1963 front spindles replacements - issues!

[LuckyLightning]

Hey all, I'm hoping this is as unique as I think it is (because I searched and did not find what I needed).

I have a recently purchased '63 2WD 1/2 ton. PO started the process of swapping out the 6 lug drums for 5 lug discs. He said they are from an '88 and were bolt-in (no fabrication needed).

What he did so far:

• removed drums
• installed spindles
• installed rotors (with wheels)
• installed only one caliper (passenger side)
• original master cylinder is untouched
• brake hoses in front are cut
• upper and lower ball joints look new on both sides/wheels

I don't know much about brakes. I don't want to spend time searching for a matching caliper (I am skeptical these are 88's since everywhere I've read they are not really compatible), nor do I want to mess with finding a master cylinder to push discs/drums. Sounds like I need to find "the right combo".

I have a donor '63 so I figured it would be easier to go back to stock by just pulling the drums from the donor and use them to replace the disc spindles/rotors on the "new" truck. Install new brake hoses, bleed, and be done with it.

I see three contact points per wheel:

• upper control arm
• lower control arm
• outer tie rods

Looks like I just need to remove 3 castle nuts, decompress the spring, and remove the spindles.

Today I took a closer look at the castle nuts on the "new" truck and noticed when I turn them, the thread/bolt in the ball joint also turns? This is the case on at least one of the upper ball joints as well as with one of the outer tie rods. I was not expecting this - how can I remove the castle nuts?

I'm also reading that ball joints need to be removed. Why? It seems unnecessary. Searching youtube shows a lot of videos for how to remove, but not why.

Also, there is a lot of play in the steering wheel, and today I saw why: outer tie rods have little-to-no bushings (where it touches the spindle). I'll need to replace the tie rods since it seems the bushings alone are not sold at LMC.

I would greatly appreciate ANY help. I apologize if this is redundant (I'm sure someone has run into this before, but even in advanced search I'm not finding much of what I need).