72 dropped spindles compared to 73-87

[HuggerCST]

Can anyone tell me the differences? I have a set of 73-87s on the way, and want to put them on my '70. I figure since I have to change the ball joints & tie rods anyway, I'll just use 73-87 stuff, but was just curious what the differences are. The spindles are for 1" rotors.

[HuggerCST]

I called the local NAPA and according to their computer, the bottom ball joints, calipers, and rotors are the same from 72 to 73, but there is a difference in the tie rods end and upper ball joints, whatever that may be.

[XXL]

The 73+ tie rod shafts are a larger diameter, IIRC. So if you go with them, you'll need inner, outer, and adjusting sleeve. I seem to recall someone making a custom sleeve that allowed you to mix 72 inners and 73+ outers... but it was more expensive than just replacing inners and outers.

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by XXL

The 73+ tie rod shafts are a larger diameter, IIRC. So if you go with them, you'll need inner, outer, and adjusting sleeve. I seem to recall someone making a custom sleeve that allowed you to mix 72 inners and 73+ outers... but it was more expensive than just replacing inners and outers.

Ok, thanks. Since mine is a '70 with drum brakes, I've got to change all the tie rods either way to go with discs, so I'll just go with 73-87 stuff. I assume that I'll have to use the 73-87 centerlink, but not sure. What about the 1" or 1&1/4" rotors? Is that a year model thing, or an optional thing?

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by HuggerCST

Ok, thanks. Since mine is a '70 with drum brakes, I've got to change all the tie rods either way to go with discs, so I'll just go with 73-87 stuff. I assume that I'll have to use the 73-87 centerlink, but not sure. What about the 1" or 1&1/4" rotors? Is that a year model thing, or an optional thing?

The 1" rotors didn't appear until around 1980. Unless you got a sweet deal on them, get your spindles "HD", These are the 1 1/4" rotor spindles. I went to the 1" rotor on my pickup when I dropped it and can definitely tell the difference in braking from the 1 1/4". I deal with it 'cause they were basically free. The 1" and 1 1/4" rotors are NOT interchangable. I would go ahead and grab a 73-87 center link too, but then you may run into pitman arm compatibility issues. You gonna lower it some???

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

The 1" rotors didn't appear until around 1980. Unless you got a sweet deal on them, get your spindles "HD", These are the 1 1/4" rotor spindles. I went to the 1" rotor on my pickup when I dropped it and can definitely tell the difference in braking from the 1 1/4". I deal with it 'cause they were basically free. The 1" and 1 1/4" rotors are NOT interchangable. I would go ahead and grab a 73-87 center link too, but then you may run into pitman arm compatibility issues. You gonna lower it some???

Yea, I'll probably wait until later when I can afford some wheels, but the spindles were a deal, so I bought them. Thanks for the info, that explains alot.

[gringoloco]

I've got a really nice set of 5-lug rallies over here that came off my Blazer if you're interested.