1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65stepside · 11-06-2007, 11:55 PM

Will it work with just bolting it up and taking all the torsion bars and front 1960 crossmember out? thx in advance
Jason

Revin68 · 11-09-2007, 04:45 PM

I'm about to try that conversion myself. Just bought a '73 1/2 ton frame for the front suspension and the 12 bolt 3.08:1 rear. I plan on just unbolting the old torsionbar suspension on my '60. Supposed to be an almost direct bolt in with only a couple of holes to drill. The guy who sold me the '73 however, told me that the torsion frames are about a 1/2" narrower. I will be putting a tape measure to it soon and will let you know. If so, I can probably make spacers out of 1/4" plate.

Robert

Imperial Kustom · 11-09-2007, 09:00 PM

I did this conversion on my '62. It was pretty easy, but not a direct bolt in, and the crossmember was a '63. Only two of the holes lined up, so some had to be drilled new, and others had only to be opened up. The frame rails needed to be pinched about a half inch per side, but it was easy. These frames are pretty flimsy. I used the '62 steering because it cleared the best ( but my crossmember has fabbed ends). All in all it was pretty simple. Just make sure you have good sharp drill bits!!!!

62ChevyStep · 11-10-2007, 12:34 AM

ditto on imperials comments

I used a 86' crossmember

65stepside · 11-10-2007, 04:30 AM

When you guys say pinch, do you mean squeeze them towards each other?
I'm looking at a 78 3/4 ton off craigslist has a 350 w/4 spd for $500. Seems reasonable the guys "desperate" to get rid of it, so i'm trying to wait it out to see if i can get it cheaper. He about cried when I told him I was gonna tear it apart....

Imperial Kustom · 11-10-2007, 09:57 PM

Yes! Move them toward eachother.

11-06-2007, 11:55 PM	#1
65stepside Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 113	1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... Will it work with just bolting it up and taking all the torsion bars and front 1960 crossmember out? thx in advance Jason __________________ 1930 Olds 5 Window Coupe 1960 Chevy 1/2 Short Stepside on 1965 Frame 350/350 1960 Chevy 1/2 3'' Chop Short Stepside "FOR SALE!!!" 1966 Toronado 1971 Cutlass 1972 442 1978 Chevy 1/2 Long Fleetside 2001 Dodge 2500

11-09-2007, 04:45 PM	#2
Revin68 Recreational Grease Monkey Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tulsa, OK - Facebook@Robert E. Vavrinak Posts: 82	Re: 1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... I'm about to try that conversion myself. Just bought a '73 1/2 ton frame for the front suspension and the 12 bolt 3.08:1 rear. I plan on just unbolting the old torsionbar suspension on my '60. Supposed to be an almost direct bolt in with only a couple of holes to drill. The guy who sold me the '73 however, told me that the torsion frames are about a 1/2" narrower. I will be putting a tape measure to it soon and will let you know. If so, I can probably make spacers out of 1/4" plate. Robert

11-09-2007, 09:00 PM	#3
Imperial Kustom 100% gearhead Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 313	Re: 1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... I did this conversion on my '62. It was pretty easy, but not a direct bolt in, and the crossmember was a '63. Only two of the holes lined up, so some had to be drilled new, and others had only to be opened up. The frame rails needed to be pinched about a half inch per side, but it was easy. These frames are pretty flimsy. I used the '62 steering because it cleared the best ( but my crossmember has fabbed ends). All in all it was pretty simple. Just make sure you have good sharp drill bits!!!! Attached Images

11-10-2007, 12:34 AM	#4
62ChevyStep Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portales, NM Posts: 359	Re: 1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... ditto on imperials comments I used a 86' crossmember __________________ ________________________ 62' 3.5/5 drop SWB Fleet, PS, PB-Dsk/Drm,350/700R4 08' Chevrolet Silverado CrewCab 05'Toyota Tacoma Prerunner SR5

11-10-2007, 04:30 AM	#5
65stepside Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 113	Re: 1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... When you guys say pinch, do you mean squeeze them towards each other? I'm looking at a 78 3/4 ton off craigslist has a 350 w/4 spd for $500. Seems reasonable the guys "desperate" to get rid of it, so i'm trying to wait it out to see if i can get it cheaper. He about cried when I told him I was gonna tear it apart.... __________________ 1930 Olds 5 Window Coupe 1960 Chevy 1/2 Short Stepside on 1965 Frame 350/350 1960 Chevy 1/2 3'' Chop Short Stepside "FOR SALE!!!" 1966 Toronado 1971 Cutlass 1972 442 1978 Chevy 1/2 Long Fleetside 2001 Dodge 2500

11-10-2007, 09:57 PM	#6
Imperial Kustom 100% gearhead Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 313	Re: 1978 3/4 ton crossmember into a 1/2 ton 1960 with torsion bars... Yes! Move them toward eachother.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.