chevy van compatible - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dr_Spankenstein · 04-29-2009, 07:23 PM

would any of the suspension parts from '85 chevy van be compatible for a '61 chevy (assuming same tonnage)? I would like to ditch the torsion bars.
thanks,
I tired searching without any luck.

Dr_Spankenstein · 04-29-2009, 07:24 PM

i should point out that i understand it is a complete front end swap.
thanks again

joe231 · 04-29-2009, 07:27 PM

Doctor

I don't have an answer, just wanted to say welcome, and post some pics of you truck, please

**Captainfab** · 04-30-2009, 12:27 AM

Yes I do believe it will work. In fact I have a '85 3/4 ton parts van at my shop and it has all C10 front suspension. And as far as I can tell the crossmember is the same as a C10. I just haven't pulled it out to verify yet. If I remember correctly, the steering box won't work. It looks just like a pickup box, but I think it turns the opposite direction.

Daniel 61 Apache · 04-30-2009, 04:32 AM

I doubt you'll find a direct answer cause most use a truck crossmember. I remember looking at a van from the local yard and thinking that it wouldn't work in my 61, but I can't remember why. I used a C20 x-member from a 86 to get rid of my torsion bars.

Out of curiosity, why do you want to get rid of the torsion bars? Planning on bags? Reason I ask is that most people have this fear of replacing the expensive lower ball joints. But mine worked fine for over 10 years. If all you want is disc brakes, CPP makes a 60-61 disc kit that will work with the torsion bar suspension. Swapping the crossmember is a pain in the ass for the torsion bar guys. And in my opinion, not worth it unless your planning to bag your rig. Just my 2 cents.

Dr_Spankenstein · 04-30-2009, 07:36 PM

I do want to bag it in the distant future.
I do need to replace the lower ball joints, and I want to lower it as far as I can go (static for now) everything is made for 63-66 trucks. I know I can get dropped spindles but I would like to go lower.

Long story short found a running chevy van in my area for $600, I haven't looked at it but might be lots of upgrade stuff for me. I am still running original brakes, steering which I like the look of just not very safe with my 10 year old son going to school in the morning!

This truck is my daily driver.

thanks for the replies
I will post some pics tomorrow if I can!

Dr_Spankenstein · 04-30-2009, 07:38 PM

Daniel 61 Apache your truck is sweet!

I had the same look in mind for mine. Where did you find the side pipes? I can only find the lake pipe style without the heat shield thing.

04-29-2009, 07:23 PM	#1
Dr_Spankenstein Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: el dorado hills, CA Posts: 12	chevy van compatible would any of the suspension parts from '85 chevy van be compatible for a '61 chevy (assuming same tonnage)? I would like to ditch the torsion bars. thanks, I tired searching without any luck.

04-29-2009, 07:24 PM	#2
Dr_Spankenstein Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: el dorado hills, CA Posts: 12	Re: chevy van compatible i should point out that i understand it is a complete front end swap. thanks again

04-29-2009, 07:27 PM	#3
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: chevy van compatible Doctor I don't have an answer, just wanted to say welcome, and post some pics of you truck, please __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

04-30-2009, 12:27 AM	#4
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: chevy van compatible Yes I do believe it will work. In fact I have a '85 3/4 ton parts van at my shop and it has all C10 front suspension. And as far as I can tell the crossmember is the same as a C10. I just haven't pulled it out to verify yet. If I remember correctly, the steering box won't work. It looks just like a pickup box, but I think it turns the opposite direction. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

04-30-2009, 04:32 AM	#5
Daniel 61 Apache Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 168	Re: chevy van compatible I doubt you'll find a direct answer cause most use a truck crossmember. I remember looking at a van from the local yard and thinking that it wouldn't work in my 61, but I can't remember why. I used a C20 x-member from a 86 to get rid of my torsion bars. Out of curiosity, why do you want to get rid of the torsion bars? Planning on bags? Reason I ask is that most people have this fear of replacing the expensive lower ball joints. But mine worked fine for over 10 years. If all you want is disc brakes, CPP makes a 60-61 disc kit that will work with the torsion bar suspension. Swapping the crossmember is a pain in the ass for the torsion bar guys. And in my opinion, not worth it unless your planning to bag your rig. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Project 61 build thread Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference....The Marines don't have that problem. Sic vis pacem, para bellum. -- "If you want peace, prepare for war."

04-30-2009, 07:36 PM	#6
Dr_Spankenstein Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: el dorado hills, CA Posts: 12	Re: chevy van compatible I do want to bag it in the distant future. I do need to replace the lower ball joints, and I want to lower it as far as I can go (static for now) everything is made for 63-66 trucks. I know I can get dropped spindles but I would like to go lower. Long story short found a running chevy van in my area for $600, I haven't looked at it but might be lots of upgrade stuff for me. I am still running original brakes, steering which I like the look of just not very safe with my 10 year old son going to school in the morning! This truck is my daily driver. thanks for the replies I will post some pics tomorrow if I can!

04-30-2009, 07:38 PM	#7
Dr_Spankenstein Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: el dorado hills, CA Posts: 12	Re: chevy van compatible Daniel 61 Apache your truck is sweet! I had the same look in mind for mine. Where did you find the side pipes? I can only find the lake pipe style without the heat shield thing.



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