Lowering Spindle Problem

[62much]

Just installed BelTech 3" Lowering Spindles on my 69 c10. I had already installed 2" drop springs. The problem I ran into is that the new spindles mounting area (where it sits on the ball joints) is thinner, leaving the ball joint studs to long, as to not allow me to use a cotter pin in the castle nut, because when I tighten up the nut, there's about a 1/2" to the cotter pin hole on the stud. Hope this makes sense, plus the spindle just about contacts the upper control arm... real close. I used some HD thicker washers to make up the extra thread space, so I could safely put on the castle nut and secure it with a pin. This doesn't seem right to me. Has anyone else had this problem, and is my fix Okay? I don't know why I always run into these strange cases

Thanks
Clay

[clemsonteg]

What ball joints are installed? Factory 69? Did your truck already have disc brakes or did you convert in the process of installing the spindle?

[62much]

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

What ball joints are installed? Factory 69? Did your truck already have disc brakes or did you convert in the process of installing the spindle?

Truck had disc brake conversion on it when I bought it, they are bolt on uppers, so I assumed they were replaced, but with what I don't know.

[62much]

Just talked to the guy at BellTech, sounds like the PO, switched out the whole disc brake system off a later 71-72 set up, because they have a smaller ball joint taper, and that's why when I put on the 69-70 Spindles (with a larger bore) I can turn the nut so far up the stud, and why it's hitting the A-ARM.
I guess I need to go to a 70-72 drop spindle - YA, Get to do it all over again

[chevy_mike]

I agree, there are different ball joints depending on the year and sometimes the vendors will ship the wrong spindles for the year you need OR require you to use the '73 and later style instead of making 3 different spindles to match the three different styles.

If you can't verify what spindle year these are for, go to a part store and ask to see some '73+ ball joints and test fit them right in the store. If they look like they line up correctly, you'll need to swap ball joints over.

[chevy_mike]

Yeah, without knowing what you started with, it's hard to say. Test fitting at the parts house will be able to tell you what you need.

Since it dropped so far, my guess is the spindles are setup for '73+ ball joints. They have a thicker stud than earlier ones.

[62much]

Since we sell these BellTech Spindles here at where I work, I'll call the mfg and ask them, to bad we don't have another set of these spindles in stock, then I could test fit '73 ball joints today and see how they fit. Will '73 ball joints fit '69 A-Arms?

CORRECTION... Looks like my buyer did order a couple more sets of these spindles, guess I'll have to do some test fitting at lunch.

[clemsonteg]

If it already had disc brakes with a set of factory spindles, the ball joints would have to be 71+. I think ball joints from 63-87 are interchangable in the arms. What has to match is the ball joint to spindle.

[62much]

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

If it already had disc brakes with a set of factory spindles, the ball joints would have to be 71+. I think ball joints from 63-87 are interchangable in the arms. What has to match is the ball joint to spindle.

So,I wonder if all I need to do is replace the Ball Joints with 69-70's , and that should fix the problem. I just hope that 71-72 Arms will take 69-70 Ball Joints,
will have to pull some out of stock and measure to make sure.

Thanks

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by 62much

So,I wonder if all I need to do is replace the Ball Joints with 69-70's , and that should fix the problem. I just hope that 71-72 Arms will take 69-70 Ball Joints,
will have to pull some out of stock and measure to make sure.

Thanks

They should fit without issue. It is also possible that you still have 69 arms with later ball joints since your ball joints have been replaced in the past.

[chevy_mike]

Upper and lower BJ will interchange between the years and arms.

Have you checked the tie rod end into the spindle? That will be the other place that different years of steering used different ends. Those are a little harder to interchange years so before you get too far, make sure that is okay.

[62much]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Upper and lower BJ will interchange between the years and arms.

Have you checked the tie rod end into the spindle? That will be the other place that different years of steering used different ends. Those are a little harder to interchange years so before you get too far, make sure that is okay.

That could be why it was a real ***** getting the tie rod off the original (71-72 I assume) spindle, when replacing it. I had put on new 69 tie rods earlier when putting on the springs. Seemed to go on real easy on the new 69 lowering spindles, so I think I'm good there.

[Clavo106]

im having similar problems. im going to the auto parts store today in hoping for some good news. that my new thread. just a little different then your but the same.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=681171

[62much]

Originally Posted by Clavo106

im having similar problems. im going to the auto parts store today in hoping for some good news. that my new thread. just a little different then your but the same.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=681171

Replaced Ball joints to 69's, matched the spindles, Happy Days are Here Again Spindles are right up against the A-arm with floor jack, but come right down where their supposed to be when lowered, and on the ground.

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by 62much

Replaced Ball joints to 69's, matched the spindles, Happy Days are Here Again Spindles are right up against the A-arm with floor jack, but come right down where their supposed to be when lowered, and on the ground.

Glad it was a simple fix. Did you have to do anything with your tie rod ends, or did you already have the correct ones installed?

[62much]

Yeah, the Tie Rods were for a 69, so they fit perfectly!!
Thought I'd show a new pic with the front lowered... SWEET LOOKING.
Not sure how much if any I want to lower the rear, it's got 4" springs now and I have 2" blocks to install, but thinking 1" might be perfect.

[cdowns]

I've put thcastle nut on all the way and drilled a new hole for the cotter pin to lock it in place