Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LeftEar55 · 09-02-2006, 09:44 AM

Hey guys, I need to know if the control arms are the same on the 71 and 68? I'm about to strip the 71 frame today, (for the 5 lug stuff), and wanted to see if the control arms needed to come off the 71 and go on the 68 frame or not? Thanks, Jason

bigjimzlll · 09-02-2006, 10:17 AM

ball joints are different, but the tuffest part is the tie rod ends. You need to make(fabricate) an adapter. heres a pic of what I did

jsbgump · 09-02-2006, 10:38 AM

When I did the swap on my 68 I just used all of the suspension parts off of the 71 so I didn't hace any problems

LeftEar55 · 09-02-2006, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjimzlll

ball joints are different, but the tuffest part is the tie rod ends. You need to make(fabricate) an adapter

Can't I just take all the tie rods from the 71 and swap them to the 68 frame? I just got back home, from town, so I'm about to go over to the truck and start removing the front cap and cab today, then tomorrow, I'll start on the suspension. Hopefully, I will have some more replies by then too

roj2323 · 09-02-2006, 02:14 PM

i'm doing this very swap right now so here's the scoop.

71 upper and lower ball joints will fit in the 68 a-arms. you will need to swap the 68 ball joints for the 71 ball joints. i did this today. it took about 3hrs with disassembly.

next you will have to do something with the tierods. 68 tie rods won't work with the 71 spindles and 71 inner tie rods wont work with the 68 steering link.

you will either need to purchase and or make a tie rod adjusting sleeves or purchase these inner tie rods to use the 71 sleeves.
Auto Zone part numbers ES403L and ES406L.
good luck and btw here's the FAQ on this subject:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=160435

ondrew

68haywagon · 09-02-2006, 06:11 PM

I solved that...I have 72 disc brake front end with the 72 steering link. It's not ready to be installed yet but.....That'll work right?

Mike

LeftEar55 · 09-03-2006, 01:34 AM

Damn, I was told that it was a perfect swap, guess not?

Would it be better to just buy a 5-lug disc conversion kit for the 68 suspension? I would need everything new for the 71 anyway, if I went to that much trouble...

junkyardjohn · 09-03-2006, 06:55 AM

Why Not Just Swap The Whole Crossmember?? Then You Can Just Buy Replacement Parts For A 71. John

LeftEar55 · 09-03-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

Why Not Just Swap The Whole Crossmember?? Then You Can Just Buy Replacement Parts For A 71. John

Well, hell, I never thought about that!!! I'll do that then

junkyardjohn · 09-03-2006, 12:07 PM

I BELIEVE 71 TO 68 IS A DIRECT BOLT IN SWAP. I'VE NEVER DONE A 71 OR 72 INTO A 67-70 PICKUP BUT I'VE DONE SEVERAL MID 70s TO MID 80s SWAPS INTO PRE 71 CHEVY TRUCKS. IF YOUR GONNA REBUILD IT THE TIME TO DO IT IS WHEN IT'S OUT & YOU CAN GET THAT SUCKER UP ON A BENCH, INSTEAD OF HUNKERED OVER OR LAYING ON YOUR BACK. I'VE DONE EM BOTH WAYS & ON THE BENCH IS ABOUT 3 TIMES AS FAST.

JOHN

ChevyDude · 09-03-2006, 12:26 PM

Here is a complete 72' front crossmember and on the board:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...duct=251&cat=2

sorry...gues that is pick-up only...long ways.

LeftEar55 · 09-03-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyDude

Here is a complete 72' front crossmember and on the board:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...duct=251&cat=2

sorry...gues that is pick-up only...long ways.

Thanks, but I have a complete 71 long bed in my yard

NitroMike · 09-04-2006, 10:59 AM

Help! I followed the directions above to swap 71-72 discs into my '67. The 67 drag link seems to be the rub with its smaller (than 71-72) hole for the tie rod. Just got back from Autozone and they have discontinued the ES406L inner tie rod that is mentioned in this thread and the referenced FAQ. They still stock the ES403L which I purchased.
Can anyone tell me the application for the Autozone ES406L inner tie rod end so that I can see if another supplier has something like it?. The guy at the counter couldn't tell me. Now there's a surprise!

Thanks!!

Robznob11 · 09-04-2006, 12:36 PM

well i hate to tell you, i done this swap and a nother board member here told me so if you do a search you can be for sure. I boght a custom adjusting sleve from cpp they can tell you wat all you need, i can't rember if it is shorter or longer but i think you use 71-72 outers for the outers, and 68 outers for you inners, i know it looks very good once installed and that sleve looks awsome. call classic performance products and they lead you the right way. ill have to tell you though once you buy all the new tirods and new sleves. your wallet will be empty. i think i came in around 200.00 dollars

LeftEar55 · 09-04-2006, 03:35 PM

Problem solved!!!

junkyardjohn · 09-04-2006, 06:54 PM

Thats The Way I've Always Done It. Never Did It The Other Way, But This Seems Like Alot Less Work To Me, & Any Frontend Parts You Need Are Just For A 71 Chevy Pickup. All Of Them.

