1960-62 Front Suspension Upgrade

[Pappyx3!]

Originally Posted by Bad61c10

I'm replacing my front suspension on my 61 with an 83 front clip, can someone show me where the bolts on the 83 are to drop the front suspension. Also I need to change out the rear axel and I'd prefer to use the axel from the 83, would that work on my 61.
Thanks
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Bad61c10,

There are 5 bolts on each side of the crossmember that are used to attach the crossmember to the frame. The bolts are located behind the engine mounting brackets. Sorry I can't send you pics to show you. I'm away and don't have pics on my phone.

Yes you can use the rear diff from an 83 C10. The 83 rear end is approx 1 1/2" longer then one used on the 60-62 trucks. You will have remove the axle perches from the 83 rear diff and weld new ones back on. I used perches made by captainfab on this forum to replace mine, and highly recommend them.
Some things to consider when changing to the wider diff are you planning to lower the truck, what type of wheel and size tire are you wanting to put one the back.
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[Bad61c10]

Originally Posted by Pappyx3!

Bad61c10,

There are 5 bolts on each side of the crossmember that are used to attach the crossmember to the frame. The bolts are located behind the engine mounting brackets. Sorry I can't send you pics to show you. I'm away and don't have pics on my phone.

Yes you can use the rear diff from an 83 C10. The 83 rear end is approx 1 1/2" longer then one used on the 60-62 trucks. You will have remove the axle perches from the 83 rear diff and weld new ones back on. I used perches made by captainfab on this forum to replace mine, and highly recommend them.
Some things to consider when changing to the wider diff are you planning to lower the truck, what type of wheel and size tire are you wanting to put one the back.
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Yes, I am planning on lowering the truck but not to much as it is my daily driver and I live in Canada and I would like to put 10" wide tires in the back.
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[Pappyx3!]

Originally Posted by Bad61c10

Yes, I am planning on lowering the truck but not to much as it is my daily driver and I live in Canada and I would like to put 10" wide tires in the back.
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Do you have a step side or fleet side bed? My truck has been lowered in the rear 3" with lowering springs and I'm using the stock 80's rally's wheels with 255/60/15's and there a pretty tight fit without modifying the fenders.
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[Bad61c10]

Originally Posted by Pappyx3!

Do you have a step side or fleet side bed? My truck has been lowered in the rear 3" with lowering springs and I'm using the stock 80's rally's wheels with 255/60/15's and there a pretty tight fit without modifying the fenders.
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It's a stepside
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[Pappyx3!]

Originally Posted by Bad61c10

It's a stepside
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We need to see if others can speak to the possibility of getting those 10 inch wheels/tires under it with some backset wheels and or some fender mods.
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[YatYas]

Nice How to...

I've just installed the crossmember from an 84 C10 to my 66. I used everything from the 84.

The idler arm is way different from my 66. What's the best way to install it? I was just going to mount the steering gear and then drill/mount the idler arm last with eyeball checks... ha sounds kinda ify.

[top dog]

Originally Posted by YatYas

Nice How to...

I've just installed the crossmember from an 84 C10 to my 66. I used everything from the 84.

The idler arm is way different from my 66. What's the best way to install it? I was just going to mount the steering gear and then drill/mount the idler arm last with eyeball checks... ha sounds kinda ify.

Attachment 1422738
Attachment 1422739

Can anyone tell me what year idler arm this is ?