Step 1 to becoming bagged - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jlaird · 04-08-2005, 04:22 PM

I'm going to be bagging my 69 c10 and need some advice. I'm just concerned about the front for now. I will be using Slam bags for the front and lowered spindles. My 69 has the stock 6 lug drums in the front. I'll be doing the disc conversion, but not sure what approach to take. I don't want to switch out the whole crossmember. Should I find a-arms and steering linkage from a 73-87, or should I (can I) switch out my balljoints and use my existing arms? Getting new tubular a-arms is out of the question right now.

My other question (more out of curiosity) is why are 2.5" and 3" lowering spindles made? Is there a difference besides the obvious? Does that extra half an inch cause any problems? Just wondering...

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Josh

jlaird · 04-10-2005, 09:07 AM

any suggestions?

smbrouss70 · 04-10-2005, 10:32 AM

You can use the 73-87 balljoints on your stock arms, you will also have to use the 73-87 outer tie rod ends, with an adapter sleeve to fit them and your stock 69 inner tie rods together. Although it is probably easier to use the dropped spindles for 63-70's that fit all of your stock stuff, that's what I used on my 70. I got mine from ECE along with the six lug disc brake stuff, and if you want 5-lug, it might be cheaper to use 73-87 brake stuff from your local parts store, to fit the 63-70 dropped spindles.

As far as the 2.5" or 3" dropped spindle question, I have no clue maybe somebody else has that answer.

smokekiki · 04-10-2005, 11:24 AM

I would think it is just the way they are made buy different companys.I can't see that 1/2 being bad.A 3" spindle with a 2" spring wouldn't cause a problem on my truck with 255/60-15.The spindle lowers the truck without changing the ride or alignment,as much as putting in shorter springs.

jlaird · 04-12-2005, 08:42 AM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to use my stock arms, and switch out the balljoints and tie rod end links. I'll probably just get the kit from CPP unless anybody else has other suggestions.

Thanks.

**raggedjim** · 04-12-2005, 12:15 PM

I could be wrong, but I think some people have had lower a-arm clearence issues with the 3" drop spindles running 15" rims. Somebody jump in if this is not right...

Rg

Frank_Zeller · 04-12-2005, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I could be wrong, but I think some people have had lower a-arm clearence issues with the 3" drop spindles running 15" rims. Somebody jump in if this is not right...

Rg

You even have problems with 2.5 spindles and 15x8 with 4.5 back spacing. You have to shave the lower A arms and the tire rod boot is very very close to the rim.

jlaird · 04-12-2005, 11:15 PM

Are these clearance issues just with a 15 inch rim? I am eventually going to get 20's, but for awhile, I plan on just getting a cheap, plain steel rim. What size should I look for?

smokekiki · 04-13-2005, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Zeller

You even have problems with 2.5 spindles and 15x8 with 4.5 back spacing. You have to shave the lower A arms and the tire rod boot is very very close to the rim.

I do not have problems with a 2.5 spindle,running 15x7 with 3" back spacing.

Frank_Zeller · 04-13-2005, 08:37 AM

It's the back spacing that cause problems with the 15 inch steel rim.

04-08-2005, 04:22 PM	#1
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	Step 1 to becoming bagged I'm going to be bagging my 69 c10 and need some advice. I'm just concerned about the front for now. I will be using Slam bags for the front and lowered spindles. My 69 has the stock 6 lug drums in the front. I'll be doing the disc conversion, but not sure what approach to take. I don't want to switch out the whole crossmember. Should I find a-arms and steering linkage from a 73-87, or should I (can I) switch out my balljoints and use my existing arms? Getting new tubular a-arms is out of the question right now. My other question (more out of curiosity) is why are 2.5" and 3" lowering spindles made? Is there a difference besides the obvious? Does that extra half an inch cause any problems? Just wondering... Thanks for any help you can provide. Josh

04-10-2005, 10:32 AM	#3
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	You can use the 73-87 balljoints on your stock arms, you will also have to use the 73-87 outer tie rod ends, with an adapter sleeve to fit them and your stock 69 inner tie rods together. Although it is probably easier to use the dropped spindles for 63-70's that fit all of your stock stuff, that's what I used on my 70. I got mine from ECE along with the six lug disc brake stuff, and if you want 5-lug, it might be cheaper to use 73-87 brake stuff from your local parts store, to fit the 63-70 dropped spindles. As far as the 2.5" or 3" dropped spindle question, I have no clue maybe somebody else has that answer. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

04-10-2005, 11:24 AM	#4
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	I would think it is just the way they are made buy different companys.I can't see that 1/2 being bad.A 3" spindle with a 2" spring wouldn't cause a problem on my truck with 255/60-15.The spindle lowers the truck without changing the ride or alignment,as much as putting in shorter springs. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

04-12-2005, 12:15 PM	#6
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,460	I could be wrong, but I think some people have had lower a-arm clearence issues with the 3" drop spindles running 15" rims. Somebody jump in if this is not right... Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

04-13-2005, 08:37 AM	#10
Frank_Zeller Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 796	It's the back spacing that cause problems with the 15 inch steel rim. __________________ 69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas

04-10-2005, 09:07 AM	#2
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	any suggestions?

04-12-2005, 08:42 AM	#5
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to use my stock arms, and switch out the balljoints and tie rod end links. I'll probably just get the kit from CPP unless anybody else has other suggestions. Thanks.

04-12-2005, 11:15 PM	#8
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	Are these clearance issues just with a 15 inch rim? I am eventually going to get 20's, but for awhile, I plan on just getting a cheap, plain steel rim. What size should I look for?



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