71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Hey guys,

This is probably a stupid question, but

I've been talking to a guy local about picking up a 71 5 lug suspension that he will not be using in his project....included are the a-arms, spindles, rotors, calipers plus all steering stuff and the rear end which is I believe a 3.08...and just rebuild everything
OR should I reuse the a-arms I have from a 68 and just pick up some new spindles, rotors, calipers, ball joints, inner/outer tie rods from a 72???

Also will the center link work from the 68 w/ the 71/72 tie rods?

Plans for use with this is to change out the 6 lug drum setup from the 68 frame I have that I intend to build up for a 72 truck...probably lowered statically with coil springs??....

Thanks for any help....

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

okay...so its a bad question:D

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

You didn't mention how much the 71 parts would cost. The first thought that comes to mind is consider that the rear axle is wider.

You didn't say what tire/wheel your running so that might not matter. If it causes concern with clearance.

What rear gear do you have now? Do you prefer the 3.08? If not, you might be better off using conversion axles in your axle if you like the gear ratio you currently have.

If the front components are reasonable enough, then having everything from one truck has it's advantage. You know that it fits correctly, and all you need to do is replace the wear items.

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Hey Trux...thanks for the response....all parts $150....

I guess to be clear...i have a bare 68 frame that I am starting to piece together stuff to build up a 71/72...

I'll probably run 15x8 truck ralleys, thinking of doing a LS1 5.3 as the power plant w/ 4L60E, so not sure the 3.08 will be good....may have to go to 3.73??

does that clear things up??

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

I say go with the 71 parts! They are stronger control arms with rubber bushings and larger ball joints. And to answer your centerlink question, no, the tie rod ends wont fit. The clamp (threaded union thingy) is a larger diameter on the 71.

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Ok, so as far as the rear goes, you don't have a 68 axle to start with. Cool! The 4L60E has a low enough first gear and the 5.3 has decent low end torque, so you might be just fine with a 3.08. I would consider trying it before changing to a 3.73.

That's a great gear if you like smoking tires and grinning a lot. If your after MPG, not so much. The 3.42 is a good compromise and works well with an OD transmission.

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

OK,... here's what I would do.

Buy the all parts for $150.
The rearend is worth that to get the 5 lugs.

If you are going to lower it,... you need to know which spindles to get, to match whichever balljoints you choose.
I would sell the 72 front stuff and buy new parts for your brakes.
How much of the old stuff would you actually WANT to reuse?
To me,... none.
You need to keep the 72 centerlink. (this part can't be purchased new).
That way you can buy 71-72 tie rods.

If you really want to save money, ...
keep the 72 rearend,...
sell all the front stuff,...
and use 73-87 parts from your local parts store.
They are much cheaper than the 71-72 parts.
Just my opinion.

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Trux....Thanks again for your input....I gotta LONG ways to go before I worry about the rear gear, but I have this thread to reference when I need this info....Thanks Much!

Lolife....I am definitely going to replace all the front stuff so I like the thought of cheaper setup.....so will the 68 or 71 upper and lower a-arms (already have these) work w/ the 73+ ball joints, spindles, calipers, tie rods, rotors?? Will I also need the 73+ center link too??

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Yes,... the 73-87 balljoints will bolt and press into your 68 a-arms.
You need the 73-87 steering centerlink,... and then buy new inner and outer tie rods, idler arm, spindles and calipers.

Just go to your local parts store and price the stuff for a 72 compared to a 73 truck. It all adds up to big savings.
Rubber brake hoses alone, are a big savings in the 73-87 version.
Good luck.

Re: 71 suspension or use what I got?
 

Excellent....Thanks so much for your input....