The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts '72 parts on '54 ?

Was wondering if the front spindles on my '72 c/40 will fit on my '54 4400....thinking of installing complete driveline.

Interesting question. I don't know what kind of front suspension a C40 has. If its an IFS like a C30/P30 then I'm sure the answer is now.

If its a straight axle it could...

And I'd like to know, because I might try a similar approach on my '52 6400.

I know I read something on another post about this yesterdy. I think it was a similar swap.
I ahve searched and searched, and looked at bunches of post with out much luck, perhaps I am immagining this.
I did find this post, but not sure if it's the one I am thinking of or not.

ScottG
New Member
Stovebolter # 8282

posted 07-28-2005 01:45 AM
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Ramblin, I discovered that the king Pins in your truck are the same used all the way to 1980. My front brakes/backing plates/Spindles are from a 1980 Chev C50 with the 5000# front axles. Works great and drums, shoes, and hardware are all readily available for the C50

Steve, Scott....thanks for the comments....the '72 C/40 does have a straight axle. I did see the post from Ramblim about the 1980 kin pins, thats what got me thinking about the swap of the spindles.

I did see a factory assembly manual for the '72 chevy from one of the venders. Does any one know if it covers the C/40 series ???

The C/40 also has the larger bolt pat. & center hole so the ultimate swap to the 22.5" R tires and wheels should be easy in the future...don't like the 19.5's on the 4000-6000 series trucks.

I have an illustrated parts catalogue for 1978 that covers light trucks defined as 10 series through 30 series. The C40 is probably called a medium duty truck and in a different book.

But I don't know, I'm just guessing based on my 1978 book.

How close to the correct location are ths spring pads on the C40 axle? Or could you perhaps swap the C40 springs too?

Sub, I have "Factory Assembly Manual" for my '54's that covers 3100-6000 series. I found "Factory Assembly Manual" for '67-'72 at Jim Carter for $35.00 just don't know if it covers C/10-C60 series. I guess I can call them and ask.

The C/40 frame is 34" wide and the 4400 is 36". I can make the rear axle work, but the front axle has much wider track. So if I can swap the '72 spindle on the '54 I can use all the wheels/tires 8.25x20 from the '72.

Oh, by the way the '72 looks like one piece 20" rims. I can't find a split ring on them. Is this possible....20" one piece rims ????

The finished truck I hope to have....'54 4400.../292 cu. in..../NV4500 or NV5600 trans..../2-speed rear from the '72..../22.5R tires & wheels. I'm thinking of putting a "brownie" under/direct/over in there too....

this getting all to crazy....but it sure is fun building all these in your head !

JD, they might be those screwball 2-piece wheels that join in the center of the bead.

JD I'd look up the king pin specs for that '72 axle and see if they are close to those of the '54. If so I'd take both apart and see if they are close enough to adapt the spindles.

Does the '72 C40 have disk brakes on the front?