I'm lost and need some help on a 68 C10

[danheit]

Guys, I need some help. I am at a total loss when it comes to some of this suspension stuff. Here's my delimma (I asked in the 67-72 forum, but quickly learned that I was asking about something impossible, so....)

I am supposed to be selling my 55 and 57 pickups tomorrow, going later that day and purchasing a 68 C10 swb manual everything with a 350 and 3spd (now in the floor). I currently have in my garage a full 1990 GMC 1500 Sport frame with a static 4/6 drop, bolt on c-notch, front drop spindles, posi rear, power steering, and all the brake system still attached.

I am on a budget of almost nothing.

Can I, and how easy is it, swap my 1990 GMC suspension to the 68? I have read and searched, and the only info I have found so far is about swapping the upper arms from the 90 combined with c20 lower arms in order to use disc brakes for a 6 lug conversion. I would rather stick with the 5 lug on the GMC, especially being I already have wheels and tires for it. Also, I am planning on swapping in the rear axle if possible and hopefully using the entire drivetrain.

Other question is regarding the power steering gear box. Why do all the conversions show using a 73-87 box and nothing for a later model box? Why can't I use my 1990 box, as from what I can see from pictures, it looks pretty much the same as far as dimensions and layout go. Is it just that nobody uses them because the 73-87 front cradle swap is so prevalent?

Any help will be appreciated!!

[N2TRUX]

What your trying to do might be possible, but it will require more effort than the savings are worth unless you have great fab skills.

The reason everyone suggests using 73-87 components is they are readily available and can be had for minimal outlay. The front suspension from a 73-87 truck (up to 91 on Burbs) is a direct bolt in for the 68. You can swap the entire crossmember, or mix and match parts to get where you want to be.

I suggest consider selling the 90 GMC and using the funds to buy a donor truck that fits your needs.

[danheit]

Yeah, unfortunately the 90 is only a frame and suspension with no title (I would keep the rims and drivetrain) so I won't be able to get really anything out of it. I was hoping to be able to make it happen for free or close to it, and was just hoping someone would have paved that road ahead of me. I really hate to go drop several hundred $$ when I have good usable parts right here.
Now if I can just make them work......

[andrewmp6]

Most on here stick to the easy way which is the 73-87 stuff.If it was me i would sell all the drop stuff or see if you can sell it as a rolling frame.

[PBFAB.COM]

We had a local customer (well potential customer) who wanted to do the same thing. He had invested a bunch of money in a 90's pickup and was burnt out at the paint stage. He came to us wanting to put a 68 C10 on the chassis. We took a look at the amount of time and energy necessary to do the swap and decided it wasn't worth the money or the time to convert it over. He still wanted to do it.... but it didn't make sense to us. It could be done.... but not worth it IMO.

Nate

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by danheit

.... I really hate to go drop several hundred $$ when I have good usable parts right here. Now if I can just make them work......

Originally Posted by Porterbuilt Street Rods

...We took a look at the amount of time and energy necessary to do the swap and decided it wasn't worth the money or the time to convert it over. He still wanted to do it.... but it didn't make sense to us. It could be done.... but not worth it IMO.

Nate

There is your professional opinion.

[danheit]

g00d nuff for me. thx guys! Opinion though, worth it to use the rear axle I have or is it too wide?

[andrewmp6]

Measure the axle and post what you get,Most guys on here can tell you if its gonna fit or not.