C10 Suspension differences, Guess What?

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Some chevy c10 stuff I noticed when trying to decide which parts I should use. I thought this was pretty odd nobody has touched on this before, you saw it here first! :)
Comparing front cross members, lower and upper control arms. I've done some reading on which arm bushings are better. I saw some talk about lower arms changing the caster, that could still be true. If I have some time I'll measure those up too.
There is definitely a difference in upper control arm mounting in relation to the frame. Now this all goes out the window if the lower arms are also set back the same amount! I doubt this, haha.
63-72 c10 vs 73-87 c10 or 73-91 suburban crossmember swap differences and comparison
#c10suspension #c10disc #c10crossmember

[@alvaroamaya5158]

This is amazing info. I've been wanting to lift my 72 2WD for a slightly taller than stock look and fit some meaty 33's on it. There are ZERO lift kits for the 67-72 trucks. Thank you a million times for this.!!

[@filmart430]

You better have everything documented because when it’s time to replace things, you will need all those different model years handy.

[@396M21]

Great video, simple black and white.

[@deankay4434]

The lower control arms with solid bushings are better than the flexible rubbers and when grease regularly, they will last a lifetime. C20 are the same but those who want strength will find a nice metal gusset on the bottom of the C20, around the spring pockets and ball joint. Yes, they weigh more, but you can shave off Lbs. elsewhere. Now, caster can be included up to 7 degrees positive just by relocating the “LCA” shaft forward up to 3/4”, by changing the hole location on the shaft. Moving it forward increases caster by putting the “LBJ” further forward before adding shims. Drill a new hold as the pin is fixed in the half-moon perch on the crossmember. A video about alignment on KZbin by “TheShopClassTeacher Guy” has done this on a 60-66 C10 which had no P/S at all and did not require much caster. It is just a pin and one hole. Don’t forget, they use 9/16” U-Bolts as upgrades and hole needs drilled unless swapping “C-Members” as these are OEM on 73 up perhaps. May not be exact. But if installed w/O pin, torqued with larger U-Bolts, I truly doubt they could ever move. Unless you create a new “Drive-Thru” window at a McDonalds, by hitting a concrete wall, shifting the front components, like the lower control arm! Och! ASE Master Tech - Retired 67 C10 & P/S + 4-5 degrees +caster = better ride, steering returns to center way better.

[@deankay4434]

The 67-72 was mostly manual steering, so "Less" positive caster is required. But, P/S is an option and alignment specs show this. Adjusted for P/S by the book, there is no problems with the amount of positive caster you can get. Plus, it tracks fine going down flat concrete at road speed. You may have slightly less return ability, but I have no issues with my 67. As for wheels, if 6 lug to stay period look, off-set should at least +10 to +25 will work and place the wheel/tire closer to the wheel house. Just remember the 5 lug rear diff is wider by 1/2" or more anyways, depending on the look and width of tire you use.

[@mrnobody8540]

Good job -

[@turboflush]

Video proof. Good job.

[@joedrt2960]

gud n4👍, i put a 78 heavy duty blazer front, from junkyard onto ma 67 c10, huge sway bar ,luv da disc set up. 🍻

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Can’t beat putting in newer model OE parts! Well you can but it’s always a good improvement.

[@Roadglide911]

I put an 86 on my 67 c10. It was cheaper than buying the disc brake conversion kit. One hole lines up, elongate one hole, drill another hole, bolt it in and everything hooks up fine.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That's the way to do it, and 5 lug at the same time. You can also get aftermarket 6 lug rotors easily. I bought the whole 91 suburban for parts, used the steering box too. I should have went 5 lug and abandoned building around a set of 6 lug wheels.

[@danno1971]

Thanks much for this info! I did a swap on my 71 with a full complete 1982 set up and my big question is( as im trying to prepare for front wheels) does a new 2.5 drop spindle change the hub-to-hub length? AND do you know if the HtoH length is the same from 67-87?? Thanks in advance!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

the 71-72 and 73+ front track width will be the same. The early drum brake trucks have narrower front track, not sure about the drop spindle, I wouldn't think it would change much. I'd probably contact the manufacturer!

[@turbogti78]

Great info, especially for those wanting to save weight, I do have a question though are the upper control arm mounts different or are they located in a different position, I'm curious of this is why the bolts are offset between the early and late crossmember

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I’m thinking Chevy just decided to put more caster in the trucks, evolution?

