1964 - 1966 Chevy trucks Disc brakes suspensions

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Information I read is to swap out the whole cross member from a 1973 to 1985 chevy truck of the same weight rating = 1/2 ton  or 3/4 ton  in the earlier chevy trucks.

Frame width is no problem?


it appears some mods for steering column hook up is needed..  should not be a big deal.

hang the brake booster and master on the firewall , plumb it all up with proper proportion valve assembly

[OldSub]

From those I've talked to you have the correct information.  Frame width is the same.  Sometimes you need to enlarge a couple of holes.

You can swap as early as '71 but everyone says the '73 and later parts are better.  And the suspension was used as late as '91 under the trucks that retained the older body style that lone.  You might find low mileage parts less than 20 years old!

I've not actually done the swap but have spent a lot of time researching this suspension for use in one of my projects.

[enjenjo]

You can mount the later booster by drilling a couple holes

[58Apache]

I am doing something similar. I have a 58 1 ton Dually that I want to use for towing. So disc brakes and power steering are important. I bought a used 3/4 1972 frame on E-bay for $50 including complete rear end, wheels, all steering and suspension. I am thinking about splicing the frames together but not totally positive how I'll go yet.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I would want to avoid  frame cutting...

Seems like read some where that frame width may be  a problem on certain year trucks to swap in the whole later cross member  into early trucks?

Maybe that was the torque arm suspension frame  in early  chevy  1960's?

[Mac]

I considered the later model X-member swap for my `63. They say it increases track width a little. I ended up by just fitting a drop spindle / disc kit to the orig. arms. The late model swap gives you rubber (or urethane if you choose) control arm bushings, which is a plus.
Another option is to fit later arms and spindles to the orig. X member.
The REZ adapter for 80 bucks http://www.customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/60_66_chevy_gmc_power_steering_retrofit/index.html
makes the PS swap easier.