Disk swap info; 3/4 and 1 ton same parts or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Canada20 · 08-21-2002, 02:38 PM

Hey all. Slowly starting to see what availability for parts for my '69 C20 is like and I'm curious if the control arms and spindles from a 73up 1 ton would do the job or even be an upgrade? I'm not saying I'm doing a disk brake swap for sure yet or not, just curious if the parts would work...

Many thanks,

Greg

ChevLoRay · 08-21-2002, 04:28 PM

Early Classic Enterprises has a new product that allows for converting your C-20 to the half-ton style of disc brakes. This is a conversion to 1/2-ton, and may not be what you want to do. But, if it appeals to you, it can be done using their components, including lowering, if you like.

Just throwing in my nickels-worth.

Longhorn Man · 08-21-2002, 07:30 PM

I am 99% sure that the 3/4 and one ton brakes are the same.
I DO know that GM kept the 3/4 and one ton style front ends for a while after the 73 model, untill what year though, i am unsure.

Canada20 · 08-21-2002, 11:58 PM

Thanks for the 1/2ton info but won't I have to do some stuff about 5 or 6 lug wheels vs the 8s that are on there now when it comes to matching front to back? Would be nice to have options for raising/lowering it though...hmmm...

I've heard varying years for comaptible front end parts; 73 - 82 and even 73-87. It may have depended on whether people were wanting to use the crossmember conversion or just the control arms and spindles (and associated stuff like tie rod ends). I'm tempted to try the whole crossmember as I understand I could also make the swap to power steering at the same time which would be nice. Thing is it sounds like a little more work; removing engine from my truck and possibly from the donor truck to safely get at the thing as well as all the other stuff.

Like I say, I'm just doing a little homework for this stuff so when I finally have some $$s I have a better idea of what to do.

Greg

*Fast68Chevy* · 08-22-2002, 01:01 AM

5 lug is 1/2 ton 71-up if you wanted to go form 8 to 5 the you would need to find a 71-87 1/2 ton truck to be front suspension donor, and swap, at the minimum, the control arms and spindles with rotors, calipers and hoses and tie rods and probably centerlink bar also, everything is a bolt on affair from 64-87 and 10-30 series, cant mix parts form series to series however, IE cant put 1/2 ton spindles o 3/4 to arms, etc, etc.

lower balljoints in 71-87('91 for burbs and i thnk vans also) share, uppers changed in 73 again,

van arms are not same as truck arms, but spindles are.,

good luck

Low69CST · 08-22-2002, 02:16 AM

you could get some early classic conversion spindles. Uses your factory balljoints and tierods. Just replace spindles and use half ton roters and calipers I think.

08-21-2002, 02:38 PM	#1
Canada20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 802	Disk swap info; 3/4 and 1 ton same parts or not? Hey all. Slowly starting to see what availability for parts for my '69 C20 is like and I'm curious if the control arms and spindles from a 73up 1 ton would do the job or even be an upgrade? I'm not saying I'm doing a disk brake swap for sure yet or not, just curious if the parts would work... Many thanks, Greg

08-21-2002, 04:28 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Early Classic Enterprises has a new product that allows for converting your C-20 to the half-ton style of disc brakes. This is a conversion to 1/2-ton, and may not be what you want to do. But, if it appeals to you, it can be done using their components, including lowering, if you like. Just throwing in my nickels-worth. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-21-2002, 11:58 PM	#4
Canada20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 802	Varying reports..... Thanks for the 1/2ton info but won't I have to do some stuff about 5 or 6 lug wheels vs the 8s that are on there now when it comes to matching front to back? Would be nice to have options for raising/lowering it though...hmmm... I've heard varying years for comaptible front end parts; 73 - 82 and even 73-87. It may have depended on whether people were wanting to use the crossmember conversion or just the control arms and spindles (and associated stuff like tie rod ends). I'm tempted to try the whole crossmember as I understand I could also make the swap to power steering at the same time which would be nice. Thing is it sounds like a little more work; removing engine from my truck and possibly from the donor truck to safely get at the thing as well as all the other stuff. Like I say, I'm just doing a little homework for this stuff so when I finally have some $$s I have a better idea of what to do. Greg

08-22-2002, 02:16 AM	#6
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	you could get some early classic conversion spindles. Uses your factory balljoints and tierods. Just replace spindles and use half ton roters and calipers I think. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

08-21-2002, 07:30 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I am 99% sure that the 3/4 and one ton brakes are the same. I DO know that GM kept the 3/4 and one ton style front ends for a while after the 73 model, untill what year though, i am unsure.

08-22-2002, 01:01 AM	#5
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	5 lug is 1/2 ton 71-up if you wanted to go form 8 to 5 the you would need to find a 71-87 1/2 ton truck to be front suspension donor, and swap, at the minimum, the control arms and spindles with rotors, calipers and hoses and tie rods and probably centerlink bar also, everything is a bolt on affair from 64-87 and 10-30 series, cant mix parts form series to series however, IE cant put 1/2 ton spindles o 3/4 to arms, etc, etc. lower balljoints in 71-87('91 for burbs and i thnk vans also) share, uppers changed in 73 again, van arms are not same as truck arms, but spindles are., good luck



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