68 c20 independant suspension questions

[TheTodd]

Good morning and Merry Xmas (2019).
I have a 68 c20 camper special and am looking to do a front independent suspension conversion...I'm not the handiest, however, I have friends that are and would help. I know I could buy one for ~5k but I'm looking to see if there is another year that I can swap with? I do want to upgrade to disc brakes as well and would like to keep the same hub caps (as the truck was bought brand new by my grandfather) if possible. The truck is stock minus the motor 396 w/light cam. If I'm missing something here please feel free to blast me, or if I am in the wrong area, please point me in the right way.
Thank you
Todd

[HO455]

Welcome Aboard and Happy Holidays! Your truck currently has an independent front suspension, so my guess you are looking to convert to disc brakes and maybe convert from 6 lug wheels to 5 lug wheels?
This thread is pretty much the definitive thread on conversions using factory parts.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456889

[TheTodd]

Thank you. I obviously was mistaken about the suspension. I know it has the 8 lug rims and they are the 16.5 x 9.5r size. I've read a few different things saying that you can keep the hubcaps with certain gm years' stock rims, then again, I've read the opposite as well. Again thank you for your help and happy holidays.

[Mike C]

Tires for the 16.5" rims are a challenge, but you can find 16" wheels and 8 lug disc brakes from either a 71-72 donor or a 73-91 C/V 20 donor. (pickup or suburban).

[HO455]

If was doing this on a truck needing a suspension rebuild I would do like Mike C said and replace the front suspension with parts from a 73-91. There are some heavier duty brake options available for the later years. You can even swap the entire front crossmember if you want.
With the hubcaps and wheels its all about the details. What hubcaps on what wheels. If you post some pictures of your hubcaps someone should be able to direct you to what wheels to use. Again good information from Mike C about the 16.5 tire selection.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I would avoid 16's to some extent, and go for 17's if your looking for something special.

16 inch tires are the old standard compared to 17's, and tire selection shows.

I would do 16's if the stock look is very important to you, or if you want the 2000 PYO rims from GM. They are the 8 lug rims that look like a snow flake. They are stupid light, and very strong. My personal fav, but just a bit narrow.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

I would avoid 16's to some extent, and go for 17's if your looking for something special.

16 inch tires are the old standard compared to 17's, and tire selection shows.

I would do 16's if the stock look is very important to you, or if you want the 2000 PYO rims from GM. They are the 8 lug rims that look like a snow flake. They are stupid light, and very strong. My personal fav, but just a bit narrow.

The OP stated he is looking to keep his hub caps. Will any of the wheels you suggested allow him to mount them?

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Wheel Vintiques used has a set that did that in 17's.

I like 16's for the pyo rims, but tire selection compared to 17's is thin.