susp. component diff in 72 and 73 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigbluthng · 12-02-2003, 02:42 AM

so what are the differances in the suspension components between a 72 and a 73? i know that the suspension with crossmember from a 73-87 will bolt into the 67-72 chassis with minor mods, but why are differant parts listed for 73-87 models than 67-72?

cableguy0 · 12-02-2003, 09:48 AM

all the parts are slightly different most of the 71-72 parts were one off pieces only used in those years in 73 the parts changed and stayed the same for a long time

bigbluthng · 12-03-2003, 01:59 AM

ok then sounds like no biggie. i have the suspension from a 73 c10 2wd that's going on my 72 blazer 4x4. the replacement parts are real inexpensive for 73+ trucks.

mikep684x4 · 12-03-2003, 03:24 AM

About the only thing you can't use chassie wise are the leaf springs.73 and up are longer the the 67-72 models.Axels,motor,trans all interchange.

shadetree · 12-04-2003, 12:04 PM

The major difference between these generations is: the frame rails (in FRONT of the crossmember) is 3/4" narrower 73 & up. This narrower distance only affects the geometry of the steering gear box. There are several cures, one (my fav) is to use 3/8" spacer between the steering gear box and its' mounting. (3/8" , or .375" is exactly half of the decrease of 3/4"). Another would be to simply adjust the tie rods untill the steering gear box is correctly centered. This change in width is ONLY for the area just ahead of where the front crossmember bolts into the frame. I've done this swap several times, the increased width is a problem, but is minor compared to swapping components in a F---! hope I've helped,,,,,steve

12-02-2003, 02:42 AM	#1
bigbluthng Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: canyon country, ca, USA Posts: 336	susp. component diff in 72 and 73 so what are the differances in the suspension components between a 72 and a 73? i know that the suspension with crossmember from a 73-87 will bolt into the 67-72 chassis with minor mods, but why are differant parts listed for 73-87 models than 67-72? __________________

12-02-2003, 09:48 AM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	all the parts are slightly different most of the 71-72 parts were one off pieces only used in those years in 73 the parts changed and stayed the same for a long time __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-03-2003, 01:59 AM	#3
bigbluthng Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: canyon country, ca, USA Posts: 336	ok then sounds like no biggie. i have the suspension from a 73 c10 2wd that's going on my 72 blazer 4x4. the replacement parts are real inexpensive for 73+ trucks. __________________

12-03-2003, 03:24 AM	#4
mikep684x4 Seeker of the big and bad Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: wheatland,Calif,yuba Posts: 105	About the only thing you can't use chassie wise are the leaf springs.73 and up are longer the the 67-72 models.Axels,motor,trans all interchange. __________________ 71 3/4 ton 4x4,665hp 454. 67 GMC 1 ton towtruck 68 chevy LB 4x4 64 chevy LB custom 57 Bel-air 2d station wagon

12-04-2003, 12:04 PM	#5
shadetree Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Knightstown, in, usa Posts: 2,525	The major difference between these generations is: the frame rails (in FRONT of the crossmember) is 3/4" narrower 73 & up. This narrower distance only affects the geometry of the steering gear box. There are several cures, one (my fav) is to use 3/8" spacer between the steering gear box and its' mounting. (3/8" , or .375" is exactly half of the decrease of 3/4"). Another would be to simply adjust the tie rods untill the steering gear box is correctly centered. This change in width is ONLY for the area just ahead of where the front crossmember bolts into the frame. I've done this swap several times, the increased width is a problem, but is minor compared to swapping components in a F---! hope I've helped,,,,,steve __________________ 1970 long fleet, 355 4 speed, primer, walnut goodies Last edited by shadetree; 12-04-2003 at 01:06 PM.

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