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70chevy · 03-20-2002, 07:57 AM

I am going to install disc brakes up front. Will be using 2" drop spindles for 73 yr. model. Will the lower ball joints need to be for the year model of the spindles or the model of the truck it is going on and 1" or 1 1/4" rotor.
Any suggestions on where to buy parts needed.

Thanks in advance,

Ken
1970 1/2ton SWB

71GMCstreet · 03-20-2002, 08:07 AM

Okay, I did the EXACT setup on my 71. Here goes.....yes the upper and lower joints will fit the 73 drop spindle. You will have to replace both tie rod ends as they are shorter and thicker than the 71/72 stuff. If you don't change to the 1 1/4" rotor, be prepared to put in a pair of wheel spacers to get the tie-rod to inside wheel end clearances. I'm pretty sure if you change to the 1 1/4" rotors, you MAY need oto change to calipers. I've been on spacers and haven't had any problems. Hope this helps.

71GMCstreet · 03-20-2002, 08:09 AM

Edit change 2.......you MAY need to change THE calipers......

69 longhorn · 03-20-2002, 10:26 AM

you need to order the balljoints & tie rods for the year of the spindle.....the upper ball joint is different from 72 to 73,also I think the outer tie rod end is different(on the taper). Also going from a 70,you may need to change center link & tierod assemblies(inner/outer/sleeve).....69 longhorn.

[This message has been edited by 69 longhorn (edited March 20, 2002).]

70chevy · 03-20-2002, 02:43 PM

So if I understand correctly I will need a
1 1/4" Rotor. The spindles are different according to the rotor thickness, right?
Buy upper and lower ball joints for the yr. spindle.

Ken

71GMCstreet · 03-20-2002, 02:53 PM

My mistake, sorry, I did'nt read the truck is a 70, I am running the 1" rotor on the 73 spindle, the diameter on the spindle is the same for both. The ball joints upper and lower will need 73 and up stuff, don't want to take ya down the wrong path...thanks longhorn..

69 longhorn · 03-20-2002, 03:10 PM

Im not sure on the cut off date,but i think the 1" rotors were used on some apps 80 & up. Most of the older stuff that i have been into has had the heavy rotors. i have seen that job done several ways,but the easiest....)if you dont have spindles already),may be to pick up a set to bolt in for your app. I converted my 69 several yrs ago,when there werent many parts available. You will find that the lower a arms have a different steering stop,& will shorten the steerin radius(i used 71-72 lower arms),& have 75 spindles(cut coil drop). I set it up to use a bell Tech spindle(73 up was available).......talking with bell tech,they said use the ball joints,& outer tie rod for the 73 -79 spindle. There have also been some differences noted in the center link,so if you go for 71-79, you should be ok there. lenghts are also different on tie rods & sleeves.....so i can see why some guys are swappin a complete crossmember(all the parts are off 1 truck). Here is a link to spindles for your app..... http://www.classicperform.com/discdrop.htm

03-20-2002, 07:57 AM	#1
70chevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 147	Need help.... I am going to install disc brakes up front. Will be using 2" drop spindles for 73 yr. model. Will the lower ball joints need to be for the year model of the spindles or the model of the truck it is going on and 1" or 1 1/4" rotor. Any suggestions on where to buy parts needed. Thanks in advance, Ken 1970 1/2ton SWB __________________ Ken Smith 99 C5 Torch Red Coupe 85 Chevy Candy Apple 70 Chevy 1/2 in process.Semi-gloss black powdercoated frame & suspension, disc brakes up front, 3" drop spindle(Beltech) 5 lug 3.73 rearend, ZZ4, Sanderson headers, 700R4, Air Ride system, Summitt 16 gal fuel cell, Holly mech. fuel pump,

03-20-2002, 10:26 AM	#4
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	you need to order the balljoints & tie rods for the year of the spindle.....the upper ball joint is different from 72 to 73,also I think the outer tie rod end is different(on the taper). Also going from a 70,you may need to change center link & tierod assemblies(inner/outer/sleeve).....69 longhorn. [This message has been edited by 69 longhorn (edited March 20, 2002).] __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

03-20-2002, 02:43 PM	#5
70chevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 147	So if I understand correctly I will need a 1 1/4" Rotor. The spindles are different according to the rotor thickness, right? Buy upper and lower ball joints for the yr. spindle. Ken __________________ Ken Smith 99 C5 Torch Red Coupe 85 Chevy Candy Apple 70 Chevy 1/2 in process.Semi-gloss black powdercoated frame & suspension, disc brakes up front, 3" drop spindle(Beltech) 5 lug 3.73 rearend, ZZ4, Sanderson headers, 700R4, Air Ride system, Summitt 16 gal fuel cell, Holly mech. fuel pump,

03-20-2002, 03:10 PM	#7
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Im not sure on the cut off date,but i think the 1" rotors were used on some apps 80 & up. Most of the older stuff that i have been into has had the heavy rotors. i have seen that job done several ways,but the easiest....)if you dont have spindles already),may be to pick up a set to bolt in for your app. I converted my 69 several yrs ago,when there werent many parts available. You will find that the lower a arms have a different steering stop,& will shorten the steerin radius(i used 71-72 lower arms),& have 75 spindles(cut coil drop). I set it up to use a bell Tech spindle(73 up was available).......talking with bell tech,they said use the ball joints,& outer tie rod for the 73 -79 spindle. There have also been some differences noted in the center link,so if you go for 71-79, you should be ok there. lenghts are also different on tie rods & sleeves.....so i can see why some guys are swappin a complete crossmember(all the parts are off 1 truck). Here is a link to spindles for your app..... http://www.classicperform.com/discdrop.htm __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

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03-20-2002, 08:07 AM	#2
71GMCstreet Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 97	Okay, I did the EXACT setup on my 71. Here goes.....yes the upper and lower joints will fit the 73 drop spindle. You will have to replace both tie rod ends as they are shorter and thicker than the 71/72 stuff. If you don't change to the 1 1/4" rotor, be prepared to put in a pair of wheel spacers to get the tie-rod to inside wheel end clearances. I'm pretty sure if you change to the 1 1/4" rotors, you MAY need oto change to calipers. I've been on spacers and haven't had any problems. Hope this helps.

03-20-2002, 08:09 AM	#3
71GMCstreet Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 97	Edit change 2.......you MAY need to change THE calipers......

03-20-2002, 02:53 PM	#6
71GMCstreet Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 97	My mistake, sorry, I did'nt read the truck is a 70, I am running the 1" rotor on the 73 spindle, the diameter on the spindle is the same for both. The ball joints upper and lower will need 73 and up stuff, don't want to take ya down the wrong path...thanks longhorn..



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