Is the Front suspension off a 71 different than the 73-87??
 

I have a 80 burb parts truck and a 71 GMC frame I am going to shorten. Is it worth changing the complete front suspension from the 71 to the 80?? Cheaper parts,better susp??

Thanks.

They went to rubber bushings on the a-arms in 73

Sorry for my ignorance,but would the rubber bushings be considered better??

No, they MIGHT ride a teeny tiny bit better, but you probably won't even notice. It was GMs way of (a) cutting a little of harshness out of the ride of the truck and (b) making 8 less places to have to grease on the newer trucks.

For my money, I'd continue to use the 71 stuff. It should already have disc brakes, being a 71, so there is nothing really to gain by changing the parts to newer ones.

It does have disc brakes. I'll just shorten the 71 frame and keep all the 71 suspension then. Thanks!!

Will the 80 spindles fit on the 71??

if you use the 80 model ball joints and tie rod ends.

So 80 model ball joints will fit in the 71 control arms??

yep, they install just like the stockers.

I can't remeber, but it seems like the 71 lower one is the same as the later years used. Seems like the upper one is the one that needs changed. Check a parts book to be sure.

Thanks for your help.
I just ordered 3" drop spindles for the 71 suspension,4" coils for the rear and a set of shocks all the way around. :D

From my experience....the rubber bushings do ride better on trucks that are lowered with cut/shorter springs...not much difference with stock springs

I ordered the Belltech 3" dropped spindle,so I'm still going to be using the stock coil.