Help with front suspenssion rebuild please..

[im4darush]

I am rebuilding the suspension on my 72 C10 and also lowering at the same time. Will be using 2.5" drop spindles and 1.5" springs from western chassis. Everything specific to 72. My question is related to control arms. I have no idea if the 73+ stuff will work but I do see that it is much cheaper. What are the differences in the control arms when going beyond 72? Do I just have to use 72 specific ball joints with them? This applies to both the lower and upper arms. Rather than blasting/painting the old stuff, it could be easier to just buy new. Thanks!

[69chevy lwb]

Just make sure the parts match if you are using the cpp modular drop spindles they have a set for 67-70 and 71-72 the only difference is the ball joints otherwise they use the same brakes, bearings, ect. So if your truck is a 70 i would just get parts to fit that year so down the road your not wondering what ball joints you need to buy. It's also good to keep part numbers from this conversion for the same reason.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by im4darush

I am rebuilding the suspension on my 72 C10 and also lowering at the same time. Will be using 2.5" drop spindles and 1.5" springs from western chassis. Everything specific to 72. My question is related to control arms. I have no idea if the 73+ stuff will work but I do see that it is much cheaper. What are the differences in the control arms when going beyond 72? Do I just have to use 72 specific ball joints with them? This applies to both the lower and upper arms. Rather than blasting/painting the old stuff, it could be easier to just buy new. Thanks!

Yes you can use 73-87 a-arms.
You need to match the balljoints to the spindles you are using.
For your '72,... just install 71-72 balljoints in the 73-87 a-arms.
The only real difference is that 73-87 a-arms have rubber cross shaft bushings.
Not sure if that is a plus or minus.
Many people prefer the steel bushings of the older a-arms.

[im4darush]

That's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

Interesting that some prefer the metal. Is that because the rubber bushings deflect more and are not so performance oriented? My build is lowered 4" in the front so the rubber bushings may actually help with ride quality.