[@turbogti78]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS that would be my guess also, just wondering if I use an upper control arm meant to improve caster to a 69 c10 with a later crossmember if it would add too much caster

[@deankay4434]

@turbogti78 > I would have to add it up, but I don’t think 12 pounds hurts anything. As for more caster, as these farm-truck work horses found a market in the city, P/S was available in 68 for C10’s but the heavier Suburban. Adding extra caster is easy by moving the lower control arm forward on the shaft mount pin, by drilling a hole as much as 3/4” back. This places the lower ball joint future ahead & shins get 6-7 degrees caster. As long as the outer tie rod ends don’t create “Bump Steer” so much as out-of-level, but slightly forward of straight from the sides. Search an alignment video by “TheShopTeacherGuy” who did that to his 60-66 C10, then added a rack! Use the upgraded 9/16” U-bolts sold at LMC, move it, torque it down. A pin in the perch locates the lower, so move it, re-drill or grind it off & weld tiny stops on the shaft. Either, improves the ride. Have a good one.

[@chrisellis935]

I purchased a 79 C10 heavy half for my 62 front end upgrade any difference in ball joints or suspension upgrade parts kit

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes ball joints are different. You must match the ball joint with the year of knuckle you use. Use everything from the 79. The newer upper and lower control arms have rubber bushings, cheap to replace and softer ride.

[@brucegunter7225]

have you Thought about A 2003 Crown Victoria Front End Thay Fix. They have rack & pinion

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Bruce Gunter I did look into that, it would have saved a lot of weight too. I wanted to keep the 6 lug because I really like the wheels I already have.

[@ashneel707able]

Can I keep my upper and lower control arms 1968 for my c10 along with the cross member? And use 87-91 spindles rotors and breaks??

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

87-91 suburban? Or 87 pickup? Those would work. Yes, use the ball joints from the newer trucks that match the spindle. Tie rods need to match or be modified too.

[@vgsvaraujo2164]

Hi, i was looking your video, thanks for sharing. Im going to do a complete swap to a 91 suburban, my question is, do you thing is the same lenght from disc to disc, I heard that the news suspensions from 87-91 are a lil bit longer 1/2 inch in each side.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Hi, your Suburban is a 91? You want the newer '88+ pickup brakes? For sure the track is wider on those, you can see it in the wheel offset. I'd just stick with your '91 brakes and upgrade rotors and calipers. On the cheap you can get cross drilled rotors and wilwood d52's.

[@vgsvaraujo2164]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS thank for response. Sorry, i didnt explain myself well, the think is I have a 67 c10 pick up, but I want to swap the front suspension (old) for a newer suspension, in this case for a 91 suburban suspension, it fits already, but I dont know if it is wider because I just started from the chassis and I dont have any reference to a possible wheel offset.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

vgs varaujo hi, you’re right. It’s .5-.75” wider per side. I would put it together and bolt on whatever wheel you have then order based off of how it fits. 8 or 9” wide fronts, 0 offset it common but I’d test fit first. Maybe find some cool old school wheels like I did.

[@Sanchez_lsx]

For some reason finding lower control arms for a 78 c10 is impossible.. are the 87 to 91 compatible?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes they work perfectly fine. In the end that's what I used, everybody was raving about the better ride quality with the rubber bushings. With all these control arms, you just need to make sure you match the ball joint with whatever knuckle you are using.

[@frankguadarrama7971]

Would a c20 lower control arm fit my 86 1500 C10 suburban??? They look nearly identical but I'm sure there may be some sight differences

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

What year c20 arm? Lower ball joint is different. And the pocket for spring may be deeper on the c20. I'd try to grab the correct arms to avoid trouble.

[@juanfernandohernandez9981]

So at the end you use the 91 with the 69 controll arms rigth?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I ended up going with both the squarebody crossmember and the rubber bushed control arms. I was thinking about ride quality when I put it together. I may switch over to solid one day, who knows.

[@corridos7104]

Hy I have a 72 c20 I changed the control arms of a 78 c10 to make it a 5 lug disc. Is there a problem with that conversion?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That’s one way to do it, should be good.

[@corridos7104]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS what year should I use the tie rod ends72 or 78? If I put a LS MOTOR WOULD THE ARMS HIT THE HEADERS? BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN that they hit. That you for your response

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Hi, use the newer c10 tie rods and ball joints. Header clearance depends on the header. Not flipping stock manifolds and running turbos?

[@jcsgarage8052]

So can I use 67-72 lower control arms on my 73-87 crossmember and keep my 73-87 upper control arms?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

jacob conatser yes, just match the ball joint to the knuckle

[@johnkaylaeddings2935]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS so I can put my c10 balljoint in the c20 control arm? The hole diameter is the same?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@johnkaylaeddings2935 hi, you can install the c10 ball joint on the upper arm only. You will either have to ream the c10 spindle for the bigger c20 lower ball joint or just switch to a c10 lower arm. I'd fact check that just in case, lol. But I'm fairly certain that's the truth. I guess I should have asked what year truck.

