FINALLY. Time to start (plan) my build...

[Jusio]

69 SWB 2WD.
Long awaited build.... or continued build. I've had this truck for 30 years.
Gone from built big block to 305 w/700r4. Now I have a low mileage LS/4L60 for my next phase. My plan is to make this a daily driver.

So in my planning stage I've been looking at options for suspension, brake, and wheels because I want to do all of this while running gear is out.
It is currently 6lug. Definitely going disc brakes on the front, and fine with either way on the rear. If I stay 6 lug would probably just keep the drums on the rear for now, but if I swap to 5 Lug I thought that I might as well go disc all around (thinking the cadillac rear disc option?)

A lot to consider when planning a build... So in looking at Lug options, I began shopping around for wheels. I want to go with Staggered 20" Rally wheels.
I thought that would be the easy part. But I've been having a hard time finding in stock and without the offsets... and with the backspacing. I know I'v missed the popular time with these wheels but it's still the look I want to go with.
Ebay sellers don't seem much help when asking questions

Any Opinions or Help welcomed.
Opionions on American Racing Rallys VS the Vision Rally?
Brakes? I've read countless bad things about CPP but am leaning that direction.


I'm ready to order Drop Spindles and Brakes but want to know my wheel options first.
I know I'm writing alot....but it is alot when trying to plan this out.

Thanks for any info and I hope to keep up with this build on the forum.

My truck as it sits now....haven't driven it for 2 years

[LockDoc]

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Welcome to the board. Looks like a good project. Keep us posted on the progress.

[A1971Blazer]

Although I went with coilover suspension all around, I kept mine 6 lug and also kept the rear drum brakes.
I had 3 sets of old school wheels that factored in on my decision.
My thinking was that the properly adjusted drums will easily lock the rear wheels with hard braking, the rear disc wouldn't be of much advantage since the front disc does most of the stopping.
I went with hydroboost and the brakes are fantastic.

My swap was a 2002 5.7 LS1 with a 4L60e from a TransAm.
I'm running a 3.73 rear gear with Eaton TrueTrac locker.

I could not be happier with the driveability and performance of this build.
I added; power windows, AC, and cruise control as well.

Anyway, best of luck with the build, you will love the LS/OD trans set-up.

[Steeveedee]

^ That is one sweet ride!

[Jusio]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

Although I went with coilover suspension all around, I kept mine 6 lug and also kept the rear drum brakes.
I had 3 sets of old school wheels that factored in on my decision.
My thinking was that the properly adjusted drums will easily lock the rear wheels with hard braking, the rear disc wouldn't be of much advantage since the front disc does most of the stopping.
I went with hydroboost and the brakes are fantastic.

My swap was a 2002 5.7 LS1 with a 4L60e from a TransAm.
I'm running a 3.73 rear gear with Eaton TrueTrac locker.

I could not be happier with the driveability and performance of this build.
I added; power windows, AC, and cruise control as well.

Anyway, best of luck with the build, you will love the LS/OD trans set-up.
Attachment 2401593

Attachment 2401594

Hey thanks! That is a sweet ride. I'm hoping to do the ac eventually too. But for now I'm focusing on running gear and suspension/brakes. I just found out that the wheels I was wanting are out of stock...everywhere as far as I can tell. Seems like its always something. This might dictate the 5 lug swap and disc brakes all around. Figure if I'm replacing axles, might as well add discs.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

Although I went with coilover suspension all around, I kept mine 6 lug and also kept the rear drum brakes.
I had 3 sets of old school wheels that factored in on my decision.
My thinking was that the properly adjusted drums will easily lock the rear wheels with hard braking, the rear disc wouldn't be of much advantage since the front disc does most of the stopping.
I went with hydroboost and the brakes are fantastic.

My swap was a 2002 5.7 LS1 with a 4L60e from a TransAm.
I'm running a 3.73 rear gear with Eaton TrueTrac locker.

I could not be happier with the driveability and performance of this build.
I added; power windows, AC, and cruise control as well.

Anyway, best of luck with the build, you will love the LS/OD trans set-up.
Attachment 2401593

Attachment 2401594

Oh my, that truck is remarkable.

Nice project OP.

