Front End Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bodad · 06-09-2003, 12:00 AM

I am unbolting the front end from a 71 chevy LB tonight and notice when I remove the 4 bolts that run horizontal through frame only 1 bolt hole looks like it is in the right place. The bottom two holes are wallowed out and one of the top holes looks as though a hole was punched through with a torch. The top hole is about 5/8" ahead of what looks to be the original hole. It is the same on bothe sides. Is there an explanation for this? Maybe a different front end was bolted up to it that didn't quite match up or what?

bodad · 06-10-2003, 06:37 PM

55 Views and no one has an idea? Here is a pic to help the cause.

bodad · 06-10-2003, 06:46 PM

Well it looks like the pic will have to wait. Meanwhile, is there nobody here that knows what I am refering to?

bodad · 06-12-2003, 12:38 PM

Here is the picture. Surely someone can answer this, three days and not one response.

**1971Stepside** · 06-12-2003, 12:40 PM

It looks like someone put a newer front end under the truck, but I can't say for sure.

bodad · 06-12-2003, 12:43 PM

Is that what a newer frontend bolt pattern looks like? I haven't seen one so I can't tell.

**1971Stepside** · 06-12-2003, 12:46 PM

I believe the 73 and up crossmembers require you to enlarge the lower holes and make one new one. That would follow what has happened to yours. Someone like longhornmail will have an answer for you.

bodad · 06-12-2003, 06:01 PM

So if it is a newer year front then how do I know what parts to by to replace. I am going to install dropped spindles and many new front end pieces but I need to know what year to buy for. Is there a way to tell what year the front end is from?

crazy longhorn · 06-12-2003, 06:31 PM

bodad, I cant help too much with the holes, as I still have the orig crossmember on my 69. as a rule on the spindles, you need to go for the yr of the spindle, & replace balljoints,tierods to match. The difference from the 71-72 pcs & the 73 up pcs.....71-72 are the same ball joints & & tierod ends. 73 takes the same lower balljoint, but a different upper balljoint, & outer tierod end(the taper differs on the pins). If in doubt , i would go for the 73 up dropped spindle(they will probably be cheaper anyway), & order the tierod ends(outers), & ball joints to match

does the truck have steel a arm bushings, or are they rubber? crazyL

06-09-2003, 12:00 AM	#1
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	Front End Question I am unbolting the front end from a 71 chevy LB tonight and notice when I remove the 4 bolts that run horizontal through frame only 1 bolt hole looks like it is in the right place. The bottom two holes are wallowed out and one of the top holes looks as though a hole was punched through with a torch. The top hole is about 5/8" ahead of what looks to be the original hole. It is the same on bothe sides. Is there an explanation for this? Maybe a different front end was bolted up to it that didn't quite match up or what? __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-10-2003, 06:37 PM	#2
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	55 Views and no one has an idea? Here is a pic to help the cause. __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-10-2003, 06:46 PM	#3
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	Well it looks like the pic will have to wait. Meanwhile, is there nobody here that knows what I am refering to? __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-12-2003, 12:38 PM	#4
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	Here is the picture. Surely someone can answer this, three days and not one response. Attached Images __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-12-2003, 12:40 PM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	It looks like someone put a newer front end under the truck, but I can't say for sure. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

06-12-2003, 12:43 PM	#6
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	Is that what a newer frontend bolt pattern looks like? I haven't seen one so I can't tell. __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-12-2003, 12:46 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I believe the 73 and up crossmembers require you to enlarge the lower holes and make one new one. That would follow what has happened to yours. Someone like longhornmail will have an answer for you. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

06-12-2003, 06:01 PM	#8
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	So if it is a newer year front then how do I know what parts to by to replace. I am going to install dropped spindles and many new front end pieces but I need to know what year to buy for. Is there a way to tell what year the front end is from? __________________ '70 SWB in cab off restoration --'72 K5 Blazer, super sharp, like new For Sale $7900--

06-12-2003, 06:31 PM	#9
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	bodad, I cant help too much with the holes, as I still have the orig crossmember on my 69. as a rule on the spindles, you need to go for the yr of the spindle, & replace balljoints,tierods to match. The difference from the 71-72 pcs & the 73 up pcs.....71-72 are the same ball joints & & tierod ends. 73 takes the same lower balljoint, but a different upper balljoint, & outer tierod end(the taper differs on the pins). If in doubt , i would go for the 73 up dropped spindle(they will probably be cheaper anyway), & order the tierod ends(outers), & ball joints to match does the truck have steel a arm bushings, or are they rubber? crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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