John

09-02-2006, 09:44 AM	#1
LeftEar55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 107	Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Hey guys, I need to know if the control arms are the same on the 71 and 68? I'm about to strip the 71 frame today, (for the 5 lug stuff), and wanted to see if the control arms needed to come off the 71 and go on the 68 frame or not? Thanks, Jason

09-02-2006, 10:17 AM	#2
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? ball joints are different, but the tuffest part is the tie rod ends. You need to make(fabricate) an adapter. heres a pic of what I did __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

09-02-2006, 10:38 AM	#3
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? When I did the swap on my 68 I just used all of the suspension parts off of the 71 so I didn't hace any problems __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

09-02-2006, 02:14 PM	#5
roj2323 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Somewhere Posts: 985	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? i'm doing this very swap right now so here's the scoop. 71 upper and lower ball joints will fit in the 68 a-arms. you will need to swap the 68 ball joints for the 71 ball joints. i did this today. it took about 3hrs with disassembly. next you will have to do something with the tierods. 68 tie rods won't work with the 71 spindles and 71 inner tie rods wont work with the 68 steering link. you will either need to purchase and or make a tie rod adjusting sleeves or purchase these inner tie rods to use the 71 sleeves. Auto Zone part numbers ES403L and ES406L. good luck and btw here's the FAQ on this subject: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=160435 ondrew Last edited by roj2323; 09-02-2006 at 02:15 PM.

09-02-2006, 06:11 PM	#6
68haywagon I'm watching you! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 1,822	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? I solved that...I have 72 disc brake front end with the 72 steering link. It's not ready to be installed yet but.....That'll work right? Mike __________________ 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD 1993 Chevrolet C-1500 W/T - Blue - 4.3L V-6, 4 speed auto - Dad's (RIP) 1992 Chevrolet S10 - LS swap project 1968 Chevrolet C-10 longbed fleetside - sold

09-03-2006, 01:34 AM	#7
LeftEar55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 107	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Damn, I was told that it was a perfect swap, guess not? Would it be better to just buy a 5-lug disc conversion kit for the 68 suspension? I would need everything new for the 71 anyway, if I went to that much trouble...

09-03-2006, 06:55 AM	#8
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Why Not Just Swap The Whole Crossmember?? Then You Can Just Buy Replacement Parts For A 71. John __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

09-03-2006, 12:07 PM	#10
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? I BELIEVE 71 TO 68 IS A DIRECT BOLT IN SWAP. I'VE NEVER DONE A 71 OR 72 INTO A 67-70 PICKUP BUT I'VE DONE SEVERAL MID 70s TO MID 80s SWAPS INTO PRE 71 CHEVY TRUCKS. IF YOUR GONNA REBUILD IT THE TIME TO DO IT IS WHEN IT'S OUT & YOU CAN GET THAT SUCKER UP ON A BENCH, INSTEAD OF HUNKERED OVER OR LAYING ON YOUR BACK. I'VE DONE EM BOTH WAYS & ON THE BENCH IS ABOUT 3 TIMES AS FAST. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

09-03-2006, 12:26 PM	#11
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Here is a complete 72' front crossmember and on the board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...duct=251&cat=2 sorry...gues that is pick-up only...long ways. Last edited by ChevyDude; 09-03-2006 at 12:28 PM.

09-04-2006, 10:59 AM	#13
NitroMike Active Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 346	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Help! I followed the directions above to swap 71-72 discs into my '67. The 67 drag link seems to be the rub with its smaller (than 71-72) hole for the tie rod. Just got back from Autozone and they have discontinued the ES406L inner tie rod that is mentioned in this thread and the referenced FAQ. They still stock the ES403L which I purchased. Can anyone tell me the application for the Autozone ES406L inner tie rod end so that I can see if another supplier has something like it?. The guy at the counter couldn't tell me. Now there's a surprise! Thanks!! __________________ The older I get, the faster I was!!

09-04-2006, 12:36 PM	#14
Robznob11 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: brownfield texas (west texas) Posts: 1,937	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? well i hate to tell you, i done this swap and a nother board member here told me so if you do a search you can be for sure. I boght a custom adjusting sleve from cpp they can tell you wat all you need, i can't rember if it is shorter or longer but i think you use 71-72 outers for the outers, and 68 outers for you inners, i know it looks very good once installed and that sleve looks awsome. call classic performance products and they lead you the right way. ill have to tell you though once you buy all the new tirods and new sleves. your wallet will be empty. i think i came in around 200.00 dollars __________________ The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS

09-04-2006, 03:35 PM	#15
LeftEar55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 107	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Problem solved!!! Attached Images

09-04-2006, 06:54 PM	#16
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: Swapping 71 disc brakes on a 68 frame? Thats The Way I've Always Done It. Never Did It The Other Way, But This Seems Like Alot Less Work To Me, & Any Frontend Parts You Need Are Just For A 71 Chevy Pickup. All Of Them. John __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST



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