disk swap question

[griesel72]

Here's the deal. Have a 72 long wide cst-10 and a 70 swb parts truck. I want to use the 70 frame and the 72 suspension, cab, and front clip. Is it easier to swap the whole front crossmember to convert it to a disk brake set up? How hard of job is it to drop the front suspension and get it all lined up again on the 70 frame.

Thanks for the help

david

[Blue68]

If it was me, I'd get all new ball joints, tie rods and brake parts and just swap everything but the crossmember. Depending on your project projections, maybe even swap the control arms after pulling all the parts off the 72 and getting them blasted/powdercoated. Lining up the crossmember isn't that big a deal with some helpful buddies and a good drill (not all the holes exist in the frame). You'll need to grab the plumbing (that might be a reason to swap the crossmember because the lines are mounted differently I believe. Just make sure the drag link and pitman arm are the same before salvaging any thing.

[Southpa]

If the 72 components are in good shape then swapping the whole front x-member with everything attached is a piece of cake, even with the engine still in the truck. Best to go get an alignment done afterwards tho.

I did the same thing after finding a 71 donor truck for my 70. All the frame holes should line up fine. Make sure you can "unscrew" all your crossmember mounting bolts. I had a buddy help me and a few of the bolts put up some resistance. He was in a hurry so he got torch happy on those bolts. End result was me trying to get the bolt stubs out of the crossmember. They were still screwed into the welded-on nuts.

Dropping the susp. is another matter. You could go two routes. Getting the front springs cut or buying and installing dropped spindles. Either way the 72 crossmember components will have to come apart. Another thing, pitman arm splines are different size between power steering and non-power steering trucks. Forgot which is smaller diameter. Good luck and try to have fun.

[griesel72]

Thanks boys

I am going to swap the cab, motor, trans, front clip off the 72 on to the 69 frame. The frame is the only thing i am using from the 69. The ball joints, tie rods and steering is in good shape. I just wanted to do a simple swap of suspension. Is this possible, and how long would it take a guy with moderate knowledge of these trucks?

thanks

david

[Blue68]

To make this type of swap isn't so much as knowledge of the truck. Work wise it's fairly much an unbolt both, pull them slide the 72 under the 69, bolt it up (you'll have to drill one hole on each side) and hook up all the plumbing and steering components.

The trick is if the engine is still in the truck(s) you'll need to support them while you make the swap. Plus, the crossmembers are not light so having a couple of buddies (or one big burly helper) is almost a requirement. We slid mine out and another in in fairly short order (maybe 4 hours). But the other was sitting in the drive way, not under a truck. You'll need a couple of jack stands and the best floor jack you have or can borrow.

There's about 10 bolts holding the crossmember to the frame. You should start spraying wd-40 now and break out the half inch impact to get them loose.

The cross member probably weights a couple hundred pounds when loaded with the brake parts and springs, so use caution when lowering and raising it. Make sure it doesn't hit your jack stands, your knoggin or some appendage.

[griesel72]

Thanks, 68,

The 70 parts truck is a carcus with only the frame and suspension. The 72 has the motor, but i will probably pull it before starting the swap. I have access to a lift, so i thought i would put it up on the lift (1+2 feet up) and use a floor jack and jack stands to support it.

It sounds like there is no real way for me to screw up, so i think i'll dive in and see how it turns out.

Thanks for the help, god knows i wouldn't have started this without some support.

THis board is awesome

thanks again
david

[Blue68]

Sounds like you've got access to the right tools, a basic plan and the right attitude (no, I don't think you can screw it up shy of leaving bolts loose or damaging yourself) so enjoy.

[griesel72]

Ok thanks