Cheapest Parts.....where? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**1971Stepside** · 04-25-2002, 01:56 PM

I am getting ready to purchase my drop kit (2.5/4) to include new springs/shocks/spindles etc and I am also planning to order all new ball joints and suspension components.

I have priced these around and there seems to be a big difference in price. I have found spindles to be as cheap as 200 and as much as 300. Springs range from 69 to 119!

Where should I go. Most of the prices I am comparing are with Chevy Duty, Early Classic, AIM, and Jim Carter.

Thoughts?

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax, Allison, 4WD, Love it

1971 Chevrolet 1/2 ton 2WD Short/Step Side. In process of frame off restoration

wild@work · 04-25-2002, 02:01 PM

You just have to continue with the comparison shopping. I have heard that GMC Pauls has the cheapest drop spindles. If it were me..which it will be soon, check out GMC Pauls, Classic Performance and Early Classic Enterprises.

Hope that helps,

Wild

------------------
a.k.a. wild4wheels
'02 Subaru 2.5ts wagon
'67 Panel
'94 Nissan Altima-FS $2500
'88 Isuzu P/U-FS Long Bed-Needs Motor work-$400.
'79 Bonneville-FS w/15" Pontiac Rally II's-$200.
Parting Out:
'72 Burb
'85 BMW 528e
Want to Buy:
Used Car Trailer-Reasonable-in the Midwest
67-72 1 Ton Dually-Reasonable-in the Midwest
BURB QUARTER PANELS!

wild@work · 04-25-2002, 02:04 PM

P.S. do NOT buy from AIM..just my opinion..
Kinda goes back to that ole sayin bout "You get what you pay for"

Wild

Hutch · 04-25-2002, 02:59 PM

I was looking at these guys for my parts.
Take a look and tell me what you think.
http://www.p-s-t.com/

They have a warranty that on some of their kits is as much as 20 years.
They offer different grades of kits depending on whether you want original or poly material.
Also FREE ups ground ship in continental US

They will send you a catalog for free

------------------
John Hutchison
Grapevine,Texas
76051
71 1/2 ton swb 307 pg
69 Jaguar XK-E 4.2 Roadster

**1971Stepside** · 04-25-2002, 03:10 PM

Hutch, on first glance I have found cheaper. I requested a catalog so I will check it out further then.

I guess I would like to get opions on quality of spindles and suspension components from folks as well. I will spend a little extra if I know it is great stuff.

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax, Allison, 4WD, Love it

1971 Chevrolet 1/2 ton 2WD Short/Step Side. In process of frame off restoration

Custom 68 · 04-25-2002, 03:17 PM

I just bought all the same stuff from GMCPaul the parts seem to be great and the prices were good also. You also get from him excelent service and help. He is knowledgable and owns several trucks. He will get my business again.
Dave

busterwivell · 04-25-2002, 04:25 PM

You get what you pay for. Sounds like GMC Paul would get my vote. Too bad they don't make dropped spindles for 71 1 Tons.

**MikeB** · 04-25-2002, 04:59 PM

Since you have a 71, make sure you buy spindles that will work with stock 71/72 ball joints, calipers, rotors, tie rod ends, and bearings. Don't buy the cheapo spindles that require passenger car rotors and brakes. The smaller rotors have only a 4-3/4 bolt circle, whereas your truck uses wheels with a 5" bolt circle. Also, don't buy spindles made for 73-87 trucks because they require different upper ball joints and tie rod ends. Early Classic is a good place to start for USA made spindles. They also have stuff for the rear, including shock mounts that actually make the shocks work on lowered trucks.

------------------
MikeB
69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3".

nroden · 04-25-2002, 06:17 PM

GMCPaul is the favorite place for me to get my parts!

