Suspension/brake questions

[nlped]

Hey,

After searching and reading MANY MANY threads, it seems that I still need just a bit of clarification. Please go easy on me, as I just want to get this right the first time.

I recently bought a '70 GMC swb 2wd truck with p/s & p/b, stock drum brakes and suspension that I'm ready to do some upgrades too. Obviously it handles like a tug boat and stops like one too.

I have a '76 2wd Blazer that I put all new front steering parts/pieces and rebuilt upper and lower control arms (Moog bushings and ball joints). Also the McGaughy drop spindle & 13" brake kit that I want to put under the '70 GMC. I'm just trying to confirm that I don't have to swap out the crossmember itself, but just all of the moving parts? And then as far as brake hard lines go...mine are very rusty on the '70, so I figure I need to replace them anyway...should I get the hardlines for a 71-72, or is there a better choice?

I have tons of other questions, but I'm trying to start off slow...

Thanks,

Ed

[lolife99]

No need to swap the crossmember.
I would just get hard lines for a '70 since your brake line tab is on the backside of the crossmember.
You will have to bend up a few new brake lines to the M/C,... unless you do indeed get a kit for the 71-72 trucks.
Then you will have to install a new tab on the front side of the crossmember where your rubber hose connects.

What parts to you plan on taking off your blazer?
Everything?
You will need the steering linkage also.

[nlped]

Hey lolife99, I almost just sent you a PM with this question since just about every thread I read that helped had you as the major contributor...Lol!

I plan on using the '76 steering linkage pieces (they are all relatively new MOOG parts). And I have the CPP corvette m/c with the disc/disc proportioning valve (I'll also be using the '76 Blazer 12 bolt because it has an Auburn, 3.73's, new bearing and seals, very nice aluminum diff cover, Moser axles machined for the McGaughy rear 13" brake kit as well) with the mount for the p/v next to the m/c like my '70 is now, so I'm going to use that setup there, but from the p/v to the front and rear are in need of replacement due to questionable condition.

I have already gotten the "conversion" saddles for the rearend, as well as the CPP deluxe bent track bar (to clear the aluminum diff cover), so I think I'm pretty good as far as the rear goes other than replacing the stock hardline to the rear.

[lolife99]

You can get close with the 71-72 brake lines.
You may still need to bend some new lines because of the m/c prop valve setup you have.
Why not bend up all new brake lines yourself?
SO many new components,... I don't see a stock steel bake line kit doing you much good,... except to give you something close to modify.

On a side note,... what will happen to your 2wd blazer?
I hate to see it get robbed of all it's cool parts. Ha.

[nlped]

I'm going to be pillaging the Blazer, but it'll hopefully go to someone who needs a good starting point once I'm finished with my '70 model. I've got enough stock parts to put it back pretty close to stock...suspension wise. It'll have to at least roll... LOL!