1973-1987 suspension onto a '60-'62

[RBW]

I read this old thread on grafting a '73-'87 front suspension onto a '60'62'...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366850

It's a good description of the basics for mounting the newer suspension unit, but left me wondering where things go from there.

If the donor truck has power disc brakes and power steering, how much of these systems can be installed and made functional on the '60-'62?

What would have to be modified or replaced?

Would the distance between the front wheels be the same?

Would mounts need to be fabricated for mounting any of the new components?

[robber grin]

For my 62 C10 I used all 1978 Chevy Suburban 2WD parts; the front clip, brake booster, power steering gear box on a REZ adapter, and front sway bar.

Because I dropped the truck 5 1/2 out front with coils and spindles I went with drop brackets on the sway bar mounts for the frame.

Also going to Performance Online Upper Control Arms to correct for Negative Camber situation from the drop. NOT AN ISSUE with a moderate drop or stock ride height.

Even with things not 100% it drives like a new car and steers perfectly.

After you get the swap done, spot your center link at parallel to the cross-member and clamp your idler to the PS frame rail before drilling for your idler arm mounting. Long bits - frame's boxed.

Frames are shorter than 63 - 72 so plan on notching the DS rail for steering adapter and in my case I welded a sleeve to the frame to make me sleep better, but I have run with a notch on previous builds trouble free.

72 V8 stands are then 1" taller than what we need if you're going that route so a 1" spacer is required for each side to correct for difference in frame height. I used solid bar stock and longer bolts.

Made the brake booster work by combining the actuator rods to make the burb unit compatible with 62's factory pedal assembly. I made a mounting plate to transfer the booster's mounting bolt pattern, seal the firewall, and reinforce the arrangement. Pulled the clutch pedal and welded the disk brake pedal to the 62 brake arm (but you don't have too).

IF i were to do it all over again I'd talk to Capt Fab about an adapter and go that route... uses an S10 booster I think. The Capt makes NICE brackets.

If you can, grab everything, you should be able to pull the torsion bar front end and go up with the complete front clip from your donor with some drilling.

Hope this helped - Let me know what you come up with or if you need anything else.

[robber grin]

As far as track width, I'm running a 73 rear end so I guess it's about the same as the back.

Booster mounting plate, actuator rod, disk pedal, steering adapter sleeve, front brake hose tabs (Speedway), etc etc