What's going on with my suspension
 

Recently added a new Burban to the fleet of c10's, so getting around to fixing some of the ghetto stuff done by the PO. Torched springs, blown out shocks etc etc.

'72 C10 Suburban. 5 lug, long axle with coils all around. But it has a c20 front end (according to the balljoints I need).

Pretty much purchased an entire c10 drop kit with spindles only to find out the spindles and ball joint won't work. Matched the originals with 72 c20 and they fit perfectly. I thought maybe they swapped a 73-87 front end, but they too use the small 1/2 ton ball joints.

I'm really curious how they swapped it to 5 lug, it looks like an original, stock c20 spindle. - I haven't taken the spindle apart yet, but is it possible they reamed a c10 spindle? I guess I could always just have my new drop spindles reamed, or order some Early Classic drop 3/4 spindles. I kind of like the idea of having the heavy duty ball joints, as they were original when I removed them and still good after 45 years (boots torn, and I just wanted fresh joints).

It is a factory 1/2 ton Burban with disc brakes according to the VIN. It has a massive trailer hitch, so I'm assuming they swapped the control arms and such to have beefy balljoints for towing, I'm just really curious how they retained the 5 lug (if they didn't ream a stock c10 spindle).

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Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Talk to Stan at Early Classic Enterprises. He can fill you in. They made some 72 burbs that were different. They are the only ones that make a dropped spindle for your app. that is a bolt in. Ran into the same problem, and it is exasperating to say the least.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

So I'm pretty sure mine was an HD, with a 3/4 ton front end. Someone reamed out a stock c10 spindle to get the front end 5 lug, or they just did some oddball swaps thinking it might be beefier for towing.

I swapped lowers today and all balljoints so I could put my drop spindles on, but having issues with the tie rod ends now.

Idiots sent me a 63-70 spindle, so my larger 72 tie rods won't fit. Pretty sure they also sent me the incorrect springs. It should be a 4.5" drop in the front and the truck is sitting on the ground (almost as low as my bagged '65).

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Spent the afternoon emailing said company about shipping me the incorrect spindle. They didn't believe me, even after I sent them numerous pictures showing the problem. Got tired of having to prove my case so I borrowed my buddies reamer and opened up the tie rod ends to the correct 71+ size.

So now it's sitting on 4.5 static drop and impossible to drive. Putting stock springs back in it tomorrow and cutting a coil to get around a 3.5" drop.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Sounds like it's been quite a hassle. Cutting one coil should give you a 2.5" drop, I would try that first..... Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

LockDoc

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

I've built a lot of these trucks, and this one was a nightmare. Mostly because I had no idea a half ton heavy existed, and then due to incorrect parts.

I'll probably start with half a coil. I haven't even been able to test drive it really because it's sitting on the tires lol. No idea how some people are able to drive 5-5.5 static dropped c10's.

LockDoc, I need a set of key locks for this thing. Was going to have my buddy make some keys, but it's probably cheaper to buy new locks, AND someone replaced the passenger door at one point so they might not all be the same.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Here is 3" drop springs, 2 1/2" drop spindles,1"rubber spacer,(to get it off bump stops) in frt.,and 4" springs in rear, rides like stock, looks like.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

What shocks? I found my problem is that the truck is sitting 1" higher on the driver side. But all my cab mounts are roasted, so i'm going to measure from the frame today and verify.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Stock length shocks,gas shocks

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

When I had the 4.5" drop in the front my belltech shocks were completely compressed using the stock mounting locations. Then again, these 15's are the wrong backspace (5") for being that low static. I have to run them until my Mobsteel wheels show up.

I'm liking it a lot better with the 2.5" drop spindles and 1 cut coil on stock springs. I'll throw the 2" drop springs back in once I get the 20's on if it's too high.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Finally drove it home from the shop last night. Had to take off an additional coil off the driver side. Pretty sure the frame is tweaked a little bit. Temporary fix until I can get some time to put it on the frame machine.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

WE just ran into the same thing with the 3/4 ton ball joints on a 1/2 ton Suburban.

I haven't had time to see how they got 5 hole rotors on 3/4 ton spindles.

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

Beautiful burb hdman6465! How is the clearance in the rear and who's springs did you use?

Thanks ~ Kevin

Re: What's going on with my suspension
 

I had the same problem. 72 1/2 ton with factory big block. Previous owner installed 3" drop springs in the front and rear. They were for a small block and c10 in the rear. Burb was riding on the bump stops when I bought it. So I thought I would do it right and ordered 1/2 ton drop spindles and ball joints, bearings, rotors, tie rods. I wanted to freshen it all up. Mine was 5 lug as well. Well none of the new stuff fitted. I did the reverse and actually put 1/2 ton arms up front so I could use all the new stuff. The 1/2 ton outer tie rods with couplers worked with the 3/4" ton inner tie rods thank god.

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