I need some direction... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gulffishin · 10-16-2010, 09:08 PM

OK, I need some advice on what order I should complete various upgrades on my truck.

I would like to upgrade to power steering and power brakes (disk on front drum on back) and replace my old springs and shocks with new (factory ride height) springs/shocks.

I am also thinking about upgrading to an auto trans too, but I'm still on the fence with that one.

I would like to know what order should these upgrades be done.

Should I do the brakes first then the steering then the springs?

Nothing is in any real need of replacement, but I would like for it to be a little more user friendly for when my wife drives it

I don't want to end up buying some parts twice or having to do a bunch of extra work by doing it in the wrong order ie steering alignment.

fryer1979 · 10-16-2010, 09:56 PM

My suggestion would be to save up the cash and do the front end upgrades all at once if you really want to avoid doing anything twice. You will basically be removing most of the front end components you listed to do the brake swap. In my line of thinking you may as well have it all ready to go on at that time. The shocks could be done at any time as they don't require taking anything else apart. Although you may have to pull the bottom bolt from the front shocks to get the LCA to drop low enough to get the spindle and spring out.

**DPowers** · 10-16-2010, 10:14 PM

That's good advice from fryer

Flat 67 · 10-16-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gulffishin

for when my wife drives it........

gulffishin,

Another question that needs to be answered so we can further help you..............Do you want her to drive it?......... lol ..............Flat67

markeb01 · 10-16-2010, 10:48 PM

Also, what year is your truck, 60-62 or 63-66? It makes a difference in what parts are needed.

**Captainfab** · 10-17-2010, 12:20 AM

Mark makes a good point, but basically I agree with fryer1979 also. The front suspension with disc brakes can be a fairly big job. Again depending on just what year range your truck is in. The power steering conversion can be done in a weekend. Having a plan and accumilating the necessary parts beforehand will help the individual jobs go smoother. Of course your budget will determine which ones you may want to do first. What is the availability of good donor trucks in your area? Often you can find a somewhat complete '73-'87 truck to use as a donor for a reasonable price.

duallyjams · 10-17-2010, 09:54 AM

safety first and agree with what has been said

gulffishin · 10-17-2010, 11:29 AM

Thanks for clearing that up for me guys, I was thinking it would be best to do all of the front end work at once, but just wanted some reassurance. It's a 64 c10 and my wife used to hate it, but now that it has been upgraded some( flowmaster mufflers, fuel cell under bed and new weatherstripping) she wants to go everywhere in it, but she can't quite handle the manual brakes, manual steering, or the non-hydraulic clutch...so being the good husband I am I will make the sacrifice of putting disk brakes, power steering, auto transmission in my truck....for my wife of course

10-16-2010, 09:08 PM	#1
gulffishin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: AL Posts: 180	I need some direction... OK, I need some advice on what order I should complete various upgrades on my truck. I would like to upgrade to power steering and power brakes (disk on front drum on back) and replace my old springs and shocks with new (factory ride height) springs/shocks. I am also thinking about upgrading to an auto trans too, but I'm still on the fence with that one. I would like to know what order should these upgrades be done. Should I do the brakes first then the steering then the springs? Nothing is in any real need of replacement, but I would like for it to be a little more user friendly for when my wife drives it I don't want to end up buying some parts twice or having to do a bunch of extra work by doing it in the wrong order ie steering alignment.

10-16-2010, 09:56 PM	#2
fryer1979 Redneck Hillbilly Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Backwoods Posts: 1,307	Re: I need some direction... My suggestion would be to save up the cash and do the front end upgrades all at once if you really want to avoid doing anything twice. You will basically be removing most of the front end components you listed to do the brake swap. In my line of thinking you may as well have it all ready to go on at that time. The shocks could be done at any time as they don't require taking anything else apart. Although you may have to pull the bottom bolt from the front shocks to get the LCA to drop low enough to get the spindle and spring out.

10-16-2010, 10:14 PM	#3
DPowers One foot in front of the other Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Parrottsville, TN Posts: 5,440	Re: I need some direction... That's good advice from fryer __________________ DP's 66 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361556

10-16-2010, 10:48 PM	#5
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: I need some direction... Also, what year is your truck, 60-62 or 63-66? It makes a difference in what parts are needed.

10-17-2010, 12:20 AM	#6
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,247	Re: I need some direction... Mark makes a good point, but basically I agree with fryer1979 also. The front suspension with disc brakes can be a fairly big job. Again depending on just what year range your truck is in. The power steering conversion can be done in a weekend. Having a plan and accumilating the necessary parts beforehand will help the individual jobs go smoother. Of course your budget will determine which ones you may want to do first. What is the availability of good donor trucks in your area? Often you can find a somewhat complete '73-'87 truck to use as a donor for a reasonable price. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-17-2010, 09:54 AM	#7
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: I need some direction... safety first and agree with what has been said __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change! Last edited by duallyjams; 10-17-2010 at 09:55 AM.

10-17-2010, 11:29 AM	#8
gulffishin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: AL Posts: 180	Re: I need some direction... Thanks for clearing that up for me guys, I was thinking it would be best to do all of the front end work at once, but just wanted some reassurance. It's a 64 c10 and my wife used to hate it, but now that it has been upgraded some( flowmaster mufflers, fuel cell under bed and new weatherstripping) she wants to go everywhere in it, but she can't quite handle the manual brakes, manual steering, or the non-hydraulic clutch...so being the good husband I am I will make the sacrifice of putting disk brakes, power steering, auto transmission in my truck....for my wife of course



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