Crosmember swapping question?

[62jimmy]

I am looking to swap the crossmember out in my 62 GMC to replace the torsion bar setup and get disc brakes, 5 lug etc. I bought one set up which the frame and crossmember turned out to be bent on, so I am back in the market. I have a line on a 65 crosmember/suspension setup. Since I'm going to use drop spindles, the fact that its six lug and not disc brake doesn't really matter as far as I know. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to using this setup for the conversion rather than the later 73 to 87 setup? Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking something obvious.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Captainfab]

The '65 crossmember will also work since you are going with dropped spindles. The thing I like about the '73-'87 C10 suspension is the rubber control arm bushings instead of the steel ones used '63-'72.

Originally Posted by 62jimmy

I am looking to swap the crossmember out in my 62 GMC to replace the torsion bar setup and get disc brakes, 5 lug etc. I bought one set up which the frame and crossmember turned out to be bent on, so I am back in the market. I have a line on a 65 crosmember/suspension setup. Since I'm going to use drop spindles, the fact that its six lug and not disc brake doesn't really matter as far as I know. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to using this setup for the conversion rather than the later 73 to 87 setup? Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking something obvious.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[62jimmy]

Thanks for the response,

Can the steel bushings be replaced with the rubber ones, or are they a completely different design. I will be rebuilding the whole suspension before swapping it.

[dracko]

The 73-87 control arm bushings are a totally different design. These crossmembers also have beefier U bolts holding the lower control arms.

[62jimmy]

Thanks guys, I think I will hold out for the later setup...