[@johnmartis6407]

can i use a 63 newer lower control arm on my 62 c10 an just swap out ball joints to use 73 to 87 brake kit or get 63 to 66 drop spindle combo? to eliminate the torsion bar set up ?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

yes, check out the experts on this forum. Here's a specific link with pics. good luck with your build. 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=366828

[@johnmartis6407]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS I've seen that on the forum. But nothing on just swapping out just the A arms. Most swapping out entire late crossmember

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

The newer lower arm won’t bolt up to your 62, only the 63+ crossmember. You don’t like the torsion bars? You could just get a disc brake conversion spindle

[@johnmartis6407]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS Yea I'm looking into the 2.5 drop spindle kit with disc. I don't mind the torsion bars. But can't go to low.

[@the1whoknocks275]

I’m wanting to convert a 4x4 73 blazer to 2wd can I put the whole front suspension from a 70 c10? Or will it be too complicated

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I kinda wish I had a 4wd for a better launch. The 70 is drum brakes and 6 lug, yes it can be done. The squarebody replacement parts are also typically a bit cheaper and more widely available. I would refer to the forum for this, here is a link of a guy doing this swap... 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=168231&page=3

[@the1whoknocks275]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS the 70 c10 I have currently has 5 lug disc brakes on front suspension, so maybe it’s already been changed, but that will work right? Not direct bolt in I have to drill my own holes right?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@the1whoknocks275 its either an aftermarket conversion 5 lug or a square body setup. For sure you can make it work, yes you will see how many bolt holes line up and which ones need attention. Good luck with your project!

[@SimonTekConley]

Specifically the change was the ball joints

[@josegonzales3371]

Its because the older frames are more narrow wheel base I've put a 1989 chevy truck cross member on a 62 truck wasn't really a problem just have to shim and slot the holes

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I’ve never looked before 1967. Only 67+, in that case… The old frames are narrower further back, that’s true. But I’m sure the width of the frames at the crossmembers is the same, the height is different and needs shims tho, that’s true.

[@josegonzales3371]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS kinda the cross member is slightly longer i no because I had to toe the wheels more and play with the camber.

[@jrvillanueva7564]

Does anybody know what’s the difference between a 1971 c20 and a c10

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Davidftss what part of it? Different spindles, 8 lug, same calipers. Same control arms but bigger cross shafts.

[@KeithCooper-f7l]

So, I have a 1985 Chevy C10 Silverado 2WD. Will the 1967-1972 crossmember fit on my 1985 with no problems ?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

It will. You’ll have to drill some holes and figure out the engine stands is all there is to it. Brake lines are run differently too.

[@KeithCooper-f7l]

what do you mean figure out the engine stands?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

The newer frames are taller. Just see if your ‘85 stands holes line up with the cross member holes, if not drill some

[@manuelgarate6762]

Hey guys I bad my 1972 Cheyenne c20 I would like to make it 5 lug , what suspensión besides 1968 and 1972 I can use ?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Manuel Garate if you get a 73+ spindle, lower a arm, and upper ball joint you are good. I say 73+ because 71-72 ball joints and knuckles are rarer and more $. I would consult the forums!

[@manuelgarate6762]

GIZZMOTORSPORTS thank you so much

[@c10scarvlog84]

@manuel garate trying sell that front suspension?

[@deankay4434]

With a C20, the lower control arm is the same as 67-72, but with extra welded gussets on lower. To change to 5 lug, look at the 88-98 1500 without heavy half or under 7,200 GVW. Lower ball joint is larger so use the newer with the light 1500 steering knuckle or as people call it the spindle. You get updated disc brake rotor, 2 15/16" piston in the caliper. If you need outer tie rods, go for the 88 era Caprice. They are the right tapper & size and screw right into the adjuster sleeves. One difference is 67-72 places the brake hose on the rear of the upper, only 12" long required. If moving to the front side, you will need longer ones that have center mount clip.

[@SimonTekConley]

The uppers changed in 71

[@c10scarvlog84]

Hey guys anyone know how I can make my 1972 c10 5 lug into 8 lug ? And the I will need? I found this guy selling a complete frame from a 85 he gots the complete front end and rear end also for $400

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

pretty sure that will go right in, might need to drill some holes up front and weld saddles on the rear axle but it's doable. I hope it was a driver recently otherwise replacing parts add up quick.

[@Turbochapman]

I could trade you my 8lug stuff off of my 71 C20 for your C10 5lug stuff. The C20 lower ball joints are a bigger diameter so the c10 spindles won't bolt up on c20 ball joints

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

William Chapman you could buy some c10 ball joints or if on a budget ream the c10 spindle. But you need a tool.

[@c10scarvlog84]

William Chapman where you located at?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

C10scar Vlog Vancouver Canada, you?

[@nichobarricco5149]

Younger is later and older is earlier

[@SimonTekConley]

The larger holes in the subframe happened in 69/70.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

SimonTekConley that is a 69 panel truck cross member in the vid. What do you thing about the geometry difference vs the newer one?

[@SimonTekConley]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS I have a 69 c20, converted to disc brakes. I know cause when I went to install new bolts, I had prepared to drill to the larger size, and learned that they made the change mid year.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

SimonTekConley I get the hole size, but check my findings from about 3:50