Is there any advantage one way over the other? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

D-n-Tyke · 08-15-2021, 03:39 PM

Looking to do a 8-lug drum to 5-lug disk conversion on my C20. I have been looking for a 73-87 front suspension to swap into my rig. However, I just ran across a full 1971 C10 front suspension with disk brakes. Is there any advantage of going with the 73-87 C10 disk suspension over a 71 C10 disk suspension? Better ball joints, better arms, better tie-rods, anything better on one over the other?

**Mts67C10K20** · 08-15-2021, 05:41 PM

The only thing that i can think of quickly
is the possible price difference and availability of the replacement parts
Brakes ball joints ect.
May want to price compare

**Palf70Step** · 08-15-2021, 06:54 PM

The control arms on the 71-72 years still had greaseable fittings on a-arms, the 73 and later did not. Other than that I think they are pretty much the same. Don't forget you'll need a new proportion valve.

**HO455** · 08-15-2021, 09:12 PM

The 73 and up C10 front suspension will come with rubber lower control arm bushings that don't need greasing. GM went to rubber to reduce the NVH felt in the truck. GM retained the solid bushings on C20 & 30 lower control arms.
This change is one reason the Heavy Halfs became so popular in the 70's. You got increased load capability and a nice smooth, quiet ride.

If your looking for heavy duty brakes there are some thicker rotor options that became available for the later years of square body trucks. If this interests you do some searches in the square body side of the forum, or look at Rock auto front rotor listings for 1980's C10's to decide on which donor truck you want for the crossmember swap.

D-n-Tyke · 08-15-2021, 09:13 PM

Okay that was what I thought. Thanks for all the replies.
Looks like replacement parts are roughly the same price and having the grease points on the control arms is a plus to me.

08-15-2021, 03:39 PM	#1
D-n-Tyke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 284	Is there any advantage one way over the other? Looking to do a 8-lug drum to 5-lug disk conversion on my C20. I have been looking for a 73-87 front suspension to swap into my rig. However, I just ran across a full 1971 C10 front suspension with disk brakes. Is there any advantage of going with the 73-87 C10 disk suspension over a 71 C10 disk suspension? Better ball joints, better arms, better tie-rods, anything better on one over the other?

08-15-2021, 05:41 PM	#2
Mts67C10K20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Dowagiac Michigan Posts: 202	Re: Is there any advantage one way over the other? The only thing that i can think of quickly is the possible price difference and availability of the replacement parts Brakes ball joints ect. May want to price compare

08-15-2021, 06:54 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Is there any advantage one way over the other? The control arms on the 71-72 years still had greaseable fittings on a-arms, the 73 and later did not. Other than that I think they are pretty much the same. Don't forget you'll need a new proportion valve. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-15-2021, 09:12 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: Is there any advantage one way over the other? The 73 and up C10 front suspension will come with rubber lower control arm bushings that don't need greasing. GM went to rubber to reduce the NVH felt in the truck. GM retained the solid bushings on C20 & 30 lower control arms. This change is one reason the Heavy Halfs became so popular in the 70's. You got increased load capability and a nice smooth, quiet ride. If your looking for heavy duty brakes there are some thicker rotor options that became available for the later years of square body trucks. If this interests you do some searches in the square body side of the forum, or look at Rock auto front rotor listings for 1980's C10's to decide on which donor truck you want for the crossmember swap. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 Last edited by HO455; 08-15-2021 at 09:19 PM.

08-15-2021, 09:13 PM	#5
D-n-Tyke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 284	Re: Is there any advantage one way over the other? Okay that was what I thought. Thanks for all the replies. Looks like replacement parts are roughly the same price and having the grease points on the control arms is a plus to me.



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