Suspension Question

[Genuine GM]

I searched and couldn't find this exact question, but I am not sure what to tell the search engine anyway.

I know you can use 71-72 spindles on a 65 and you can use 73-87 ball joints on a 71-72, SO....... is it possible to install the 73-87 ball joints AND spindles on a 65? I have noticed a couple of similar question brought up concerns about Camber adjustment.

This could be fixed with a longer upper control arm. Global West does the same thing with some GM cars because the taller spindle and longer upper control arm actually give the truck a better camber curve than stock. Simply put, the longer control arm moves in a larger arc; the larger the arc, the less severe the "in and out" motion of the ball joint centerline.

If know one makes longer upper control arms I might just fab some myself. This is not something I am doing anytime soon, maybe NEXT summer. Just running through possible options.

BTW, no pics, but I changed the drivers side door pins on Saturday and layed on the wet pavement to pressure wash the entire bottom. What a mess, the truck before and me after.

Tonight I remove the rigged column, pull the wiring harness and get it ready for the new harness I am putting in.

[jgh64pkup]

i dont see why it wouldn't work but why dont you just go to the junkyard pick up a 73-87 1/2 ton pickup and yank out the frontend
im sure you can find one there everywhere

[ruffrida2005]

I would have to say the best way to do it is just 73-87 control arms and spindles. Are you just wanting to keep it 6 lug? If thats the case then why not go with a disc brake kit. I ordered mine from POL. cost me 630 including shipping!

[Genuine GM]

I was just trying to do the least amount of work for the least cost. That sounds stupid with my "fab a new upper control arm" statement, but if I had to Fab one, it would cost me little and I could really make it trick. For parts I have a donor 78.

5 Lug is preferred and I refuse to pay someone for a disc brake kit when I can fab and covert other items to do the same thing for less. Time I have, the money to do what I wish I could, I don't.

[protrash64]

The other answers are correct GM, but you are correct also. There are varying degrees on this swap.....cross member, a-arms, or as you mentioned just the spindles. I believe all the control arms have the same size opening for ball joints, just press in the correct balljoint and go. You will get into some brake line relocation/splitting etc. I'm guessing you figured as much.

[ruffrida2005]

I'm not too sure about the camber problem from swaping other truck parts on our 64-66, but if you have the donor why not just swap all parts off the 78!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

I'm not too sure about the camber problem from swaping other truck parts on our 64-66, but if you have the donor why not just swap all parts off the 78!

Exactly..... Swap all the parts from the 78 donor.

Use the spindles, upper/lower a-arms, calipers, rotors, splash shields, tie-rods, & drag link. If your sticking w/manual steering use your original steering arms. If you're switching to power steering, use the pwr box & pitman arm from the donor & get one of the frame reinforcement plates from a board vendor (Captainfab sells some). You can swap the entire c.member too if desired (some feel it's easier). I've always just swapped the parts to the existing c.member.

If you want to keep it 6-lug, several board vendors also sell the 1.25" HD 6-lug conversion rotors that swap right on.

[65fleet]

i just finished s simillar swap... i used a 85 donor truck and swaped the entire crossmember....

i used the manual steering box and stock 65 pitman arm.

i used the 85 steering linkage (drag link etc.)

i just orderd a booster mcyl from cpp

the swap was very easy ... id do it again in a heartbeat... im not going to say its easier than just swapping over piece by piece.. but it looked easier to me to take it out as a unit...

good luck!

[jason65]

I got 84 ball joints and ect on mine. Just had to convert my c20 lower arms to c10 the the ball joints went right in.