Disk brake swap

[projectking]

So I found an 86 c10 for sale for $100. Can I use the whole crossmember, master/booster ect for doing the swap?? Will the crossmember bolt right up to my 70 lwb c10?? Also can I use the rear axles to do the 5 lug swap?? I'm not new to working on cars/trucks I just don't know what works with what on these trucks Oh and what else can be used from the 86??

Thanks, Jon

[Jim_PA]

As far as I know, you will have to re-drill your frame to accept the newer crossmember.

I think the booster and master cylinder needs some light massaging as well, but should work based on what I've read here.

I don't think the axles will work, because they used a 10 bolt in 86.... I think 73-76??? 5 lug axles would work though.

[projectking]

So by using the crossmember as a whole i don't need to mix and match anything, steering and all?? I searched DISK BRAKE CONVERSION and found a bunch about using the stock crossmember 3/4 ton a-arms ect, is there a specific thread for the crossmember swap??

[ghetto_superman]

the crossmember will all bolt up except there will be one hole (maybe more)on each side that you will need to drill. direct swap otherwise as far as i know.

[Geezer]

It’s an easy swap. Once I had all the bolts in that would go, 10 I think, I had to drill 4 holes to match using an 88 suburban crossmember. I used the steering box, brake lines and proportioning valve too but I bought the 72 disc brake booster master cylinder combo from the zone.

[arkracing]

As far as the front end - everything I've seen/read says that the whole front clip will bolt in and then might have a few extra holes to drill. I actaully used the '73+ Upper and Lower control arms on my '69 Crossmember and used all the '73 Steering and suspension components - but had to use '71/'72 Front Brake Hoses. You'll need the Prop Valve on the front most crossmember off the '86 - especially if you use the rear end as well. Brake booster will work - modify to fit


as far as the rear axle goes - all you would need to do is cut the axle perches of both rear ends and attach the '70's perches to the '86 (if you have the equipment to do that.

I'm not sure about the widths on the rear ends - but they should be pretty close

[projectking]

I have non power brakes now so by drilling the firewall and instaliing the booster/master and pedal assembly from the 86 shouldn't be a problem then? Or do I need the 72 stuff?

[trkklr77]

the rear axle shafts may work if you swap all the brakes over with them, the 73+ 12b are like 3"? wider than the 72-.

the front disc swap that needs 3/4t lower a arms is for the 6 lug 88+ truck spindle swap, every thing from the 73-87 suspension will swap. 88-91 suburbans are the same as 73-87.

you WILL need to to drill at leaast 2 holes every thing else will line up, you may need to fudge a few but i left everything loose while fitting it in and the rest fit fine. you should only NEED!! to to drill the forward upper arm support bolt hole on each side, it is very easy to get once you take the tire off.

[projectking]

Awesome, thanks for all the replies!!!! It is really great that everyone here is willing to help out. Tomorrow i'll be buying the 86 for sure!!!

[projectking]

Well I forgot to ask about the gas tank, it too can be swapped?

[trkklr77]

no, there is a ton of differences.

the cab is not shaped right to fit the saddle tank.
the rear cab mount is on the outside of the frame on the 72-, it needs to be inside like73+.
the frame shape is different and the mounts would need have new nuts welded to the brackets to make them line up with the 72- frames.

a common swap is to put a 67-91 blazer tank in the rear of the frame and eliminate the spare tire holder.

[projectking]

So will 73-76 5 lug axels work in the 70 12 bolt rearend??

[8696steve]

I have been wondering the same thing about the two rear ends. Are the widths the same?

[grayw0lf]

I'm curious to see how it works out. Let us know.