71-72 spindles on 68

[lax54650]

i have read a ton about this on here but i still have questions.. please help..
i have a 68 c10 i bought spindles off greedbay they are mcgauhys 2" drop. i called them and was told the ones i have are for 71-72. therefore i need d to "change everything" as in ball joints tie rod ends and drag link?
my question is what is the drawback? how much extra or less do 71 parts (ball joints) cost than 68 and can i get around changing drag link.

[stunna]

im kinda in the same situation. i have a 69 and i am putting together a disk brake kit of my own using 71-72 spindles. I was wondering did i have to have 71 tie rod ends, pitman arm etc. im sure the guys on here can answer this.

[ulakovic22]

There is a write up in FAQ I believe that addresses this very question and gives part numbers. The guy was right, the problem is that the later stuff is too large and won't physically fit in the earlier model stuff. I'll see if I can find the link when I get home later. Hopefully someone else will find it first though.

Edit: Was able to find it fairly quickly since I knew what to look for. Hope this helps you out, good luck!

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...77#post1298277

[lax54650]

thanks all i just ordered mcgauhy's rotor kit and prop valve to go with my spindles i will buy 70-72 balls and tie ends locally orderes from godfathers half the price of same kit from stylin.... tell ya somethin?

[lax54650]

thank you stan @ mcgoughy

[stunna]

Originally Posted by lax54650

thanks all i just ordered mcgauhy's rotor kit and prop valve to go with my spindles i will buy 70-72 balls and tie ends locally orderes from godfathers half the price of same kit from stylin.... tell ya somethin?

yeah they have great prices on mcgaughys stuff at Godfathers. There big brake kit is half the price than summit!

[lolife99]

I think you are still going to need the 71-72 draglink. (When I did my blazer I couldn't buy a new 71-72 style draglink.) So I cleaned up the old one. It's the only frontend part that isn't new.
Actually,... using all 73-87 parts is the cheapest way to go. Keep us posted on your progress.

[lax54650]

To sum it up you will need all the 71-72 brake, ball joint and spindle parts but you can use the 67-70 suspension and drag link if you want you will just need to get the right inner tie rod ends, again the Auto Zone part numbers for them are ES403L and ES406L.
looks like the link from above says i can use my drag link with these parts ?

[lolife99]

You are correct. Sorry for the confusion.

[lolife99]

On 67-70 trucks I like to use all 73-87 stuff. If your going to replace everything why not buy the cheaper parts.
If you have a 71-72 truck you can get by with just switching to 73-87 outers tierod ends and 73-87 spindles, and upper and lower ball joints.
Sounds like you are on the right track,... so I will shut up now.
Remember to post pics when you get it done!

[stunna]

Originally Posted by lolife99

On 67-70 trucks I like to use all 73-87 stuff. If your going to replace everything why not buy the cheaper parts.
If you have a 71-72 truck you can get by with just switching to 73-87 outers tierod ends and 73-87 spindles, and upper and lower ball joints.
Sounds like you are on the right track,... so I will shut up now.
Remember to post pics when you get it done!

So lolife just to be sure, i can use all 73-87 parts, spindles, outer tie rod ends , calipers, rotors etc, BUT use my 67-70 inner tie rod ends?? ( i have a 69)

[lolife99]

stunna,... If you have access to all 73-87 parts use them. From a-arms (not neccessary,... but rubber bushings instead of steel), ball joints, spindles, rotors, calipers, upper and lower ball joints, drag link, idler arm, and inner and outer tie rods.

Since you have a 69,... you can use your stock 67-70 inner tie rods with either 71-72 outer tie rods OR 73-87 tie rods,... BUT you have to buy an aftermarket tie rod connector that mates the two. (I think ECE or CPP sells them)

IF,... you can find a 71-72 drag link,.. you can use the 71-72 tie rods or 73-87 tie rods with the STOCK tie rod connector.

IF you are buying everything NEW,... 73-87 parts are the cheapest! IF I was building a 67-70 truck and doing a disc brake conversion,... I would find a donor 73-87 front suspension and rebulid it and install those components.

[stunna]

Originally Posted by lolife99

stunna,... If you have access to all 73-87 parts use them. From a-arms (not neccessary,... but rubber bushings instead of steel), ball joints, spindles, rotors, calipers, upper and lower ball joints, drag link, idler arm, and inner and outer tie rods.

Since you have a 69,... you can use your stock 67-70 inner tie rods with either 71-72 outer tie rods OR 73-87 tie rods,... BUT you have to buy an aftermarket tie rod connector that mates the two. (I think ECE or CPP sells them)

IF,... you can find a 71-72 drag link,.. you can use the 71-72 tie rods or 73-87 tie rods with the STOCK tie rod connector.

IF you are buying everything NEW,... 73-87 parts are the cheapest! IF I was building a 67-70 truck and doing a disc brake conversion,... I would find a donor 73-87 front suspension and rebulid it and install those components.

ok i do have those tierod connectors so i will use my 69 inner tie rods. I have ART strongarms that use the 73-87 ball joints. Can u buy the draglink for 73-87 new or is this gonna have to be a scrap yard find. I plan to go with as much new as possible.

[lolife99]

You should be able to still buy a new draglink for the 73-87 truck application.

[stunna]

Originally Posted by lolife99

You should be able to still buy a new draglink for the 73-87 truck application.

Cool! Thanks for the info man!