Crossmember swap

[Bad61c10]

Hello I have a 61 c10 and I bought a 83 crossmember for it and when I took the crossmember off the 83 I took all the body panels off so I could get to the bolts easier. Do I have to take all the body panels off of my 61, if so is there an easy way to do that. This is my first truck and I'm only 16 so I'm not the most mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
Also since the 83 has a 5 lug bolt pattern I need to change the back as well, is there a kit that I could buy?
Thanks
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[62step]

I believe you take the front fenders off, then the front 'clip' bolted the fire wall and the frame with two bolts. Mine was apart already when I started working on mine, but I would assume that it is much, much easier taking the front clip off.

They make 5lug axles, but if I were you, i'd get a rear alxe from the donor truck, I'm not sure on lengths and such though..

Good luck! Have fun!

[65Gregg]

I didn't take any sheet metal off of mine when I switched to a later crossmember. Is a 61 frame as wide as the later years?

[Bad61c10]

Originally Posted by 65Gregg

I didn't take any sheet metal off of mine when I switched to a later crossmember. Is a 61 frame as wide as the later years?

That's good to know! I was just worried about not getting it back together, did you have a problem reaching any of the bolts
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[thomas_a_reed]

I was pulling the engine and trans at the same time when I did mine so I had the core support and bumper removed.. Made it pretty easy to get to all the bolts and just kinda roll the old one out and the new one under... It a super easy swap for even a beginner especially with all the info on this site .. On the rear I had my stock re drilled to the 5 lug pattern my a local machine shop.. Best of luck...

[forestb]

When I put my new crossmember in I left in all the sheet mettle and even the engine, (though I would not recommend it), I would recommend leaving all the sheet mettle in. I have never seen a kit that will convert a 61 rear end into a 5 lug.

[markeb01]

Here's a thread you might find helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ont+suspension

[Captainfab]

There are no conversion axles for the Eaton HO32/33 differential.

If you want to use the '83 10 bolt or any other differential with the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern, I make trailing arm mounts but nothing for the panhard bar yet. Changing the differential will require cutting and welding and making sure the pinion angle is absolutely correct.

Originally Posted by Bad61c10

Hello I have a 61 c10 and I bought a 83 crossmember for it and when I took the crossmember off the 83 I took all the body panels off so I could get to the bolts easier. Do I have to take all the body panels off of my 61, if so is there an easy way to do that. This is my first truck and I'm only 16 so I'm not the most mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
Also since the 83 has a 5 lug bolt pattern I need to change the back as well, is there a kit that I could buy?
Thanks
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[txinliner]

Originally Posted by Bad61c10

Hello I have a 61 c10 and I bought a 83 crossmember for it and when I took the crossmember off the 83 I took all the body panels off so I could get to the bolts easier. Do I have to take all the body panels off of my 61, if so is there an easy way to do that. This is my first truck and I'm only 16 so I'm not the most mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
Also since the 83 has a 5 lug bolt pattern I need to change the back as well, is there a kit that I could buy?
Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

I sent my axles to moser they plugged and re drilled for 90 bucks , I had a hard time finding a local shop to do the job