Front Disc Brake Setup Q?

[nsuengineer06]

OK, I'm gonna try to word this as simple as I can.

If I wanted to use newer spindles say 73-87 or even newer, on my stock control arms can I just use the ball joints that fit whatever year spindle I get?

Also, if I use stock height spindles with 3" lowering springs in the front, do you guys know of any issues that may arise?

Keep in mind that I will be replacing all ball joints and tie rod ends anyway, so buying different years to fit the spindle isn't really a problem. Thanks in advance for the help.

[nsuengineer06]

seriously nobody wants to touch this?

[jablack]

it will work

[texanidiot25]

That's exactly what I did.

You'll also need the tie rod ends for what ever spindle you use. You can then use the conversion tie rod sleeves from CPP.

If your tie rods, drag link, etc are in poor shape, just grabe the whole setup from the later model doner.

The 3 inch springs are the safest amount of spring drop. You'll absolutly need an alignment. Take it to a reputable shop, the camber is going to be wack.

But, I'm running that setup now, with heavy-half ton 73-87 disk brakes and the truck stops like a champ everytime.

[nsuengineer06]

yeah, I knew about the alignment problems.. lol I've got a guy here local that has a great shop and does excellent work so that's no problem.

If I keep my center link and use the 73-87 inner & outer tie rod ends, will they fit the center link?

[texanidiot25]

Not from what I've read. You need the center drag link, and the pitment arm and such... The whole tierod assembly basically.

Or the conversion tie rod adjsuter sleeves from CPP is what I used.

[nsuengineer06]

Alright that's great info. Thanks. People are prolly gonna think I'm crazy, but I am thinking of trying to use the setup off of a 99-up 1500.. I want to keep the six lug setup front and rear, so if I can figure out how to make it all work, I can find everything I need off of one of these newer trucks.

[texanidiot25]

CPP also sells special 6 lug, 12" dia x 1.5" thick rotors that fit the 73-87 Heavy half ton spindles. Their the cheapest set, at 120 I think. GMCPauls sells similar rotors, but at double the price. When E-Mailed, brother's said their advantage over the CPP rotors were that they were made in the USA.

But in all honesty, it seems like these rotors come from another source, and the wheel studs are knocked out and the smaller 67-72 studs are pressed in. As the hole for the studs is fairly thicker than the studs themselves... But that's just my theory.

I went with CPP, but I'm cheap. The truck stops great, and so far has never shown any fade in them. I deliver pizza so I'm always on the move for several hours, and these rotors stay cool and stop well.