1/2 to 3/4 swap?

[True Grit]

I use my truck alot, and i would like to convert it to 3/4 ton.Problem is there are not alot of doners around, but i'm told that i can use alot of parts from the 73-87 models, is there any truth in this?I'm told i can use the spindles if i change the ball joints and outer tie rods. What about the front coils? By the way it's a 71 GMC (rear leafs).I can find a rear end from a later model and replace the spring mounts. Any help/advise would be great. Thanks in advance.

[True Grit]

I use my truck alot, and i would like to convert it to 3/4 ton.Problem is there are not alot of doners around, but i'm told that i can use alot of parts from the 73-87 models, is there any truth in this?I'm told i can use the spindles if i change the ball joints and outer tie rods. What about the front coils? By the way it's a 71 GMC (rear leafs).I can find a rear end from a later model and replace the spring mounts. Any help/advise would be great. Thanks in advance.

[extd56]

I have a 1991 3/4 ton suburban which is the old body style that would work on your truck. You can use all the way up tp 1991 on the burbs and the blazer and up to 1987 on the trucks, all you have to do is drill 2 new holes and enlarge 2 other holes and you are done. I used a 1976 front suspension on a 67 and ti worked out sweet.I am using the motor and trans out of the burb and the gas tank in my 69. Too bad you are so far away.

[True Grit]

drill what holes?

[extd56]

AS I recall putting the new front cradle on the 67 there are 7 bolts on each side that go in the frame. 5 of them line up exactly, 1 hole needs to be slightly enlarged as it is a little bit off, and the other hole does not line up at all and needs to be drilled. This is a easy task after putting in the other bolts it is easy to see where the hole needs to be drilled. It took me about a 1/2 hour after the old front end was out.

[True Grit]

no can do. This is a daily driver for sure. I just want to swap from the spindles out (spindles, calipers, upper and lower ball joints, and of course the front springs.)

[72longbed]

I have a complete 72 front C20 suspension, including the crossmember, for sale on the Parts Board if you are interested. Everything on it has been replaced with new parts.

72longbed

[True Grit]

so far away, so little money!

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by True Grit

no can do. This is a daily driver for sure. I just want to swap from the spindles out (spindles, calipers, upper and lower ball joints, and of course the front springs.)

Lower A arms, upper & lower ball joints, & the outer tierod ends should get you that swap...... L oops forgot spindles(you knew that tho)

[krue]

Originally Posted by True Grit

no can do. This is a daily driver for sure. I just want to swap from the spindles out (spindles, calipers, upper and lower ball joints, and of course the front springs.)

What do you mean? You don't have the time to do it? It seems like it would be a lot easier to unbolt one xmember roll it out and bolt the new one in than to swap all the parts. That's how I plan on going to disc brakes. That way if you do want to rebuild the donor front end you can do that prior to the swap.

[72longbed]

And my C20 front end is a 'TRUE' 3/4 ton front end, Complete! All parts and pieces, 3/4 ton. From wheel studs to brake lines, and everything in between, 3/4 ton. All Rebuilt.
It can be strapped to a palat and shipped out to you, no problem.

PM me for a great deal.
Thanks,
72longbed