Conveting 63' GMC to power steering and disc brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Malfunkzhun · 09-09-2012, 01:25 PM

Im trying to convert my 1963 GMC to power steering and disc brakes, i purchased a front end off a 1977 gmc and am having trouble with the idler arm.. the 77' is positioned to the left and the 63' is positioned to the right.. the 63' idler arm is loose when it is placed in the 77' centerlink where as if i were to use the 77' idler arm i would have to drill into the frame to position it right.. So, which do i do?? or do i use the 63' center link, but if i do, will the 77' tie rod ends fit in the 63' center link holes???

RockTonka · 09-09-2012, 01:59 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443871

**Captainfab** · 09-10-2012, 12:21 AM

I always recommend upgrading to the later model idler arm. You will have to find the correct location and drill 2 new holes to do so. To help find the correct location it will help to takr some measurements as to the position of the end of the drag link with the original idler arm in place. Then just be sure the end of the draglink is in the same location.

luvbowties · 09-11-2012, 04:04 PM

Should you desire to use the '63 arm, a bushing (sleeve) can be simply and safely made. Using a piece of autobody sheet metal(It's just perfect thickness.), cut a piece with 2 parallel sides; cut the other sides, tapering PARTIALLY toward the midline point, from ends of one parallel line towards the other. Now, if you 'roll' this around: 1-a big tapered rod, it will approach a cone; 2-a small tapered rod, it will reach a cone; 3-your tapered idler arm, the sides will just meet up along a straight line. Practice w/a piece of paper for correct msmts. needed. Use this cone-shaped (but with actual cone 'lobbed' off) piece of sheetmetal to 'bush' the sloppy-fitting '63 idler arm to where it now fits snugly in the larger hole in the '77 centerlink. It'll outlast a new idler arm! Good luck.

09-09-2012, 01:25 PM	#1
Malfunkzhun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Turlock,Ca Posts: 6	Conveting 63' GMC to power steering and disc brakes Im trying to convert my 1963 GMC to power steering and disc brakes, i purchased a front end off a 1977 gmc and am having trouble with the idler arm.. the 77' is positioned to the left and the 63' is positioned to the right.. the 63' idler arm is loose when it is placed in the 77' centerlink where as if i were to use the 77' idler arm i would have to drill into the frame to position it right.. So, which do i do?? or do i use the 63' center link, but if i do, will the 77' tie rod ends fit in the 63' center link holes???

09-09-2012, 01:59 PM	#2
RockTonka Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,513	Re: Conveting 63' GMC to power steering and disc brakes http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443871 __________________ 1958 Chevy 1 ton dually 4X4 dump/flat bed My build thread 1966 "Not-So-Original" Chevy Custom Trim Suburban My Time-Killing Project Truck 1966 GMC Extended cab 1 1/4 ton 4X4 My Son's build thread

09-10-2012, 12:21 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: Conveting 63' GMC to power steering and disc brakes I always recommend upgrading to the later model idler arm. You will have to find the correct location and drill 2 new holes to do so. To help find the correct location it will help to takr some measurements as to the position of the end of the drag link with the original idler arm in place. Then just be sure the end of the draglink is in the same location. __________________ 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

09-11-2012, 04:04 PM	#4
luvbowties Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: southeasternfoothillsofusa Posts: 1,557	Re: Conveting 63' GMC to power steering and disc brakes Should you desire to use the '63 arm, a bushing (sleeve) can be simply and safely made. Using a piece of autobody sheet metal(It's just perfect thickness.), cut a piece with 2 parallel sides; cut the other sides, tapering PARTIALLY toward the midline point, from ends of one parallel line towards the other. Now, if you 'roll' this around: 1-a big tapered rod, it will approach a cone; 2-a small tapered rod, it will reach a cone; 3-your tapered idler arm, the sides will just meet up along a straight line. Practice w/a piece of paper for correct msmts. needed. Use this cone-shaped (but with actual cone 'lobbed' off) piece of sheetmetal to 'bush' the sloppy-fitting '63 idler arm to where it now fits snugly in the larger hole in the '77 centerlink. It'll outlast a new idler arm! Good luck.



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