??? about front suspension... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Smooth68 · 02-24-2004, 09:23 PM

I'm looking to purchase some drop spindles and assorted parts for the project soon and I have some questions - the front end I have is 5-lug....does that mean it has to be a '71-'72 year model? If so is there one spindle to cover these years? If the answer was no, how can I tell exacly what year the parts are?

Smooth68 · 02-24-2004, 09:24 PM

Here is a pic of the front end. Thanks!

gr8scott51 · 02-24-2004, 11:45 PM

They sold 5 lug trucks in all the years as far as I know. Do you have disc brakes? You can tell a little bit buy the front brake lines. WES at (www.classicheartbeat.com) has some good pictures of the front end on his panel project. Seems like most of the drop spindles I've seen being sold by the vendors on this board cover all years (67-72). good luck, Scott

Smooth68 · 02-24-2004, 11:55 PM

I'm pretty sure that in the 67-72 models only 71-72's were 5-lug. I'm just wanting to make sure someone didn't do some weird mix/match of 6-lug/5-lug parts so when I order parts I will be ordering the correct ones. Yes I do have disk brakes - I've also posted over on WES site.

Tx Firefighter · 02-25-2004, 01:01 AM

All 71 and up were disc brakes. But, since you have the steel screw in control arm bushings, it looks like you have an original 71-72 front end. In 73, GM changed to the rubber bushings.

lost wages · 02-25-2004, 02:59 AM

i agree with Tx Firefighter, the shaft on the 73 up 5 lug fronts has a rubber bushing, yours has the steel caps instead of just a nut, so its a 71 or 72 front you have, they do have spindles for just those years.

**GMCPaul** · 02-25-2004, 04:09 AM

It appears you have 71-72 spindles, upper & lower ball joints &steering parts, on 68 crossmember & A-arms.
The reason I think its 68 a-arms is I can not see the front brake hoses routed to the front of the crossmember as was stock on 71-72, where as 67-70 they were mounted and attached at the rear of front crossmember.
We can help with your drop spindles. You will find them here
http://www.gmcpauls.com/Brakes&Steering.htm
Any questions give us a ring 9am-5pm M-F and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
GMCPaul

Smooth68 · 02-28-2004, 10:14 PM

GMCPaul - you must be right. I stripped the frame today and the brake hoses are attached to the rear of the crossmember.

02-24-2004, 09:23 PM	#1
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	??? about front suspension... I'm looking to purchase some drop spindles and assorted parts for the project soon and I have some questions - the front end I have is 5-lug....does that mean it has to be a '71-'72 year model? If so is there one spindle to cover these years? If the answer was no, how can I tell exacly what year the parts are? __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab Last edited by Smooth68; 02-24-2004 at 09:25 PM.

02-24-2004, 09:24 PM	#2
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	Here is a pic of the front end. Thanks! Attached Images __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

02-24-2004, 11:45 PM	#3
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	They sold 5 lug trucks in all the years as far as I know. Do you have disc brakes? You can tell a little bit buy the front brake lines. WES at (www.classicheartbeat.com) has some good pictures of the front end on his panel project. Seems like most of the drop spindles I've seen being sold by the vendors on this board cover all years (67-72). good luck, Scott __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

02-24-2004, 11:55 PM	#4
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	I'm pretty sure that in the 67-72 models only 71-72's were 5-lug. I'm just wanting to make sure someone didn't do some weird mix/match of 6-lug/5-lug parts so when I order parts I will be ordering the correct ones. Yes I do have disk brakes - I've also posted over on WES site. __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

02-25-2004, 01:01 AM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	All 71 and up were disc brakes. But, since you have the steel screw in control arm bushings, it looks like you have an original 71-72 front end. In 73, GM changed to the rubber bushings. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-25-2004, 02:59 AM	#6
lost wages Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: jefferson city, mo Posts: 1,364	i agree with Tx Firefighter, the shaft on the 73 up 5 lug fronts has a rubber bushing, yours has the steel caps instead of just a nut, so its a 71 or 72 front you have, they do have spindles for just those years.

02-25-2004, 04:09 AM	#7
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	It appears you have 71-72 spindles, upper & lower ball joints &steering parts, on 68 crossmember & A-arms. The reason I think its 68 a-arms is I can not see the front brake hoses routed to the front of the crossmember as was stock on 71-72, where as 67-70 they were mounted and attached at the rear of front crossmember. We can help with your drop spindles. You will find them here http://www.gmcpauls.com/Brakes&Steering.htm Any questions give us a ring 9am-5pm M-F and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

02-28-2004, 10:14 PM	#8
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	GMCPaul - you must be right. I stripped the frame today and the brake hoses are attached to the rear of the crossmember. __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.