Is the Front suspension off a 71 different than the 73-87?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Deuce · 06-17-2004, 11:08 AM

I have a 80 burb parts truck and a 71 GMC frame I am going to shorten. Is it worth changing the complete front suspension from the 71 to the 80?? Cheaper parts,better susp??

Thanks.

slam33 · 06-17-2004, 11:18 AM

They went to rubber bushings on the a-arms in 73

Deuce · 06-17-2004, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slam33

They went to rubber bushings on the a-arms in 73

Sorry for my ignorance,but would the rubber bushings be considered better??

Tx Firefighter · 06-17-2004, 04:24 PM

No, they MIGHT ride a teeny tiny bit better, but you probably won't even notice. It was GMs way of (a) cutting a little of harshness out of the ride of the truck and (b) making 8 less places to have to grease on the newer trucks.

For my money, I'd continue to use the 71 stuff. It should already have disc brakes, being a 71, so there is nothing really to gain by changing the parts to newer ones.

Deuce · 06-17-2004, 04:32 PM

It does have disc brakes. I'll just shorten the 71 frame and keep all the 71 suspension then. Thanks!!

Will the 80 spindles fit on the 71??

Tx Firefighter · 06-17-2004, 04:56 PM

if you use the 80 model ball joints and tie rod ends.

Deuce · 06-17-2004, 05:03 PM

So 80 model ball joints will fit in the 71 control arms??

Tx Firefighter · 06-17-2004, 05:28 PM

yep, they install just like the stockers.

I can't remeber, but it seems like the 71 lower one is the same as the later years used. Seems like the upper one is the one that needs changed. Check a parts book to be sure.

Deuce · 06-17-2004, 05:43 PM

Thanks for your help.
I just ordered 3" drop spindles for the 71 suspension,4" coils for the rear and a set of shocks all the way around.

tom hand · 06-17-2004, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

No, they MIGHT ride a teeny tiny bit better, but you probably won't even notice.

From my experience....the rubber bushings do ride better on trucks that are lowered with cut/shorter springs...not much difference with stock springs

Deuce · 06-18-2004, 11:13 AM

I ordered the Belltech 3" dropped spindle,so I'm still going to be using the stock coil.

06-17-2004, 11:08 AM	#1
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	Is the Front suspension off a 71 different than the 73-87?? I have a 80 burb parts truck and a 71 GMC frame I am going to shorten. Is it worth changing the complete front suspension from the 71 to the 80?? Cheaper parts,better susp?? Thanks. __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

06-17-2004, 11:18 AM	#2
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	They went to rubber bushings on the a-arms in 73 __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

06-17-2004, 04:24 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	No, they MIGHT ride a teeny tiny bit better, but you probably won't even notice. It was GMs way of (a) cutting a little of harshness out of the ride of the truck and (b) making 8 less places to have to grease on the newer trucks. For my money, I'd continue to use the 71 stuff. It should already have disc brakes, being a 71, so there is nothing really to gain by changing the parts to newer ones. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

06-17-2004, 04:32 PM	#5
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	It does have disc brakes. I'll just shorten the 71 frame and keep all the 71 suspension then. Thanks!! Will the 80 spindles fit on the 71?? __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

06-17-2004, 04:56 PM	#6
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	if you use the 80 model ball joints and tie rod ends. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

06-17-2004, 05:03 PM	#7
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	So 80 model ball joints will fit in the 71 control arms?? __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

06-17-2004, 05:28 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	yep, they install just like the stockers. I can't remeber, but it seems like the 71 lower one is the same as the later years used. Seems like the upper one is the one that needs changed. Check a parts book to be sure. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

06-17-2004, 05:43 PM	#9
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	Thanks for your help. I just ordered 3" drop spindles for the 71 suspension,4" coils for the rear and a set of shocks all the way around. __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

06-18-2004, 11:13 AM	#11
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	I ordered the Belltech 3" dropped spindle,so I'm still going to be using the stock coil. __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!



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