No, I didn't slam it. It broke! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 01:03 AM

Looks to be a lower ball joint and maybe a tie rod end. This happened Thanksgiving day. Everyone went to sleep after filling up with turkey so I decided to go for a little cruise around the block since I hadn't driven the truck in a month or so. Well, I didn't get very far. I have it up on a jack stand now, but it'll be sitting for a while. I think it's due for an entire front end rebuild anyway, but I have no experience with front end work. I'm depressed.

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 01:04 AM

As you can see in the first picture, I skidded about 20 feet on the lower A arm.

Driveway Dreams · 12-02-2009, 01:09 AM

I am not a genius in the suspension area, but I don't think that is supposed to be that way.

Sorry to see that. Good luck with the repairs.

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 01:14 AM

Thanks. You know, seeing it like that in the first pic kinda makes me want to slam it, but I'm still holding out for a shortwide to play with.

f.monroe · 12-02-2009, 01:18 AM

That is weird looking . I have seen balljoints come apart before but it looks like yours is still intact . Looks like the cotter key wasnt set in the castle nut and it came loose . Looks like the balljoint shaft is still in place .Might just need a new castle nut and reattach the spindle to the lower balljoint . Just to make it mobile of course , then you can move it around the driveway until you get around to rebuilding the suspension .
Frank

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 01:32 AM

Thanks Frank, you might be right. The ball joint is still intact. I found the dust boot on the street, but no sign of the castle nut. I'll try to get under there tomorrow and have a closer look. If I could just get it mobile that would be great. I would like to back it into the garage since it might be sitting a little while.

bluex · 12-02-2009, 02:25 AM

That stinks, bet it scared ya though?

Dont be intimidated by the work, get a chiltons, or a hanyes manual and fix it! With those and this site you can do it.

Dont buy a shorty, make yours one. Its not hard....

before

during

after

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 02:43 AM

Thanks for the encouragement. It is a bit intimidating, but I will probably tackle it myself sometime over the winter. It's about time I learned.

Nice swb. You really know how to make it look easy.

**78 Big10 454** · 12-02-2009, 02:54 AM

Ouch!

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 03:05 AM

Yeah, it scared the heck out of me. I thought I drove into a manhole or something. I'm just glad I wasn't running 70 mph down the highway.

chrismoore701 · 12-02-2009, 09:59 AM

I had a wheel come off my 79 at about 35, forgot to tighten the lug nuts, pretty ticked off, but I jacked it up threw on the spare and drove it with a ground down roter for years

**old Rusty C10** · 12-02-2009, 10:08 AM

years back i had one happen to me like that on a highway. I was able to limp off the highway and had a tow guy get me there but its scary particularly if the truck did like mine and ripped to the left... and i had manual steering on that G10 van
this is why every time im under the truck for an oil change i check to make sure the cotter pins are all there in the front end AND the boots look decent

JohnC · 12-02-2009, 10:28 AM

Man you were pretty lucky that you were just down the street from home, and not cruising down the highway.

I agree with Frank looks like you could just put it back in there, and get you mobile again.

You have a real nice looking LWB there. I have a SWB I'll swap ya for it.

Gemp · 12-02-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

this is why every time im under the truck for an oil change i check to make sure the cotter pins are all there in the front end AND the boots look decent

Big smelly ++++1

I'm not a mechanic by trade, I have learn by doing. Sure I have wasted money/time by making mistakes, But I'm still wwaaayyyyy ahead of the game not paying for labor. Not saying those guy don't earn there money.

Plus, The more you do it the better you will get at staying ahead of the problems.

STOCKISH · 12-02-2009, 12:25 PM

Looks like a very nice looking truck. Sorry to hear about that. Hope you get it fixed this winter so you can drive the wheels off it next spring.

Mr.Scary · 12-02-2009, 12:29 PM

I say go 4 it!!! LOL

jchav62 · 12-02-2009, 12:38 PM

I agree with everyone. Go for it! There's nothing like the feeling of doing it yourself. In fact, I would just reinstall it with a new castle nut and cotter pin, regrease everything and drive the wheels off of it... (hopefully not literally)

Good luck! You know you can get help here... JC

okndnx · 12-02-2009, 04:53 PM

BIG10 are you sure noone has put an insurance policy on you lately

BIG10 · 12-02-2009, 05:29 PM

Thanks for all the encouragement guys. I'll keep you posted on the progress. I may even take pics and start a thread. At least I know what I want for Christmas now.

JohnC · 12-02-2009, 06:12 PM

there's the spirit. Defintely take more pics, and start a thread about it. We love pics!!!!

74 C-30 · 12-02-2009, 08:40 PM

dont be scared of front end work, i basically rebuild mine in the driveway with just a haynes manual, and some thinking, oh an impact helps though

red rumbler · 12-02-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluex

That stinks, bet it scared ya though?

Dont be intimidated by the work, get a chiltons, or a hanyes manual and fix it! With those and this site you can do it.

Dont buy a shorty, make yours one. Its not hard....

before

during

after

im sorry to see that happened to ya big 10. think of it thisway though, when something breaks its time for an upgrade:P drop her 2inch or bag it haha. but beautiful truck. and bluex this is awsome! i would never cut my frame in half! turned out awsome shortys are awsome:P

willett · 12-02-2009, 11:00 PM

GADONK!!
slammed!

