.

Got it! I had it in my head that we were talking about two separate jobs. Of course I should change the suspension with one that already has disc brakes! Don't know why I didn't pick up on that.

Thank you for the info!

Michael

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by MichaelNicholas

Got it! I had it in my head that we were talking about two separate jobs. Of course I should change the suspension with one that already has disc brakes! Don't know why I didn't pick up on that.

Thank you for the info!

Michael

I picked up an '05 (ish) 2500HD 14BFF rear axle that already had the disc brakes and the parking brake from the factory. Caliper to caliper including pads and e brake cables. 400. I would bet dollars to donuts that there is a dually setup that came from the factory on either a 14 bolt or Dana 70 platform.

That axle actually cost less than me getting a conversion kit, then figuring out the e brake / parking brake set up IMO.

['63GENIII]

Pics. Cant remember if it was an '05 or '07. I did stamp the year on the back of one of the tubes so I don't forget when buying parts.