73-86 dropped spindle question
 

I have some supposed dropped spindles from CTS in Mesa Az that are for 73 -86. I have installed them on my 69 c10 with the new ball joints, and looking at them now. I have noticed a difference in the mounting location size.
These are about 1 1/8" larger between the ball joint mounting location. They are approx. 9 1/8" compared to the old drum brake stock 8".
Is that typical? I thought these spindles were a direct replacement with the ball joint change, from what I had read? It would seem that changing the spacing between the A arms will change the entire geometry of the front end.
Anybody have any enlightenment for me? Have I misinterpreted some information, or possibly gotten the incorrect part? Thanks

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

You have a little more info in this thread than your PM to me.
Did you change both the upper and lower to 73-87 balljoints and did you convert yur tie rods?
They all have to match the YEAR of the spindle that you are using.

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

Don't worry about the spacing between balljoints.
These drop spindles have been around for 40+ years.
The geometry is correct.

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

Yes, I got all the correct parts, it just looked quite different when I finally started checking everything out. Thanks

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

I am getting ready to do the same to my truck. The company that made these spindles say to use a 1983 - 1987 upper control arms with their drop spindles. Will see how this comes out. Also using drop front coil springs.
Vic

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

What company says that???
The key is matching the year of spindles to your balljoints.
What year is your truck?

This board is getting filled with a LOT of misinformation,...

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

My truck is a 1972 . And you are correct on matching the ball joints to the spindles. I would tend to believe that this company sold a drop spindle for 1983 - 1987 ?? and said these are what is being used on the 1972 pickups. What I do not understand is , that they do not indicate to use lower control arms off the same 1983 - 1987 on the installation instructions. A bit strange. I hope I do not end up with major issues on the installation.
Will keep you informed

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

Balljoints and tie rods are the same from 73-87.
You are getting some strange info.
You should have purchased 71-72 drop spindles.
Direct bolt on installation.

Like I said,... Lots of bad info being spread around the C10 community.
I assume you don't want to share the companies name?

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

The spindles are for a 1972 but with using a 1983- 1987 upper control arm to allow adequate clearance for the 72 drop spindles . I will post the manufacturers name when I get to my shop. These spindles were purchased over 14 years ago. Do know if this company is still even in business.

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

They can tell you that,... but it makes absolutely no sense.
Good Luck with your project.

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

Keith Here is what I have . Spindles made by AIM Industries from Mesa AZ.
According to their installation sheet . I am to use a upper control arm from a 1973 - 1987 as well as upper ball joint and tie rods off the same year. I bought these spindles back in 1999. I guess I will find out when I install these on the truck.
Vic

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

That makes slightly more sense than 83-87.
Not sure if know about AIM/ChassisTech/AirBagIt quality and customer service issue,... but there is plenty of info on that on the internet.

Anyway,... if you switch to a 73-87 spindle your existing tie rods will not work.
They are the wrong taper.
You will need to use 73-87 outer tie rods to connect to these spindles on your '72 truck.
Its not that easy on the 63-70 trucks.

Sorry for hijacking danrduc's original thread,...

Re: 73-86 dropped spindle question
 

That is what I think. When I ordered these , I ordered a set of 1972 Chevy drop spindles. I am assuming that they sent me the correct spindles. There is only a C10 casting mark on them.' Vic