The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop C20 rear end, chassis, brakes strategy

I'm bringing a '61 C20 (3/4T) back to life. A few more shop hours from driving it. 235 w/three on the tree, and manual everything. Looking at my next set of moves, strategy-wise. Would like to be able to drag a 4,600lb boat & trailer to a nearby ramp--then get the boat back out of the water and home safely. All the brake conversions I've seen are for 6 lug wheels. Would it make sense to swap rear end for 6 lug with posi, (or some type of limited slip), and go with a disc conversion that changes me to 6 lug in the front? What rear end should I look for if that's the way to go? Opinions sought...

i bet the c20 would have no problems with pulling the boat. but you'll have to leave the rear alone. to keep the pulling power you want it to be low geared and if you try to change it out for some highway gear it prob won't be up to the task. if you want a highway truck maybe you should look into a c10 ot upgrade. it is going to take a lot of time and $$$$ to change the front end out or switch over to something modern with the disc brakes. i pull and haul more than that with my 64 c20, but i also roll down the road at 50 mph. if somebody sees it with 6 lug wheels and disc brakes they may try to rip it c20 badge off in discust. hahaha, just kidding on the last part. hr

The six lug disk kits are all designed for 1/2-ton trucks and this sounds like a place where that 3/4-ton rating will make a difference.

There are rear disk conversion kits available for the Eaton rear it just may take a little looking to find one. Check four-wheel-drive venders.

As for the front, I've read you can swap the torsion bar suspension for a coil spring version from a '71 or later disk brake truck. I've not done it, and I don't know what modifications might be required, but that would be one way to get front 8-lug disks and update to a suspension you can actually buy parts for.