frame questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beautimus · 11-04-2002, 05:10 AM

okay, here is my situation. i have a 71 short fleet side truck.
i am about to start on the restore and i discover a crack in the frame on the passenger side just be hind the upper a frame.
so, i could weld this thing back up and just grind it smooth.
or i have a trashed 69 short fleet. body is junk but the frame is perfect. but drum brakes no pwr steer or nothing.
heres the question, i know i would have to dimple the frame for the steering box, but what about the disc brake set up.
will the discs work on the drum brake spindles or do i have to change them too. are the ball joints and other steering parts the same? some of you guys that have been through this wanna comment on this swap. all clues comments and cuss words are appreciated. lol thanks, tony

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-04-2002, 08:48 AM

I believe that I would weld the 71 frame. Most guys change out the heavy front cross member when they convert the 70 back trucks to disc because it avoids a lot of problems with the spindles and A arms. If you use the older frame, you will want to consider swapping in the whole member. Spindles and and A arms
are different between the years.

Jim

crazy longhorn · 11-04-2002, 09:14 AM

As far as the dimple for the steering box, the 69 frame will have it. The 67s & some of the early 68s didnt have the dimple.

11-04-2002, 05:10 AM	#1
beautimus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: woodstock, alabama, usa Posts: 938	frame questions okay, here is my situation. i have a 71 short fleet side truck. i am about to start on the restore and i discover a crack in the frame on the passenger side just be hind the upper a frame. so, i could weld this thing back up and just grind it smooth. or i have a trashed 69 short fleet. body is junk but the frame is perfect. but drum brakes no pwr steer or nothing. heres the question, i know i would have to dimple the frame for the steering box, but what about the disc brake set up. will the discs work on the drum brake spindles or do i have to change them too. are the ball joints and other steering parts the same? some of you guys that have been through this wanna comment on this swap. all clues comments and cuss words are appreciated. lol thanks, tony __________________ i survived cancer and kidney stones, but my kids are killing me.

11-04-2002, 08:48 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	I believe that I would weld the 71 frame. Most guys change out the heavy front cross member when they convert the 70 back trucks to disc because it avoids a lot of problems with the spindles and A arms. If you use the older frame, you will want to consider swapping in the whole member. Spindles and and A arms are different between the years. Jim

11-04-2002, 09:14 AM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	As far as the dimple for the steering box, the 69 frame will have it. The 67s & some of the early 68s didnt have the dimple.



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