front end question

[dirtymax67]

My build is a long way from buying parts for this but just trying to figure out my plan for the truck. Are the bolt on front ends worth the money or is it more economical to rebuild what I already have. I also plan on adding power steering and was wondering about the ram assist that comes on most of the bolt ons. Like I said just trying to figure out which rout to go.

[drag80]

In my opinion they are absolutely worth the money, but it depends on what you want. I put one in because i wanted to shed some weight and get the truck as low as i can with coil overs. If your doing a air ride deal and u want it laid out, its also worth it. But if you just want a mild drop on your truck its probably more economical to not to a bolt on kit, and just keep what ya got.

[PGSigns]

There is also the 73 to 87 front swap. Lots of info on that here. I did it on my 65 to get the better control arm bushings bigger steering components and the disc brakes. Looking for another donor now for the 66.
Jimmy

[dirtymax67]

I don't plan on lowering it to much if any. I am taking mu build down to yhe frame so I want to make the drivetrain has solid and dependable has new. Like I said it's a long way from making the final decision but but I also want to look at all the options and make the best descion for the truck and my wallet. Is the 83-87 a bolt in or is there some fab work to go along with?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by dirtymax67

I don't plan on lowering it to much if any. I am taking mu build down to yhe frame so I want to make the drivetrain has solid and dependable has new. Like I said it's a long way from making the final decision but but I also want to look at all the options and make the best descion for the truck and my wallet. Is the 83-87 a bolt in or is there some fab work to go along with?

If you don't plan on lowering it or entering an autocross then budget is the only issue left. When you bring $$ into the discussion , rebuilding what you have with quality parts will give the same performance (for your use) as a transplant. There are many places that still carry suspension bits made in USA instead of China. Early Classics is one that still does and CPP did a few years ago.

[drag80]

Mine was a compete bolt in, I had to drill (4) 1/2 holes and that was it.

[dirtymax67]

I plan on it being a weekend cruiser so it probably never see the track . It sounds like I should be able to just rebuild what I have then and still make it road worthy. I was also wondering if there was anything wrong with leaving the trailing arms in or go with leaf springs.