Suspension dilema

[ryno137]

I recently bought my 72 gmc burb and I decided to rebuild the worn out suspension. So I picked up a kit from LMC. The problem is that the ball joints and tie rod ends are to small for the spindles. The kit I ordered is for a 71-72 2wd 1/2 ton w/ p/s. I know its a half ton b/c I checked the VIN, and besides that it's got 5 lug wheels. After a trip to the local parts store I discovered that the ball joints from a 72 3/4 ton are the correct size. This being my first GM project I'm not sure what parts are interchangeable. Not really sure if the rest of my kit is usable. If any one has ever come across this before I sure would appreciate some help.

[lolife99]

Can you post some pics of your front suspension and of your burb? Maybe it has 73-87 suspension on it or had 3/4 ton lower arms swapped onto it.

[Keep on Trucking]

If the 3/4t ball joints fits your control arm and your spindle, use them.
Is your truck rear leaf or coil? I have heard the leaf spring rears were called "heavy halfs" If that is true it may also have 3/4t fronts????

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by Keep on Trucking

I have heard the leaf spring rears were called "heavy halfs"...

there were no heavy half trucks in 67 - 72, that was a mid to late 70's thing. And I don't think there was ever a heavy half burb.

[ryno137]

It's got coils out back. I have no problem using the 3/4 ton parts, it's just that I've already got a complete 1/2 ton kit. So what else is different between the 1/2 and 3/4 ton. I've already established that I can't use 1/2 ton ball joints or outer tie rod ends, but what about the coil springs, control arm shafts, idler arm, sway bar bushings, inner tie rod ends, pitman arm, and adjusting sleeves? I'm starting to think that I should just return the kit I bought and replace everything piece by piece.

[d10s69c10]

you will soon realize everything interchanges to easy and you can just about fit 20 years of 20 vehicles into 1 truck.

depending on P.o. it can be quite a jub getting everything back right.

my 69 is covered in 72 and 86 parts.

[ryno137]

Here are some pics of the lowers, spindles, and the uppers with 3/4 ton ball joints and 1/2 ton shafts installed.

[lolife99]

I wonder if the kit you got from LMC is for the 67-70 model front end?

[ryno137]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I wonder if the kit you got from LMC is for the 67-70 model front end?

I checked the part numbers I received vs. the catalog and it says it's for a 71-72. I guess I'll just have to compare my new parts with the old ones to determine what I can use from the kit. Thanks for the input though.

[MrGoodpliers]

My 72 burb 1/2 ton uses 3/4 ton ball joints and tie rods. It was a mid-year switch. I had the part numbers written down somewhere but I cant find them. Early Classic Enterprises can hook you up. They also have drop spindles that will work with these parts.

[ryno137]

Originally Posted by MrGoodpliers

My 72 burb 1/2 ton uses 3/4 ton ball joints and tie rods. It was a mid-year switch. I had the part numbers written down somewhere but I cant find them. Early Classic Enterprises can hook you up. They also have drop spindles that will work with these parts.

Sorry but you need to be a subscriber to post a for sale ad. Please check the rules.

[oldiron]

Sorry but your next question should be can you send back for credit. Since you are not a subscriber you are unable to post anything for sale or a want to buy post.
Sorry.
oldiron forum staff

[special-K]

I believe that part was editted out by Old Iron.It`s confusing when this happens.But,the for sale part of the post must be wiped out.

Ryno137,You`re not in trouble,just a reminder/warning that 9 out of 10 need at one time or another.It`s in the site rules buying & selling conduct.WELCOME!!!!!!
About your front end.I think i`d return the entire kit from LMC and get what you need local.I find all that at Napa and often parts are wrong,like rear brakes.You can`t beat bringing a part in and plunking it on a counter when you`re having a tough time finding the right listing.It looks like you`ve found,from another member,that you have a late year change in design and GM went to the larger ball-joints.This is what`s great about this site,huh?Not only is your computer a great place to find info,it answers you in the form of another person with 1st hand experience.That`s why I subscribed.

[ryno137]

Thanks everyone I think I'm on track now. I appreciate all the info, and I'm really enjoying this site. I'm sure I'll be hitting you guys up in the future as this project progresses.

semper

[ryno137]

Just wanted to say thanks again for everyones input. It's starting to go back together now. I ended up having to buy 3/4 ton upper and lower ball joints, inner tie rod ends, and outer tie rod ends. Also discovered my lower arms were junk so I scrounged some good ones from a 79 3/4 ton pickup that a friend was scrapping. I wish I had more time to do some heavy cleaning, but I've got to get it back on it's wheels so I can trailer it back to AZ.