Ball joint differences?

[seanu]

Ok...I've got a set of lowered spindles...and need to deterime what ball joints I need to run on my controls arms...

They came with my parts truck...and based on some of the PO "creative" modifications...I'm not sure that he had the right ball joints for the spindles...I don't even know who's spindles they are..(I'm going to look for a number on them when I get home)...anyways...

What is the difference in the ball joints from 67-70, and 71-72? If I'm correct, the controls arms are the same..just the ball joints changed? right?

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

71-72 have a larger diameter stud than 67-70 ones do. They are identical in how they mount, the only thing different is the stud.

[seanu]

Ok, well the only identifying mark I could find is what looks like "70/83"? The casting is not very clear...it could be "73/83" maybe?

So if the 71-72 ball joints are larger...what are the 73 and up? I'm just trying to figure out which ball joints to run with these dropped spindles..since I have no idea which manufacturer or years they are for.

Does anybody know the diameter of the ball joint shafts...and maybe I can measure the spindle...

On a positive note...I think I came across a set of 17" wheels and tires..and also a 5 lug rear end I've been searching for.

[albertarose]

I just spent a week going in circles because I didnt have spindle info when buying parts = lots of trips to the parts guy and wasting his time and thought I did my homework.. but if the spindle is not mounted its easy to bring with you and fit them right in the store he will have callipers to measure yours ..mine were oddball year stock for a van ..even the tie rod outers were hard to match good luck Im sure yours will be easier than mine !

[seanu]

Yeah...I guess I could do that...but I kind of was hoping that somebody on here might know the diameters..

The spindles were mounted on the 68 parts truck..but I have no idea if the a-arms had been changed also...and it seem like they came off kind of easily..so I'm wondering if they ball joints were the rights ones?

I guess if all else fails...I'm going to lug one of them up to the parts store..and start going through ball joints..., oh the'll love me for that....cause there gonna ask me..."what year is the vehicle"..at which point I'm going to say..."its a 70 truck with aftermarket dropped spindles and a-arms of unknown years"....then I'll wait for the blank stare..lol...

[70GMCer]

71 thru 87 lower control arms and ball joints are the same for 1/2 T. The arms are a little different, but still mount on the x-member. Not sure about 3/4 T. The upper control arms and ball joints are the same for 67 thru 87 1/2 T. I don't know what the dia. size is....never measured....