65 panel to 85 chevy??

[kgmunro]

Hi guys I have a 65 gmc panel van I want to update the suspension a bit. Can I use suspension componants from an 85 chevy 1/2 ton 2wd? I already own this truck and was going to use the power train anyways.

[Captainfab]

Yes you can. The '73-'87 trucks front suspensions are basically the same. The one difference is the thickness of the rotors. There are the light duty 1" thick rotors and the more desireable 1.250" thick rotors. Do you plan on a suspension drop? Here is a good bit of info for you.....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=disc+brake

Originally Posted by kgmunro

Hi guys I have a 65 gmc panel van I want to update the suspension a bit. Can I use suspension componants from an 85 chevy 1/2 ton 2wd? I already own this truck and was going to use the power train anyways.

[kgmunro]

So if I want to go from 6 lug to 5 lug I just bolt on the whole arm/spindle assy. right? I would like to leave the xmember in the other truck if possible.
Also can I use the rear diff as well? Iknow there is a suspension difference but are they the same width?

[Captainfab]

If both are the same tonage ie: C10 or C20, then yes you can just change the ball joints, spindles, rotors, etc. The rear differentials increased in width in 1971 by 1.5 inches overall. That is definitely workable as many guys switch to them. You just need to take the extra width (.750" per side) into consideration when selecting tires and wheels.