Swaping front end suspension questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

79BIG10 · 03-20-2005, 01:06 AM

Okay I've got some front end questions. I've got a chance to use a 85 or 86 front end (not for sure of what year as of yet) off a donor truck and want to save some time. I've got the 79 Big 10 front end (1/2 ton frame with 3/4 suspension) but not sure if the a-arms, spindles, etc. would work? The front end brakes calipers, rotors, are all 5 lug and been redone. I'm going to install all new bushings, etc. but on the a-arms, and spindles I was just curious to see if the newer model of our trucks were the same as the older ones. That's what I'll use off the donor truck if possible to swap over and have already pressed in etc. but need to know for sure.

Anybody ever done this kind of swap?

SCOTI · 03-20-2005, 02:11 AM

Yes, they're interchangeable. Older stuff was 'HD' or 1.25" thick rotors. Newer stuff came both 'HD' w/1.25" & 'Light Duty' w/1" rotors. I would only use the 1.25" brake stuff.

I did the same type of rebuild when doing my 74. I got a complete suspension from another board member (shamrock55) & 'pre' rebuilt the BJ's, bushings, & brake stuff. When it came time to swap, I was way ahead.

79BIG10 · 03-20-2005, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Yes, they're interchangeable. Older stuff was 'HD' or 1.25" thick rotors. Newer stuff came both 'HD' w/1.25" & 'Light Duty' w/1" rotors. I would only use the 1.25" brake stuff.

I did the same type of rebuild when doing my 74. I got a complete suspension from another board member (shamrock55) & 'pre' rebuilt the BJ's, bushings, & brake stuff. When it came time to swap, I was way ahead.

Thanks SCOTI

I already have the 1.25" rotors on the front and will just get them cleaned up while I have them off along with new brake pads and hoses. But as long as the spindles, arms, etc. are ready to go then I'll be set once I get the donor truck

03-20-2005, 01:06 AM	#1
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Swaping front end suspension questions Okay I've got some front end questions. I've got a chance to use a 85 or 86 front end (not for sure of what year as of yet) off a donor truck and want to save some time. I've got the 79 Big 10 front end (1/2 ton frame with 3/4 suspension) but not sure if the a-arms, spindles, etc. would work? The front end brakes calipers, rotors, are all 5 lug and been redone. I'm going to install all new bushings, etc. but on the a-arms, and spindles I was just curious to see if the newer model of our trucks were the same as the older ones. That's what I'll use off the donor truck if possible to swap over and have already pressed in etc. but need to know for sure. Anybody ever done this kind of swap? __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

03-20-2005, 02:11 AM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Yes, they're interchangeable. Older stuff was 'HD' or 1.25" thick rotors. Newer stuff came both 'HD' w/1.25" & 'Light Duty' w/1" rotors. I would only use the 1.25" brake stuff. I did the same type of rebuild when doing my 74. I got a complete suspension from another board member (shamrock55) & 'pre' rebuilt the BJ's, bushings, & brake stuff. When it came time to swap, I was way ahead. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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