suspension swap, whats better? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JHT67 · 06-04-2012, 08:13 PM

I have complete donor suspension to do this, 67' 8 lug to 72' 5 lug. What I'm wondering is should I swap out complete crossmember with suspension or just spindles and other necessary parts? I'd like to do what's best, but if there is really no difference then whats easier and faster is the route I'd like to take.
Thanks for any advice on this.

68Stepbed · 06-05-2012, 07:24 AM

Ask Mark or Stan at ECE. Either of them should be able to answer your question. Also, they have the highest quality components and the best customer service.

gcburdic · 06-05-2012, 01:16 PM

I think I would just swap the x-member

seems easy enough, but I'm sure the suspension gurus will chime in shortly!!!

**N2TRUX** · 06-07-2012, 10:47 AM

Is the motor out, or do you need to pull it? That is really the big difference in what works best. If the motor is out, or your going to pull it anyway, then its pretty simple to swap the entire crossmember.

If you have no reason to pull the motor, it can be lifted to do the conversion, but requires more effort. If thats the case then your better off just swapping parts and leave the original crossmember in place.

Cosmetics are another thing to consider. If your planning to clean and paint everything, it might be to your advantage to swap it as a unit. I have painted a crossmember while it was in place, but it wasn't easy.

starvinartis · 06-07-2012, 06:21 PM

I agree with N2TRUX, but I would also check for the little bracket where the steel brake line meets the rubber line to caliper. Seems like there's a difference there but cant recall for sure, all my current conversions have the entire crossmember changed out. Also being a C-20, the 1/2 ton spindles may fit the larger ball joints on there, saving having to swap lower control arms.

mMad Dawg · 06-08-2012, 05:43 PM

I've been checking out pretty much the same thing. I have a 69 3/4 ton that I'm thinking of changing to 1/2 ton. You need to change the bottom A-arm because the ball joint is bigger. The cross shaft bolts on the 3/4 takes 9/16 bolts ,the 1/2 uses 1/2 in. So I suggest put the 72 upper balljoint in the 3/4 upper arm,use the72 lower arm as is with the 72 spindles. If you have the 72 tie rods etc use it all with the idler arm and pitman arm.Hope this helps Gord

mMad Dawg · 06-08-2012, 05:46 PM

Forgot to say,if you are going with dropped spindles use 73-87 upper balljoints asthe 71-72 uppers are different. The71-87 lowers are the same.

06-04-2012, 08:13 PM	#1
JHT67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: columbus, ohio Posts: 972	suspension swap, whats better? I have complete donor suspension to do this, 67' 8 lug to 72' 5 lug. What I'm wondering is should I swap out complete crossmember with suspension or just spindles and other necessary parts? I'd like to do what's best, but if there is really no difference then whats easier and faster is the route I'd like to take. Thanks for any advice on this. __________________ Going through life's daily grind, I can feel the effects of this physical body's fleeting days, But with a young spirit I look toward a brighter day, knowing that in the eyes of eternity, I am but a babe in the arms of my Lord.........

06-05-2012, 07:24 AM	#2
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: suspension swap, whats better? Ask Mark or Stan at ECE. Either of them should be able to answer your question. Also, they have the highest quality components and the best customer service. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

06-05-2012, 01:16 PM	#3
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: suspension swap, whats better? I think I would just swap the x-member seems easy enough, but I'm sure the suspension gurus will chime in shortly!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

06-07-2012, 10:47 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: suspension swap, whats better? Is the motor out, or do you need to pull it? That is really the big difference in what works best. If the motor is out, or your going to pull it anyway, then its pretty simple to swap the entire crossmember. If you have no reason to pull the motor, it can be lifted to do the conversion, but requires more effort. If thats the case then your better off just swapping parts and leave the original crossmember in place. Cosmetics are another thing to consider. If your planning to clean and paint everything, it might be to your advantage to swap it as a unit. I have painted a crossmember while it was in place, but it wasn't easy. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

06-07-2012, 06:21 PM	#5
starvinartis Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 105	Re: suspension swap, whats better? I agree with N2TRUX, but I would also check for the little bracket where the steel brake line meets the rubber line to caliper. Seems like there's a difference there but cant recall for sure, all my current conversions have the entire crossmember changed out. Also being a C-20, the 1/2 ton spindles may fit the larger ball joints on there, saving having to swap lower control arms.

06-08-2012, 05:43 PM	#6
mMad Dawg Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Calgary AB. Posts: 88	Re: suspension swap, whats better? I've been checking out pretty much the same thing. I have a 69 3/4 ton that I'm thinking of changing to 1/2 ton. You need to change the bottom A-arm because the ball joint is bigger. The cross shaft bolts on the 3/4 takes 9/16 bolts ,the 1/2 uses 1/2 in. So I suggest put the 72 upper balljoint in the 3/4 upper arm,use the72 lower arm as is with the 72 spindles. If you have the 72 tie rods etc use it all with the idler arm and pitman arm.Hope this helps Gord

06-08-2012, 05:46 PM	#7
mMad Dawg Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Calgary AB. Posts: 88	Re: suspension swap, whats better? Forgot to say,if you are going with dropped spindles use 73-87 upper balljoints asthe 71-72 uppers are different. The71-87 lowers are the same.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.