Emergency Help front end swap needed. Life or death (not really)

[benw88]

Hi everyone,

Today being sunday I ran into some huge problems at my ex-boss's shop. We racked my 68 c10 which has 4-wheel drums and pulled the front suspension off to do a drum to disk conversion. I worked there in high school about 2 years ago and I am still good friends wight the owner. I thought I had everything lined up to do the swap.I have calipers, spindles, 5-lug rotors, brake pads, hoses, booster and wheels . I also have the upper and lower control arms. All these parts came off a 73-Up chevy truck. I also have the tie rods and center link for this 73-up front end. I read that I can use my upper and lower control arms if I replace my lower ball joint with one from a DIFFERENT year. Can some one please HELP me figure out what I need to finish this conversion because my truck is currently Blocking a bay at a very very busy shop that needs to make money tomorrow.

[FL71C10]

I was under the impression that you need the ball joint from the 73 and up truck to make that work.

[benw88]

Do I also need to replace the center link or can I use my 68 steering set up ?

[FL71C10]

I don't remember seeing anything about that. But if you have both you should be ok.

[lolife99]

Use all of the steering from the 73-87 truck.
Centerlink included.
I assume you are using the 73-87 control arms?

You got yourself in a bind you may not get out of today.
These conversions usually take time.
Swapping to a disc brake master cylinder and bending new lines could easily take all day by itself.
There is no need to rush this job.
Your safety and others depend on you having good brakes and steering.

[benw88]

Should I use the tie rod ends from the 73 on the 68 steering setup or use the 73 steering setup all together. I can tell that the tie rod ends that i have now on the 68 are definitely not going to work because they are too small for the spindle

[lolife99]

73-up tie rods are larger diameter so they won't work.
USE ALL OF THE 73-87 STEERING!!!
Leave it together.
Are you sure the 73-87 parts aren't wore out?

[lolife99]

Balljoints, and tie rods MUST MATCH the year of spindle you are using.
They break down in the following groups:
60-62
63-70
71-72
73-87

[cdowns]

you need a master cylinder and proportioning valve as well as the associated lines to go with them

[benw88]

I replaced all ball joints for the 73-up parts, and all the parts I mentioned above are brand new

[benw88]

I have a master cylinder and a will wood adjustable proportioning valve for the rear, Is this what you are talking about cdowns

[benw88]

I would really like to use my 68c10 control arms can I do this using the 73-up upper and lower ball joints. ?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by benw88

I would really like to use my 68c10 control arms can I do this using the 73-up upper and lower ball joints. ?

Yes.
Install the 73-87 balljoints in your 68 a-arms

[benw88]

Thank you all so much for the help you really helped me get out of a pickle. I do have one more question. What is the preferred mater cylinder set up ? i know you obviously run the rear brake lines to the proportioning valve and then to the master cylinder. Then I think you just run the front brake lines from the calipers straight to the master cylinder ? Can i use the stock lines and make a small line that will connect to the stock ones and then bend it properly to the master cylinder ? I have a tubing bender and flaring kit so it shouldn't be an issue. Furthermore what is the best way to run the vacuum from the intake to the master cylinder ? Is a vacuum can required ? realized as i started putting things together that i did not do my homework well enough. Lesson learned, the hard way

[lolife99]

Use a 71-72 M/C.
Since you have an "adjustable" Wilwood Proportioning valve,... just bend up a new line for the front brakes and run it to the "T" behind the front crossmember.
For the rear,... bend up a new line with the Wilwood Prop valve located somewhere after the M/C.

[benw88]

I already have a Booster/ Master cylinder but its not stock off a truck but one like you would get if you bought a front end kit. Will that work ? and do i just run a straight vacuum line from the intake to the master cylinder ?

[lolife99]

Intake vacuum will work.
Not sure about the length of your brake pedal rod with the new m/c.
Install parts and see where you are.
You'll find out if it's correct when you bleed the brakes.

This is the reason some people buy kits.
Every part is made to work.
No guess work.
Take your time and do it right the first time.