------------------
Nick Rodenberg
Wellington, MO
http://nickrod.port5.com
You can click on "My 72 Chevy Truck"
I have a 72 Cheyenne 10 with a V8 350 and a TH-350 auto-tranny.
Ochre/White/Ochre
Runs well... working on body.
Plan to get painted weekend before memorial day weekend.
Planned to be done March 7 when I turned 16. Didn't happen. Chose to do better job and be behind schedule instead of 1/2 doing it and it looking like junk.

lofly'a · 04-25-2002, 06:54 PM

i'd like to interject an observation since AIM industries came up. they advertise these low prices compared to other companies but if you look real close you'll find that their shipping & handling costs are ridiculous. i have had bad experiences with my orders too. they just can't get it right the first time, and their tooling is not that great either. i've caught hell in the past with their hanger shackle kits for late model chevys, the holes never line up. just my 2 cents.

PanelDeland · 04-25-2002, 08:58 PM

Make sure and get a list of what a kit consists of.Sometimes you get ball joints and sometime you don't.Tie rod ends and other items can also add up.sometimes a more expensive kit is worth the extra $$ because of this.Also a complete kit may save you headaches finding the right stuff.

------------------
Deland does Chevys 68Chevy panel(LIZ)
"A man and his truck,it's a beautiful thing"
"I have the body of a god,unfortunately it's Budda"

**1971Stepside** · 04-26-2002, 09:17 AM

ttt

**Smitty** · 04-26-2002, 05:56 PM

AIM can't get it right the first time and are a pain in the a$$ when you have to make a return. Wonder how they stay in business. Sure isn't Customer Service!

**70cst** · 04-26-2002, 06:13 PM

My vote is with GMCPauls...I just bought my complete drop kit from Paul and am well pleased. Good price, quality parts, and very helpful. I would say the same about Wes at Classic Heartbeat. I've split my business between the two of them. I have been pleased with both. Just my .0003 cents worth.

04-25-2002, 01:56 PM	#1
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Cheapest Parts.....where? I am getting ready to purchase my drop kit (2.5/4) to include new springs/shocks/spindles etc and I am also planning to order all new ball joints and suspension components. I have priced these around and there seems to be a big difference in price. I have found spindles to be as cheap as 200 and as much as 300. Springs range from 69 to 119! Where should I go. Most of the prices I am comparing are with Chevy Duty, Early Classic, AIM, and Jim Carter. Thoughts? ------------------ 2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax, Allison, 4WD, Love it 1971 Chevrolet 1/2 ton 2WD Short/Step Side. In process of frame off restoration __________________ 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."

04-25-2002, 02:01 PM	#2
wild@work Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 220	You just have to continue with the comparison shopping. I have heard that GMC Pauls has the cheapest drop spindles. If it were me..which it will be soon, check out GMC Pauls, Classic Performance and Early Classic Enterprises. Hope that helps, Wild ------------------ a.k.a. wild4wheels '02 Subaru 2.5ts wagon '67 Panel '94 Nissan Altima-FS $2500 '88 Isuzu P/U-FS Long Bed-Needs Motor work-$400. '79 Bonneville-FS w/15" Pontiac Rally II's-$200. Parting Out: '72 Burb '85 BMW 528e Want to Buy: Used Car Trailer-Reasonable-in the Midwest 67-72 1 Ton Dually-Reasonable-in the Midwest BURB QUARTER PANELS! __________________ a.k.a. wild4wheels '02 Subaru 2.5ts wagon '67 Chevy C-10 Panel Want to Buy: -Used Car Trailer-Reasonable-in the Midwest -67-72 1 Ton Dually-Reasonable-in the Midwest -BURB QUARTER PANELS!

04-25-2002, 02:04 PM	#3
wild@work Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 220	P.S. do NOT buy from AIM..just my opinion.. Kinda goes back to that ole sayin bout "You get what you pay for" Wild __________________ a.k.a. wild4wheels '02 Subaru 2.5ts wagon '67 Chevy C-10 Panel Want to Buy: -Used Car Trailer-Reasonable-in the Midwest -67-72 1 Ton Dually-Reasonable-in the Midwest -BURB QUARTER PANELS!

