control arms difference - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**zicc1835** · 11-09-2013, 11:08 PM

can anyone tell me if there is any difference between 68 and 71 control arms ball joints ? spindles ? thanks
jz

**Tom Vogel** · 11-10-2013, 10:06 AM

None. My 72 control arms were dinged up. I got some 68 control arms from a buddy and used new ball joints and they went right in. Also used new everything else as well as my ECE drop spindles.

**zicc1835** · 11-10-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

None. My 72 control arms were dinged up. I got some 68 control arms from a buddy and used new ball joints and they went right in. Also used new everything else as well as my ECE drop spindles.

thanks thats good news i also have drop spindles for it at this point i am just collecting parts for the build
thanks again
jz

primetime · 11-10-2013, 11:28 AM

I was just researching the same question. looking at the LMC brochure the control arms are the same from 67-72 for a 1/2 T truck. there IS a difference for the part # of the ball joints. my guess is that whatever spindle you use the ball joints needs to match that year's spec. JUST MY GUESS, because I'm still researching it for my own project.

hopefully more knowledgeable folks can chime in too

**zicc1835** · 11-10-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primetime

I was just researching the same question. looking at the LMC brochure the control arms are the same from 67-72 for a 1/2 T truck. there IS a difference for the part # of the ball joints. my guess is that whatever spindle you use the ball joints needs to match that year's spec. JUST MY GUESS, because I'm still researching it for my own project.

hopefully more knowledgeable folks can chime in too

please LMK or share if you find any other info
thanks
jz

snipescastle2 · 11-12-2013, 12:36 PM

here are the control arms I have on my '71 swb. they are different from the ones I seen in the manual, no provision for a lower bump stop cushion. May be from a 67' model, but the ball joints fit and the 71' spindle bolted up just fine.
hope this helps
Ben Smith

**Tom Vogel** · 11-12-2013, 05:53 PM

I should probably edit my first reply. No differences that Matter. Bump stops could be different, I think mine were shorter. However, ball joints and spindles Will fit fine.

tlcrz1972 · 11-12-2013, 07:29 PM

The geometry of them are the same.

But the difference is that the turn stop surface is different.

The '71-'72 disk spindle knuckle has an angled surface that matches an angled surface on the lower a-frame (control arm)

'70 and earlier have a different surface that the drum spindle knuckle stops against.

**zicc1835** · 11-12-2013, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcrz1972

The geometry of them are the same.

But the difference is that the turn stop surface is different.

The '71-'72 disk spindle knuckle has an angled surface that matches an angled surface on the lower a-frame (control arm)

'70 and earlier have a different surface that the drum spindle knuckle stops against.

thank you for this info thats interesting so do you know if the 70 and below and in my case i have a 71 with disc and intend to use the 68 C arms will the angle difference if you know cause a problem
thanks
jz

tlcrz1972 · 11-13-2013, 07:57 PM

I believe it will decrease your turning radius.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zicc1835

thank you for this info thats interesting so do you know if the 70 and below and in my case i have a 71 with disc and intend to use the 68 C arms will the angle difference if you know cause a problem
thanks
jz

**zicc1835** · 11-13-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcrz1972

I believe it will decrease your turning radius.

It's gonna be a while till I start this build I will report back when I do thanks to all for the input
Jz

**zicc1835** · 11-12-2013, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

I should probably edit my first reply. No differences that Matter. Bump stops could be different, I think mine were shorter. However, ball joints and spindles Will fit fine.

Tom you may be able to answer the question i posed to tclrz1972 you have any issues with the two different angles
thanks
jz

**Tom Vogel** · 11-13-2013, 09:46 AM

I removed mine to accomodate the adjustable ones that came with my ART bag setup.

11-09-2013, 11:08 PM	#1
zicc1835 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hanover NJ Posts: 4,298	control arms difference can anyone tell me if there is any difference between 68 and 71 control arms ball joints ? spindles ? thanks jz __________________ Grand Theft Auto https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=855961 Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557

11-10-2013, 10:06 AM	#2
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: control arms difference None. My 72 control arms were dinged up. I got some 68 control arms from a buddy and used new ball joints and they went right in. Also used new everything else as well as my ECE drop spindles.

11-10-2013, 11:28 AM	#4
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: control arms difference I was just researching the same question. looking at the LMC brochure the control arms are the same from 67-72 for a 1/2 T truck. there IS a difference for the part # of the ball joints. my guess is that whatever spindle you use the ball joints needs to match that year's spec. JUST MY GUESS, because I'm still researching it for my own project. hopefully more knowledgeable folks can chime in too __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

11-12-2013, 12:36 PM	#6
snipescastle2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093 Posts: 1,518	Re: control arms difference here are the control arms I have on my '71 swb. they are different from the ones I seen in the manual, no provision for a lower bump stop cushion. May be from a 67' model, but the ball joints fit and the 71' spindle bolted up just fine. hope this helps Ben Smith Attached Images

11-12-2013, 05:53 PM	#7
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: control arms difference I should probably edit my first reply. No differences that Matter. Bump stops could be different, I think mine were shorter. However, ball joints and spindles Will fit fine.

11-12-2013, 07:29 PM	#8
tlcrz1972 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gainesville, TEXAS Posts: 658	Re: control arms difference The geometry of them are the same. But the difference is that the turn stop surface is different. The '71-'72 disk spindle knuckle has an angled surface that matches an angled surface on the lower a-frame (control arm) '70 and earlier have a different surface that the drum spindle knuckle stops against. __________________ 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne LB 1/2 ton finished restoration/rebuild 1995 350 throttle body FI, 4L6E (running on modified GM wiring harness) 3.08 posi rearend, factory A/C on 134A, p/s, p/b, late 70's power windows and locks and cruise, speakers in the dash + 6x9's behind the seat, factory tilt, 40 gallon fuel tank in the bed with integrated tool box, air assist bags on the rearend, sway bar up front and much more. 1972 chevrolet SNB finished 2002, 350 TB FI, TH400, factory A/C, p/b, p/s, (FOR SALE) 1969 Chevrolet 1 ton in work, home made PTO dump bed extended frame, 350 CI , 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 ton suburban future project 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 ton p/u maybe a project one day 1966 Toyota Landcruiser my playtoy

11-13-2013, 09:46 AM	#13
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: control arms difference I removed mine to accomodate the adjustable ones that came with my ART bag setup.



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