Possible to install 1971 upper ball joints in 1974 control arms?

[D-n-Tyke]

I am trying to figure out if I can make this work. Have a 1974 C10 full front suspension. I also have a set of 1971 C10 drop spindles I would like to run. So my question is, I believe the lower ball joints are the same between the 1971 and 1974 (.855"), but I think the tops are different, 1971 (.682") 1974 (.716"). Can I just replace the 1974 ball joint with a 1971 ball joint? Will a 1971 ball joint bolt into a 1974 control arm?

Are there other issues I might have? Will using a 1971 spindle with the 1974 tierods work or are those different also?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by D-n-Tyke

I am trying to figure out if I can make this work. Have a 1974 C10 full front suspension. I also have a set of 1971 C10 drop spindles I would like to run. So my question is, I believe the lower ball joints are the same between the 1971 and 1974 (.855"), but I think the tops are different, 1971 (.682") 1974 (.716"). Can I just replace the 1974 ball joint with a 1971 ball joint? Will a 1971 ball joint bolt into a 1974 control arm?

Are there other issues I might have? Will using a 1971 spindle with the 1974 tierods work or are those different also?

I'm betting your answer is in this thread. Take a look and see if you find anything on it....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
.

[D-n-Tyke]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I'm betting your answer is in this thread. Take a look and see if you find anything on it....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
.

That is a wealth of information!

I think I got my answer regarding the tierod. Looks like I will have to use a 1971 outer with the 1974 inner and tierod sleeve (looks like both 1971 and 1974 have 11/16 threads).

The thread also confirms that the 1971 and 1974 upper ball joints are different. What I don't see is if a 1971 ball joint will bolt into a 1974 control arm.

[lolife99]

Yes the 71-72 upper balljoint will bolt into a 1974 c10 control arm.

[D-n-Tyke]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Yes the 71-72 upper balljoint will bolt into a 1974 c10 control arm.

Thanks Keith. That was what I was hoping to hear.