New to 60-66 Need Suspension/Brake/Steering advice

[jweb]

Just bought a '64 suburban and trying to come up with a build plan.
I need advice on which suspension/brakes/steering would be best for me.

Here's a list of things that may have an effect on my decisions:

I will be using this to tow our vintage camp trailer, hopefully long distances.

I want my wife to be able to drive it so PS, PB and automatic trans. are must haves.

I want to do a 5 lug conversion and will be using 18" or 20" wheels

I would also like to mildly lower

Thanks for any advice, I will start a build thread once I can actually start to work on it.

[Captainfab]

Not to be an a** but there are many many threads on all of this, most of which can be found in the 60-'66 FAQ index.

Some of what will determine which way to go is do you want all aftermarket parts in a 'kit' or are you on a budget and not opposed to piecing the build together?

What do you have in mind for the drivetrain? Do you want to go old school, or with a modern LSx engine and trans?

[jweb]

I have read a lot of what other people have done but I seem to have trouble with the search function on here.

I just wondered what might work for my needs since most people don't say what they will use their suburban for.

For drivetrain I will be using a basic carbureted 350 and a TH350 or 700r4 trans

I made a lot of mistakes building my '51 truck and did most things 2 or 3 times just trying to avoid that on this project by getting involved on the forums.

[GVDobler]

You have asked a boatload of questions. Based on what you asked I would buy the LS connect and cruise from Chevrolet Performance for about $11,000 from Summit or Jegs.

Then call the tech line at CPP and they will fix you up with everything suspension wise for about $5,000. Misc parts for the engine swap about $3,000.

We always like pictures as you progress.

[jweb]

Sorry I guess I should have been more clear I am just asking about front &rear suspension, brakes & power steering. Not engines

I just listed some of my plans to see if anyone could help me in the right direction. I have read multiple posts about suspension swaps and disc brake kits but most people don't mention what they use the suburban for.

[Captainfab]

What I would do is purchase a '71-'87 C10 pickup or Suburban for parts and use the entire front suspension, steering, and brakes, except for the booster. I would use one of the boosters that are compatible with my booster bracket so I do not have to drill more holes in the firewall, and so the booster/master is correctly connected to the pedal assembly. The '71-'87 C10 pickup or Suburban will have everything you need for the suspension, steering and brake upgrades you are asking about, except for dropped spindles or springs.

[jweb]

Captainfab, 73-87 swap is what I was thinking my only concern is widening the wheelbase. Since I plan or running 18 or 20" wheels.

Do any of the disc brake kits keep the stock wheelbase ?

[jweb]

Her are a few pictures of what I have to start with.

[GVDobler]

Just jokin with you. That is pretty cool to start.

Captainfab is correct. Although it is difficult for us new guys to muddle through. I have thought of doing the front swap on mine. As I understand the years mentioned will bolt on as opposed to welding. If you use the whole crossmember with the power steering, I don't quite know what you still have to be hook up. The good thing is now all parts would be from the model year you used if you need replacement.

I don't like advice to use this and that mixture. I'd rather buy a kit or go the complete route. The drop spindles would be the way to go to save ride quality. I don't like just cutting springs, if you are going to want it lowered.

I wish there was a step by step video, but I have yet to find one.

[GVDobler]

Originally Posted by jweb

Captainfab, 73-87 swap is what I was thinking my only concern is widening the wheelbase. Since I plan or running 18 or 20" wheels.

Do any of the disc brake kits keep the stock wheelbase ?

CPP makes an offset rotor for this reason.
How much wider is the conversion? I don't recall reading this. I think the later rear axle is 1 1/2" longer for a total of 3" wider tread, but I don't know if that applies to the front.