73-86 dropped spindle question

[danrduc]

I have some supposed dropped spindles from CTS in Mesa Az that are for 73 -86. I have installed them on my 69 c10 with the new ball joints, and looking at them now. I have noticed a difference in the mounting location size.
These are about 1 1/8" larger between the ball joint mounting location. They are approx. 9 1/8" compared to the old drum brake stock 8".
Is that typical? I thought these spindles were a direct replacement with the ball joint change, from what I had read? It would seem that changing the spacing between the A arms will change the entire geometry of the front end.
Anybody have any enlightenment for me? Have I misinterpreted some information, or possibly gotten the incorrect part? Thanks

[lolife99]

You have a little more info in this thread than your PM to me.
Did you change both the upper and lower to 73-87 balljoints and did you convert yur tie rods?
They all have to match the YEAR of the spindle that you are using.

[lolife99]

Don't worry about the spacing between balljoints.
These drop spindles have been around for 40+ years.
The geometry is correct.

[danrduc]

Yes, I got all the correct parts, it just looked quite different when I finally started checking everything out. Thanks

[vics stuff]

I am getting ready to do the same to my truck. The company that made these spindles say to use a 1983 - 1987 upper control arms with their drop spindles. Will see how this comes out. Also using drop front coil springs.
Vic

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

I am getting ready to do the same to my truck. The company that made these spindles say to use a 1983 - 1987 upper control arms with their drop spindles. Will see how this comes out. Also using drop front coil springs.
Vic

What company says that???
The key is matching the year of spindles to your balljoints.
What year is your truck?

This board is getting filled with a LOT of misinformation,...

[vics stuff]

My truck is a 1972 . And you are correct on matching the ball joints to the spindles. I would tend to believe that this company sold a drop spindle for 1983 - 1987 ?? and said these are what is being used on the 1972 pickups. What I do not understand is , that they do not indicate to use lower control arms off the same 1983 - 1987 on the installation instructions. A bit strange. I hope I do not end up with major issues on the installation.
Will keep you informed

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

My truck is a 1972 . And you are correct on matching the ball joints to the spindles. I would tend to believe that this company sold a drop spindle for 1983 - 1987 ?? and said these are what is being used on the 1972 pickups. What I do not understand is , that they do not indicate to use lower control arms off the same 1983 - 1987 on the installation instructions. A bit strange. I hope I do not end up with major issues on the installation.
Will keep you informed

Balljoints and tie rods are the same from 73-87.
You are getting some strange info.
You should have purchased 71-72 drop spindles.
Direct bolt on installation.

Like I said,... Lots of bad info being spread around the C10 community.
I assume you don't want to share the companies name?

[vics stuff]

The spindles are for a 1972 but with using a 1983- 1987 upper control arm to allow adequate clearance for the 72 drop spindles . I will post the manufacturers name when I get to my shop. These spindles were purchased over 14 years ago. Do know if this company is still even in business.

Originally Posted by lolife99

Balljoints and tie rods are the same from 73-87.
You are getting some strange info.
You should have purchased 71-72 drop spindles.
Direct bolt on installation.

Like I said,... Lots of bad info being spread around the C10 community.
I assume you don't want to share the companies name?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

The spindles are for a 1972 but with using a 1983- 1987 upper control arm to allow adequate clearance for the 72 drop spindles . I will post the manufacturers name when I get to my shop. These spindles were purchased over 14 years ago. Do know if this company is still even in business.

They can tell you that,... but it makes absolutely no sense.
Good Luck with your project.

[vics stuff]

Keith Here is what I have . Spindles made by AIM Industries from Mesa AZ.
According to their installation sheet . I am to use a upper control arm from a 1973 - 1987 as well as upper ball joint and tie rods off the same year. I bought these spindles back in 1999. I guess I will find out when I install these on the truck.
Vic

[lolife99]

That makes slightly more sense than 83-87.
Not sure if know about AIM/ChassisTech/AirBagIt quality and customer service issue,... but there is plenty of info on that on the internet.

Anyway,... if you switch to a 73-87 spindle your existing tie rods will not work.
They are the wrong taper.
You will need to use 73-87 outer tie rods to connect to these spindles on your '72 truck.
Its not that easy on the 63-70 trucks.

Sorry for hijacking danrduc's original thread,...

[vics stuff]

That is what I think. When I ordered these , I ordered a set of 1972 Chevy drop spindles. I am assuming that they sent me the correct spindles. There is only a C10 casting mark on them.' Vic