Frame swap question, please help

[JesseSimon]

Ive got a 66 and I want to swap to disc brakes 5 lug, will the cab and bed bolt up to a 72 frame or will modification be necessary? I found a killer deal on a 72 frame with 5 bolt suspension and brakes

[joe231]

all you need to do is bolt up the suspension(control arms out) from the '72 to your '66 frame.
if you want power steering, you will need an adapter kit. Captianfab on here sells them as does most of the vendors for these trucks.
Does the '72 have coils springs in the rear? if so the axle is a bolt in swap.

I don't believe the frame mounts will interchange between these years, and if your frame is good it will be less work to do the suspension swapping

[JesseSimon]

The frame is a leaf rear, not coil, can it still be done? Take some welding I guess?

[joe231]

the '72 is leaf and the '66 is coils?

you can buy conversion perches from CPP that are welded to which ever axle you wanna use....
the '72 differential is 1 1/2 inches wider than the '66. you can but 5 lug axles that will fit your '66 differential, or even have the 5 on 5 pattern drilled in your 6 lug axles.....

another thing is if you get the suspension from the '73-'87 1/2 ton trucks and '73-'91 1/2 ton subs they have rubber control arm bushings and less expensive parts (ball-joints, ect.)

[JesseSimon]

Good point on the 73-87. Also I did not know about the width difference. There is a guy out in Oklahoma selling a 72 SWB frame with the rear end and front suspension, asking 250, thought I could haggle a bit and get a good buy on it. Sounds like a solid deal for anyone wanting a SWB frame though....I think Im gonna pass on it and look elsewhere for parts if anyone wants this guys number let me know

[joe231]

good call, around here you can find the whole cross-member from a salvage for under $150, or find a junk truck for cheap.
keep an eye on craigslist.

Here is a crossmember for free...it is a ways from you though
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/1249006179.html