Chevy parts swap?

[gripnrip]

Has anyone had any experience using fullsize van parts for updating theire 67-68 truck? Particularly the suspension, frame, and running gear?

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Practically nothing will fit. The van has a wider track. It does not have a frame like a pickup. The step vans are very similar chassis.

[AusTruck]

There seems to be some broad misunderstanding about Chevy vans here on this board. I'm the original owner of a 1978 G20 3/4 ton Chevy Van. Still have it although its looking poorly these days, but solid as ever. It most certainly does have a full frame. IT is NOT a unibody suspension. Front suspension is unequal length A-arms using 5-on-5 12" disk brakes. The rear end is leaf springs with a Dana 60 rear end, positraction in my case. Rear brakes are 11" standard truck drum brakes.

I'm going to be doing some measuring and picture taking to see if I can swap out the front disks and Dana rear into my 69 C-10. Along with using a bunch of other parts. I have heard that the track width is different (wider) on Vans, but is the same width as on other similar vintage (73-88) Chevy trucks. So as far as I know, using the Van suspension will move your wheels outward the same 3/4" per side as will using the suspension from a truck.

All this is contingent on the perma-rain finally slowing or stopping down here in Texas.

[Longhorn Man]

I think wrench rat ment the frame is not like the trucks frame, which, it isn't. If memory serves (and your tape measure will confirm/deny) the van frame is wider than the truck's frame, and the A arms don't stick out as much/have a shorter reach.

[gripnrip]

Interesting facts, I have never done any measuring on a van frame, I have a 77 GMC camper van in nice shape that I don't want to part but I found a complet 78 chevy van that I think I can get for $150, It has a 350 with an automatic but I don't know what tranny exactly. I know I can use the seats wheels and possibly the tranny, and the tilt column. I'd like to have the suspension and disc brakes for my 67 shorty,
I'd post pics but I don't think macs conform well here even if the pics are compressed.

[gripnrip]

As it turns out the only parts I'll be using off of the 67 is the 292 the frame and the grill. the hood fenders cab and bed are just too far gone. Fortunately my neighbor has offered me a cab and bed. I have a hood and doors from another salvage. This is looking like a long term project.

[junkyardjohn]

THE SIDE MARKERS, ARMRESTS & LICENSE PLATE BUCKETS ARE THE SAME. I'M NOT SURE OF THE CUT-OFF YEAR, BUT SEEMS LIKE 77 OR 78. EVEN THE NEWER ONE PIECE SIDE MARKERS ARE THE SAME SIZE & LOOK PRETTY NICE ON THESE OLD TRUCKS. JOHN

[gripnrip]

Thanks JYJ, I didn't even think of those smaller parts.