1961 C30 Suspension and Brakes Conversion

[MichaelNicholas]

Hello
I just bought a 1961 Apache C30 1 ton truck. While scouring through the Internet looking for upgrade parts, I realized that a disc brake conversion kit is not available for my particular truck. When completed, I want to still use the original 8 lug wheels and (dually) tires. Additionally, I had planned to retrofit springs and shocks to replace the torsion bar suspension.

As a workaround, I am wondering about finding a donor 1 ton truck from the mid 60's to mid 70's, swapping out the front suspension and changing the rear end. The assumption is that the donor parts would be 8 lug and of equal strength. I then would hopefully be able to buy an 8 lug, 4 wheel disc brake conversion kit. Again, important that I can still use my original 7x18 wheels and tires.

I read somewhere, likely on this forum, that a user swapped out his torsion bar suspension with 73ish (if memory serves) parts and that it was practically bolt-on. He said he had to drill one hole.

My home setup is not equipped to do a bunch of cutting, fabbing and welding, so I am hoping that the vast knowledge and experience on this forum will be able to find any flaws in my plan and whether I can use my 1961 era wheels.

Thank you, in advance, for your help

Michael