spindle/brake question

[BluTrukker]

Is there any difference between a 68 and a 72 spindle? Specifically is there any reason you couldn't put 72 disks on a 68 spindle? I see a lot of people swapping out the whole front end to put disks on the older models. I thought of doing this as well, but I would be replacing the rotors/calipers/lines anyway. Why go through the hassle of changing out a big part only to disassemble it and replace all the components. Also, does anyone make 5-lug front drums for a 68? The PO put all new brakes on it right before I bought it, but I would like to put 5-lug wheels on it. I don't really need disks right now, but I'm kicking around all possibilities.

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

Is there any difference between a 68 and a 72 spindle? Specifically is there any reason you couldn't put 72 disks on a 68 spindle? I see a lot of people swapping out the whole front end to put disks on the older models. I thought of doing this as well, but I would be replacing the rotors/calipers/lines anyway. Why go through the hassle of changing out a big part only to disassemble it and replace all the components. Also, does anyone make 5-lug front drums for a 68? The PO put all new brakes on it right before I bought it, but I would like to put 5-lug wheels on it. I don't really need disks right now, but I'm kicking around all possibilities.

yes there is a difference, yes you can put 72 spindles on the 68 a-arms. you will need to change ball joints to 72, use the entire 72 tie rod, use the 72 pitman arm, trim the steering stop on the 72 spindles, and replace the brake lines with the newer ones. Also need to cut the brake line bracket off where it is on the 68 and tack it on the front of the x-member (or cut the bracket off of the 72 and tack it on 68).

[Kayotic]

I would like to add...

If you trim the steering stop off the spindle for use on stock '68 a-arms, could these spindles still be used later on an aftermarket spindle?

[lolife99]

[QUOTE=Kayotic;3121093]I would like to add...

If you trim the steering stop off the spindle for use on stock '68 a-arms, could these spindles still be used later on an aftermarket spindle?[/QUOTE]

I don't understand this statement.

Alot of people use the '73+ parts because they are cheaper and readily available at most parts store instead of the 2 year only 71-72 parts.

And NO,... you can't put a '72 disc on a '68 spindle.

[BluTrukker]

thanks for the info, how about the 5-lug front drums for the 68? Any vendors here carry such a thing?

[kcjones]

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

thanks for the info, how about the 5-lug front drums for the 68? Any vendors here carry such a thing?

Good luck...I don't think I've seen that. You can get 6 lug rotor/spindle setup that will fit your factory 68 a-arms/ball joints, I think...

[BluTrukker]

Yeah, I've seen that. I was thinking maybe someone around here had heard of a 5 lug drum off of a full size car, or a place to find a new one

[Strider]

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

Yeah, I've seen that. I was thinking maybe someone around here had heard of a 5 lug drum off of a full size car, or a place to find a new one

Why not just buy a set of CPP spindles that will bolt straight up to the 68 a-arms and tie rods and then just put your 71-72 discs, calipers and so on.
I have the same "problem" and I'm going to go the spindle route and make life easier................I think!

[BluTrukker]

I will probabaly end up doing just that. I am looking to go as easy and cheaply as possible to convert to 5 lug. I plan on getting new axles for the rear. I don't mind the drum brakes, like I said they are brand new and work fine. Just trying to get 5-lugs to use the rims I have, if I have to put on front disks to do it, then thats a bonus.

[Strider]

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

I will probabaly end up doing just that. I am looking to go as easy and cheaply as possible to convert to 5 lug. I plan on getting new axles for the rear. I don't mind the drum brakes, like I said they are brand new and work fine. Just trying to get 5-lugs to use the rims I have, if I have to put on front disks to do it, then thats a bonus.

I totally understand going the cheaper route if you can.
Do whatever is gonna work easiest or whatever you have available.
I didn't know you could put 92 spindles on 68 a-arms like that.
cool.

[Kayotic]

Oops!

I am sure the comment above was ment to be '72 not '92.

[Strider]

Originally Posted by Kayotic

Oops!

I am sure the comment above was ment to be '72 not '92.

No apparently 88-98 spindles will fit 67-72 a-arms with some simple mods/gathering of parts.
Read before that and some of the links..........at least it seams that's what is being implied.