1960 to 83 front suspension swap.

[Saave1960]

Just bought a 1983 rolling chassie w/power steering. My idea is to put airbags in the 1983 front suspension and swap into my 1960. I also want to use the 83 power steering and rear diff.

Just for reference my 60 has a 6cyl 235 with a T5 tranny and air bags already in the rear. I am going to pull engine and install the power steering and ac compressor while doing suspension swap.

I'm a young guy and would like to hear some seasoned and some not advice.

[Saave1960]

Frame

[markeb01]

If you're swapping the 83 suspension on the 1960 frame, the following thread will probably be helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ont+suspension

[Saave1960]

Originally Posted by markeb01

If you're swapping the 83 suspension on the 1960 frame, the following thread will probably be helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ont+suspension

I have read and reread your post sir, great write up.

[Captainfab]

If you are keeping the 235, you will have to transfer the front engine mount from the '60 crossmember to the '83 crossmember. I haven't done so, but it may need to be modified.

[Saave1960]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you are keeping the 235, you will have to transfer the front engine mount from the '60 crossmember to the '83 crossmember. I haven't done so, but it may need to be modified.

I am keeping the 235, have you seen anyone do the swap with one? On another note, what kind of deal you can you do on both PB & PS kits (don't need powder coating)?

[Captainfab]

No I have not seen a 235 used with a suspension swap.

I'll send you a PM regarding PS and PB.

Originally Posted by Saave1960

I am keeping the 235, have you seen anyone do the swap with one? On another note, what kind of deal you can you do on both PB & PS kits (don't need powder coating)?

[jonzcustomshop]

if I remember right the 235 should already be tapped for side mounts, I will check the one in my 61 today ( I think all the cars used side mounts by then) ,if that is the case, then all you should have to do is source a set of mounts , (or fab 'em up) from a 73-87 6 cylinder.

hope more people weigh in on this idea, just guess work on my part....

[jonzcustomshop]

my 61 235 is tapped for side mounts

[Saave1960]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

my 61 235 is tapped for side mounts

Sure does have side mounts.

[chopper john]

When i did my swap , after intalling the crossmember i put a small piece of two by four laying in between the crossmember and oil pan . Then installed the horseshoe mount with the frame mount section and just drilled it in to the frame.... Now to tighten the nut and bolts that you install i can drill an accesses hole through the botton for your wrench or you can put your hand through the side of the crossmember

[Saave1960]

Originally Posted by chopper john

When i did my swap , after intalling the crossmember i put a small piece of two by four laying in between the crossmember and oil pan . Then installed the horseshoe mount with the frame mount section and just drilled it in to the frame.... Now to tighten the nut and bolts that you install i can drill an accesses hole through the botton for your wrench or you can put your hand through the side of the crossmember

Did you attempt to level the engine in any way or use a reference point?

[chopper john]

i did put a leveler on top of the valvecover before and when i put the the two by four to measure it was just about exact