Went to have my truck aligned, but had a problem.

[Gmichael]

Appearently the control arm ball joints taper doesnt match the spindles taper and subsequently couldnt be aligned, not to mention dangerous to drive and damaging to the ball joints and spindles.

A little background on the truck:

I bought this truck about 4 months ago, and have spent that time putting the truck back together. It was basically a roller, with an engine and trans in the bed. Just prior to me buying it, the PO had put on drop spindles in the front and drop springs in the back. Also, someone along the way has put a 12 bolt rear end and disc brakes up front (both are 5x5 bolt pattern(the truck is a '70 c10) So long story short, it is a hodge podge of parts. Im not entirely sure what year range spindles i have or ball joints/control arms etc... And if im not mistaken, a '70 originally had 6 lugs and drum brakes.

I brought it back to my house to tear it down and replace whats necessary. I plan on taking the spindles to the autoparts store and finding the ball joint that fits properly and replacing them. My guess is (please tell me if you agree or disagree) that it has 71/72 style spindles due to the disc brakes, but earlier ball joints. Does anyone know if these have different tapers?

[67ChevyRedneck]

Yes, they do. You're assumption is most likely correct. 67-70 ball joints are different than 71-72. The outer tie rod ends (the one that goes into the spindle) are also different.

If they put 71/72 spindles on your 70 does your steering turn all the way from lock to lock? The steering bump stop is different as well. To fix it, you just have to grind a little off of the nipple sticking out on the spindle to get full steering travel. If they're aftermarket spindles they're probably fine.

[Gmichael]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Yes, they do. You're assumption is most likely correct. 67-70 ball joints are different than 71-72. The outer tie rod ends (the one that goes into the spindle) are also different.

If they put 71/72 spindles on your 70 does your steering turn all the way from lock to lock? The steering bump stop is different as well. To fix it, you just have to grind a little off of the nipple sticking out on the spindle to get full steering travel. If they're aftermarket spindles they're probably fine.

They are mcGaughy's spindles. It seemed to hit the steering lock just fine. I'll look at everything more closely when i knock it appart this weekend.

[Gmichael]

Do '71/72 ball joints fit the '70 control arms? i would guess they are the same control arm but i'm not certain.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Yes. I have 71/72 ball joints in my 67 control arms.

[stealthy '69]

It might not hurt to check if they are 73-87 spindles too. Is there a part number on the spindle any where?

[Gmichael]

I thought about that too. I'm not sure if there is a part number on them, i'll check once i get under the thing. Does anyone know to tell the difference by looking at them in case there is no part number? Also, in case they are 73-87 spindles, will 73-87 ball joints fit earlier control arms?

Also, does anyone know if the 73-87 ball joints fit the 71-72 spindle?

[earlthegoat2]

It sounds like you have a real problem with your truck, however, in my experience, alignment shops have given me some pretty cock and bull routines everytime I go to one.

They try to suck every nickel out of you just because a ball joint or tie rod end has a little rust on it.

I had a shop say they couldnt align it because the idler arm was wore out. I had just replaced my entire suspension with Moog components. Ball joints, pitman arm, idler arm, tie rod ends, coil springs, shocks, etc.

Another time I went with a Cavalier only for them to tell me I needed new struts front and rear. I had just replaced the front ones and I didnt care about the rears. I just wanted to keep it from shredding tires, not be absolutely perfect.

I told them to align it or I would take it to someone who would.

Just remember this the next time you go the shop.

[Lee H]

Start by calling mcGaughy's. They should b able to tell you exactly what they are and what ball joints and tierod ends you need.
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[Gmichael]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Start by calling mcGaughy's. They should b able to tell you exactly what they are and what ball joints and tierod ends you need.
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Good idea, I'll do that.
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