The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 73-87 Chevy\GMC front suspension swap.

I need some info on this type of swap please. I have a 63 GMC 1/2 ton short wide bed.

I have done it on a 1965 chevy. It works great. It will fit right in place, you have to drill one bolt hole and enlarge another. I also used the power steering box from the same truck. You have to space the box out from the frame a little but once again it is almost a direct bolt on.

I used an 87' truck front clip, and it was very easy. To make it easier, I bought the standoff plate for the power steering pump, and it makes for a completely different truck. Would recommend it if you're going to be driving the truck a lot and using it for more than a parade truck. Have been back and forth from Kansas and Georgia in mine several times plus a trip to the Gulf recently, and it handles easy enough for my GF to drive it with my teardrop and a Harley in the back.
Tramp

Yes, it is a very easy swap, I have done it several times. I have an extremely clean Nevada 64 1/2 ton I will do it to if I keep it. I still can't decide if I should sell it or build it.

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a pertinent question. I've never driven an early truck with torsion bars, but I have a '65 and it seems like there are all kinds of stock replacement/upgrade parts available...spindles, anti-sway bars, springs, shocks, brakes, etc. I plan on adding power steering someday soon, but other than that, I'm happy with the apparent heavy-dutyness of the stock components. So my question is, why swap out the whole front end?

cm

so, is it as easy to swap the newer front end components onto a 55-59 truck? Or by "62 and earlier" do you mean 60-62?

Sorry, I should have been more clear about years. I meant 60-62. I don't frequent the forums that discuss the 59 and earlier stuff so I haven't read anything about those years.

ok, thanks. That is what I thought but, had been thinking of trying that on my 59 Suburban but not done anything other than think and wonder!

People swap out their 1962 and earlier front suspension because they gain independent front suspension, power steering and disc brakes and 5 lug rotors. It's also fairly inexpensive compared to buying individual components from the vendors like CPP and POL. The 1963 and up trucks already have IFS, so they only gain PS, disc brakes and 5 lug rotors. New 6 lug rotors are available in the aftermarket for those who want to keep six lugs but the original 3 bump 15" steel wheels do not work with disc brakes. [/quote]

I would say that 60-62 would be classified as IFS
ron

60-66 are relatively easy to upgrade with the later front ends.
with the 60-62 you have a few more holes to modify is the difference between years and with the torsion bars gone it does free up more room.
59 and under are a different operation and you may find more relivant answers in forums of where there is more people doing those conversions
ron

Yes I stand corrected. I should have said that the 60-62 have torsion bar suspension. Indeed. It still is IFS.

The 60-66 type front end swap is on the internet. Good pictures and explanation. Google your Yahoo Explorer Bing thing. Looks like most of the responders here have done it so there is your good source if you get into trouble.