DuckyTLK · 12-02-2009, 11:48 PM

yea dont be intimidated by the front end work.
SLA (short, long arm) suspension is easy
its mad easy on these trucks especially

might hafta borrow some of the special C-clamps from autozone or advanced for the ball joints and some big ass hammers for the ball joints. but its not too bad.

but im a technician at sears, so i might be trivializing it haha.

SCOTI · 12-03-2009, 12:23 AM

I strongly recommend inspecting all other castle nuts under the front end. Where there's one installed incorrectly, there's possibly another.

12-02-2009, 01:03 AM	#1
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Looks to be a lower ball joint and maybe a tie rod end. This happened Thanksgiving day. Everyone went to sleep after filling up with turkey so I decided to go for a little cruise around the block since I hadn't driven the truck in a month or so. Well, I didn't get very far. I have it up on a jack stand now, but it'll be sitting for a while. I think it's due for an entire front end rebuild anyway, but I have no experience with front end work. I'm depressed. Attached Images __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 01:04 AM	#2
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! As you can see in the first picture, I skidded about 20 feet on the lower A arm. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser. Last edited by BIG10; 12-02-2009 at 01:11 AM.

12-02-2009, 01:09 AM	#3
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! I am not a genius in the suspension area, but I don't think that is supposed to be that way. Sorry to see that. Good luck with the repairs. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

12-02-2009, 01:14 AM	#4
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Thanks. You know, seeing it like that in the first pic kinda makes me want to slam it, but I'm still holding out for a shortwide to play with. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 01:18 AM	#5
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! That is weird looking . I have seen balljoints come apart before but it looks like yours is still intact . Looks like the cotter key wasnt set in the castle nut and it came loose . Looks like the balljoint shaft is still in place .Might just need a new castle nut and reattach the spindle to the lower balljoint . Just to make it mobile of course , then you can move it around the driveway until you get around to rebuilding the suspension . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

12-02-2009, 01:32 AM	#6
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Thanks Frank, you might be right. The ball joint is still intact. I found the dust boot on the street, but no sign of the castle nut. I'll try to get under there tomorrow and have a closer look. If I could just get it mobile that would be great. I would like to back it into the garage since it might be sitting a little while. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 02:25 AM	#7
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! That stinks, bet it scared ya though? Dont be intimidated by the work, get a chiltons, or a hanyes manual and fix it! With those and this site you can do it. Dont buy a shorty, make yours one. Its not hard.... before during after __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Last edited by bluex; 12-02-2009 at 02:25 AM.

12-02-2009, 02:43 AM	#8
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Thanks for the encouragement. It is a bit intimidating, but I will probably tackle it myself sometime over the winter. It's about time I learned. Nice swb. You really know how to make it look easy. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 02:54 AM	#9
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Ouch!

12-02-2009, 03:05 AM	#10
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Yeah, it scared the heck out of me. I thought I drove into a manhole or something. I'm just glad I wasn't running 70 mph down the highway. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 09:59 AM	#11
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,326	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! I had a wheel come off my 79 at about 35, forgot to tighten the lug nuts, pretty ticked off, but I jacked it up threw on the spare and drove it with a ground down roter for years

12-02-2009, 10:08 AM	#12
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! years back i had one happen to me like that on a highway. I was able to limp off the highway and had a tow guy get me there but its scary particularly if the truck did like mine and ripped to the left... and i had manual steering on that G10 van this is why every time im under the truck for an oil change i check to make sure the cotter pins are all there in the front end AND the boots look decent __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-02-2009, 10:28 AM	#13
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Man you were pretty lucky that you were just down the street from home, and not cruising down the highway. I agree with Frank looks like you could just put it back in there, and get you mobile again. You have a real nice looking LWB there. I have a SWB I'll swap ya for it.

12-02-2009, 12:25 PM	#15
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Looks like a very nice looking truck. Sorry to hear about that. Hope you get it fixed this winter so you can drive the wheels off it next spring. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

12-02-2009, 12:29 PM	#16
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! I say go 4 it!!! LOL __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:



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12-02-2009, 12:38 PM	#17
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! I agree with everyone. Go for it! There's nothing like the feeling of doing it yourself. In fact, I would just reinstall it with a new castle nut and cotter pin, regrease everything and drive the wheels off of it... (hopefully not literally) Good luck! You know you can get help here... JC __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

12-02-2009, 04:53 PM	#18
okndnx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Skiatook Oklahoma Posts: 33	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! BIG10 are you sure noone has put an insurance policy on you lately

12-02-2009, 05:29 PM	#19
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! Thanks for all the encouragement guys. I'll keep you posted on the progress. I may even take pics and start a thread. At least I know what I want for Christmas now. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-02-2009, 06:12 PM	#20
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! there's the spirit. Defintely take more pics, and start a thread about it. We love pics!!!!

12-02-2009, 08:40 PM	#21
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! dont be scared of front end work, i basically rebuild mine in the driveway with just a haynes manual, and some thinking, oh an impact helps though __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger

12-02-2009, 11:00 PM	#23
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! GADONK!! slammed! __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

12-02-2009, 11:48 PM	#24
DuckyTLK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: whoremond beach, Florida Posts: 14	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! yea dont be intimidated by the front end work. SLA (short, long arm) suspension is easy its mad easy on these trucks especially might hafta borrow some of the special C-clamps from autozone or advanced for the ball joints and some big ass hammers for the ball joints. but its not too bad. but im a technician at sears, so i might be trivializing it haha.

12-03-2009, 12:23 AM	#25
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: No, I didn't slam it. It broke! I strongly recommend inspecting all other castle nuts under the front end. Where there's one installed incorrectly, there's possibly another. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

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