[72c20customcamper]

Unless your towing or rallying rear disc are not necessary. I’m leaving the rear drums on my 68 which I’m in the process of doing the conversion . I stayed with the 6 lug too . Picture from before the start of the conversion . Truck will be 2 1/2 inches lower in front when done
The only problem so far with the CCP kit was the rubber line the fitting is for 3/8 and the brake line is 5/16 . I bought this hose Duralast 88466 I had this thread saved for just this reason . RIP Grumpy

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=818077

I adjusted the frame mount line bracket with a hammer after this picture to a more vertical position . Full compression and it clears everything lock to lock

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by Jusio

Hey thanks! That is a sweet ride. I'm hoping to do the ac eventually too. But for now I'm focusing on running gear and suspension/brakes. I just found out that the wheels I was wanting are out of stock...everywhere as far as I can tell. Seems like its always something. This might dictate the 5 lug swap and disc brakes all around. Figure if I'm replacing axles, might as well add discs.

You can't go wrong either way. Be sure to hit me up if I can answer any questions or offer advise on the project.
I'm a machinist so I made a lot of my own parts for the LS swap.
Best of luck with it and keep the pictures/updates coming!

[raggedjim]

Nice truck, I wish my starting point had of been as good as yours!

What are you thinking on the drop? It looks like it may already be about a 2-4.

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

Unless your towing or rallying rear disc are not necessary. I’m leaving the rear drums on my 68 which I’m in the process of doing the conversion . I stayed with the 6 lug too . Picture from before the start of the conversion . Truck will be 2 1/2 inches lower in front when done
The only problem so far with the CCP kit was the rubber line the fitting is for 3/8 and the brake line is 5/16 . I bought this hose Duralast 88466 I had this thread saved for just this reason . RIP Grumpy

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=818077

I adjusted the frame mount line bracket with a hammer after this picture to a more vertical position . Full compression and it clears everything lock to lock

I agree on only needing front disc. If you leave the rear drums, it makes for an easy change. If your shoes are still fresh, you'll only need to swap the axles and drums, adjust the shoes, and the rears will be done!!!

Putting only front disc on one of these pickups, or any old vehicle is all thats needed. Rear disc doesn't gain much more stopping power.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Nice truck, I wish my starting point had of been as good as yours!

What are you thinking on the drop? It looks like it may already be about a 2-4.

If you’re asking about my truck in the picture is a 3/4 drop . I’m doing the 21/2 drop spindles as we speak

[Jusio]

Thanks for offering all the help and comments... I'm reading on here all the time for information and ideas.
Thanks Mark for the part number in the hose. That will come in handy.

I did put drop springs on it years ago. I'm going to do the drop spindles and disc brakes.
Not sure what my total drop will end up being. Might c-notch if necessary.
I'm attaching a pic of user JWall's truck. That would be my ideal stance.

Figuring my wheel size and finding a wheel that will work has been a bit of a pain. Backspacing, bore size, availability.....and what I can afford.

Thanks again.

[LS short box]

On my 68 project I ran 20's all around. I like the way they fill up the wheel wells. 4/6 drop. C-5 discs all around. Was a great project.
Tried to post some pics but the site wouldn't let me. Don't know why.
I will try later.

[oneshotkyle]

5.5/7 here with 26.8” tall tires. I think i will drop the front another 1/2” and go to the 3” drop spindle. As far as ls swap its super easy. I purchased 25 dollare ebay adjustable mount for block and set it all the way back. Plenty of room for ls with 4l80e.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I have/had mixed emotions to drop my 1971 C10 4/2.5, but I did. It was born an odd man out for the time, Factory 71 Chevy on a factory GMC Chassis (leaf springs). Less the drop it's otherwise an original build, primarily.

Levels the truck, and I'd say drives better. Offers a toy car appearance on some level, IMO. 235-75-15. I normally edge original stuff, but am glad to have dropped it, mostly.

[Smitty]

2.5 Spindles/5 drop coils rear. And by all means go hydro boost. Mine is a '71 with disc front and drum rear. Had to go with the hydro boost because of the late model 350 with inadequate vacuum. But Oh what an improvement.

[Jusio]

Nice trucks there. Do y’all have any recommendations on the hydro boost parts?

[A1971Blazer]

I didn't have time to go scrounging the salvage yards, so I bought a kit off eBay that included a new Bosch hydroboost unit, the bracket and pushrod.
I did modify the bracket to turn the unit 180º so the hoses didn't come out the top of the unit.
I painted it the matching body color, to help make it blend in better.
It makes a neater/cleaner look than a huge vacuum booster and
it was a convenient location for my cruise module since I have DBC.

Like Smitty said, the braking is a huge improvement!

[oneshotkyle]

Originally Posted by Jusio

Nice trucks there. Do y’all have any recommendations on the hydro boost parts?

2001 astro van and a 9 dollar ebay plate did mine.