The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Whole 73-87 front end or disc brake kit???

I can buy disc conversion kits from the folks at CPP that put 73 spindles on my stock A arms with either 5-lug or 6-lug and with the same original offset as drum brakes. Which would give me all new ball joints, etc. Or I can scrounge around and find a complete 73-87 front end.

It would seem as expensive, maybe more to buy a front end and then rebuild it. Although I'm not trying to get by as cheap as possible, I want it to work well. Since I would probably have to/want to rebuild any 73-87 front end, what is the advantage of the whole front end vs the kit method.

1966 Suburban 305 V6
1. What is the advantage to change to 5-lug wheels? Is it just because there are more rim choices?
2. Would you run 16” rims to give a little more room for the disc brakes?
3. Which method is best/easier? Can you do the whole method without taking off the front clip and removing the engine? Reason I ask is most junk yards are pick your own parts.
4. What should I pay for a complete 73-87 front end?
5. Where is the donor front end connected to the OE? I guess if you install the power steering box from the donor then everything has been replaced.
6. Any issue with using Pickup parts on a Suburban? I've been told that a Suburban sits on a 115" PU frame, so everything should work.
7. What do the alignment shops think of these or is it no big deal to them.

I’ve even considered buying a whole 73-87 truck and taking both the 5-lug rear end and the front end and maybe the engine/tranny. I haven’t found one with the right engine yet, so I haven’t pursued that idea.

Any thoughts/warnings you want to throw in here would be welcomed.

Hi Jon,

I'll try to answer your questions...

1. Advantage of 5 lug is more options/choices of rims.
2. Running 16" rims is cool, just remember with a bigger rim, generally the more expensive the tire/rim cost.
3. IMHO a brake kit that has been engineered for your truck is better then trying to re-engineer 2 frames together.
4. If 3 is done.. this is not an issue.
5. If 3 is done.. power steering is not an issue.
6. If I understand it correctly... they are the same from the cab doors forward.
7. If the subframe was installed incorrect, they will know right away..... Depending on the "straightness" of the frame, they may or may not be able to do it.

I would rather do the brake kit, someone else has already done the work.... All I have to do is install it

If I have mis-stated anything I hope someone will correct me.

@57Sub3100

Thanks for the input. I guess I'm leaning to the kit from CPP, then maybe the back too.

I guess I haven't decided to go stock or rod, cause once I decide to rod it then there pretty much is no turning back. Then I would probably change the V6 to an erod crate or something.

Thanks again

@Jon_S,

Here is a voice from the other side. Swap the crossmember! Your plusses are; NEWER Parts. Chevy/GM continued to upgrade throughout the life of the design. This means larger tie rods, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Also the A arm bushings are rubber. Any competent front end shop can align your truck. If your frame doesn't have the clearance bulge for the power steering box, (I think it does but I could be wrong,) there is a member of "The 'Bolt" who makes a spacer. I've done a couple now, and for me, it's a one day job. I do replace all the tie rod ends, joints, and bushings. Why run this steering stuff used if you don't have to? Another plus is you don't have to remember what you adapted to what! Makes it easier in the long run.

I also like your idea of getting a whole truck. You can pull the rear axles and have 5 lug all the way around. Another easy swap.

What ever you decide, take your time and do it right! Your and the lives of your passengers and those around depend on the quality of YOUR work!

best wishes,

Les

I went with the CPP kit easy install and did not change the stance of my truck. I took my time and it took me about 3 hours to complete. I also installed thier power steering kit and it wasn;t that hard either. here is a pic of the disc conversion when it was through. I went with the 5 lug conversion. I used 69 corvette 15+ rims and I did not have any clearance issues with the calipers [URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2542598820107361323oapFOW][IMG]http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/50829/2542598820107361323S600x600Q85.jpg If you notice in the pic, I also changed out the tie rod ends. The truck steers and brakes very well. and by going with the brake conversion. You can go back to the original setup if you keep the drum brakes you take off.