Newbie with some questions...

[TruckintheBoro]

Hi Guys,

I have a '67 C10 that I've been driving about 6 years. (original 283 with a 5 speed manual on the floor from a '92 Silverado). I bought it just to have a basic truck for weekend projects and a buddy recommended this generation Chevy for a lot of reasons. To be clear I am NOT a car/truck hobbyist so apologies if my questions are naive! I'm now making a big push to get it running reliably and safely...replacing the engine with a 350 that's being rebuilt locally, and then improving steering and brakes. The engine installation will either be me and my friend or the mechanic who works on this vehicle with distressing regularity. :-) The questions I have related to the steering and brakes.

Last summer the steering shaft literally sheared in two while I was slowly turning a 180 in the street. The lower bearing had failed and slowly scored the shaft over probably years until if failed under load. I had a hard time finding a replacement shaft, so the mechanic had the old one welded back together and reinstalled it with new bearings. The steering is loose still and my mechanic suggested replacing the gear box. I want to replace that welded shaft as well and figured I should probably either get a whole new column or have someone rebuild the existing column if they can find a shaft (mine is not a tilt column...just straight and I'm fine with that). So my questions: I assume a rebuilt gear box would be all right and would save some money. Any suggestions on where to get one? Do I need something specific for my truck or are they standard for the '67-'72? And what do people think about the steering column...should it be possible to find someone to rebuild the one I have or is it faster/easier to just buy one online already rebuilt (and if the latter where should I look)?

My other question is about the brakes. I want to swap out the front drum brakes for disc. I have the original 15 inch 6-lug wheels. I see that both CPP and POL sell kits for making the swap at ~$800. But both kits say this "may" not work with the original wheels. My buddy says this is because the 15 in wheels aren't big enough to leave clearance for the calipers. Is that the issue? So I'd need to buy a new set of rims and tires for all 4 wheels? Not a deal breaker, but a bummer. There's probably an extensive thread on this that someone will point me to.

Thanks for any help! Sam in North Carolina

[Stephen717]

Not sure on the steering column but the box I want to say as long as it's from a 1988 or older model Chevy or GMC truck you should be fine, can be either power or manual steering but if you go power just imho I'd stay away from hydro boost, I've heard people say a lot of good things about it but I've experienced when it fails and it's not a fun feeling loosing both your breaks and power steering when going down a hill with a fully loaded truck.

As for the brakes if they're original like my old 15s are then they're a 2 piece rim that is riveted on the back side, the rivets hit the calipers and keep the wheel from moving, I had the same problem with a set of 16" split rims on a 3/4 ton frame which is why I'm looking for a set of 17" rims now from a dodge. For you a 16" rim would be fine with those two kits from a Squarebody or gmt400 truck since they're the same bolt pattern.

Also welcome to the club, there's a lot of great guys and gals here who will offer more help than I can but I'll help where I can

[Grumpy old man]

WHOA ! , STOP right there . The 67 steering column is it's own animal and if it's been welded it's garbage , Do yourself a huge favor and pick ONE project at a time . You can save yourself a lot of time and money by posting some pictures of what you have now as far as the engine and steering , Once you start mixing different year / model parts you'll end up with a franken truck and cause yourself a lot of grief in the long run . Pictures, Pictures, Pictures !

[special-K]

You can find a good used steering column. You can use a 69-72 "complete shaft". I say complete because those are two piece. They are also collapsible for safety. If you go with power steering, that also changed in '69. There is a slight alteration rewuired to munt the 69-up steering box.

The original 6-lug wheels won't fit the rotor/caliper, as they are of a profile made only to clear drums. '71-up 4wd K/5s and K/10s had 6-lug wheels and disc brakes, so those wheels will work. Also any aftermarket wheel will fit. You can tell the drum brake wheels by the 3 hubcap nubs. The disc brake wheels have 4 nubs

[TruckintheBoro]

Thanks Stephen

[TruckintheBoro]

Thanks for the advice. I'll post pictures soon.

[TruckintheBoro]

Thanks Special-K That's helpful information!

[Grumpy old man]

I recently went thru all the parts chasing for my 67 Short bed to upgrade the steering / Brakes / and adding power steering and a new tilt steering column . These threads may help you with your project .

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800983

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=798752

prices are more than likely higher now .

[68 C10 Driver]

I definitely side with Grumpy in regards to the steering shaft, that needs to be replaced! LMC, Brothers, Eklers all sell new steering columns...both fixed and tilt. Steering and brakes are two things you really do not want to skimp on or 'band-aid'.

Look forward to see the pics and how the project goes.

[GASoline71]

I fit 15" slot mags on the front of a 1972 with stock disc brakes by grinding the backs of the calipers flat and have about 1/8" clearance from the wheel to the caliper.

If you're spending the cash on a mechanic to work on this rig every single time there is a problem, it's probably getting pretty spendy. Maybe think about a reliable daily that doesn't need "old truck maintenance" and start into this truck as a hobbyist.

Gary