04-25-2002, 02:59 PM	#4
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	I was looking at these guys for my parts. Take a look and tell me what you think. http://www.p-s-t.com/ They have a warranty that on some of their kits is as much as 20 years. They offer different grades of kits depending on whether you want original or poly material. Also FREE ups ground ship in continental US They will send you a catalog for free ------------------ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 76051 71 1/2 ton swb 307 pg 69 Jaguar XK-E 4.2 Roadster __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

04-25-2002, 03:10 PM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Hutch, on first glance I have found cheaper. I requested a catalog so I will check it out further then. I guess I would like to get opions on quality of spindles and suspension components from folks as well. I will spend a little extra if I know it is great stuff. ------------------ 2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax, Allison, 4WD, Love it 1971 Chevrolet 1/2 ton 2WD Short/Step Side. In process of frame off restoration __________________ 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."

04-25-2002, 03:17 PM	#6
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	I just bought all the same stuff from GMCPaul the parts seem to be great and the prices were good also. You also get from him excelent service and help. He is knowledgable and owns several trucks. He will get my business again. Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

04-25-2002, 04:25 PM	#7
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	You get what you pay for. Sounds like GMC Paul would get my vote. Too bad they don't make dropped spindles for 71 1 Tons. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

04-25-2002, 04:59 PM	#8
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,463	Since you have a 71, make sure you buy spindles that will work with stock 71/72 ball joints, calipers, rotors, tie rod ends, and bearings. Don't buy the cheapo spindles that require passenger car rotors and brakes. The smaller rotors have only a 4-3/4 bolt circle, whereas your truck uses wheels with a 5" bolt circle. Also, don't buy spindles made for 73-87 trucks because they require different upper ball joints and tie rod ends. Early Classic is a good place to start for USA made spindles. They also have stuff for the rear, including shock mounts that actually make the shocks work on lowered trucks. ------------------ MikeB 69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3". __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-25-2002, 06:17 PM	#9
nroden Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 1,098	GMCPaul is the favorite place for me to get my parts! ------------------ Nick Rodenberg Wellington, MO http://nickrod.port5.com You can click on "My 72 Chevy Truck" I have a 72 Cheyenne 10 with a V8 350 and a TH-350 auto-tranny. Ochre/White/Ochre Runs well... working on body. Plan to get painted weekend before memorial day weekend. Planned to be done March 7 when I turned 16. Didn't happen. Chose to do better job and be behind schedule instead of 1/2 doing it and it looking like junk. __________________ Nick Rodenberg 72 Cheyenne 10 V8 350/TH350 white/ochre/white/ochre, ochre/saddle interior Retired and in the dry... still runs. I now drive Red '01 Ford Focus... better MPG!!!

04-25-2002, 06:54 PM	#10
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	i'd like to interject an observation since AIM industries came up. they advertise these low prices compared to other companies but if you look real close you'll find that their shipping & handling costs are ridiculous. i have had bad experiences with my orders too. they just can't get it right the first time, and their tooling is not that great either. i've caught hell in the past with their hanger shackle kits for late model chevys, the holes never line up. just my 2 cents. __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

04-25-2002, 08:58 PM	#11
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Make sure and get a list of what a kit consists of.Sometimes you get ball joints and sometime you don't.Tie rod ends and other items can also add up.sometimes a more expensive kit is worth the extra $$ because of this.Also a complete kit may save you headaches finding the right stuff. ------------------ Deland does Chevys 68Chevy panel(LIZ) "A man and his truck,it's a beautiful thing" "I have the body of a god,unfortunately it's Budda" __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-26-2002, 09:17 AM	#12
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	ttt __________________ 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."

04-26-2002, 05:56 PM	#13
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Spring Valley, Ca. Posts: 1,109	AIM can't get it right the first time and are a pain in the a$$ when you have to make a return. Wonder how they stay in business. Sure isn't Customer Service! __________________ Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca.

04-26-2002, 06:13 PM	#14
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	My vote is with GMCPauls...I just bought my complete drop kit from Paul and am well pleased. Good price, quality parts, and very helpful. I would say the same about Wes at Classic Heartbeat. I've split my business between the two of them. I have been pleased with both. Just my .0003 cents worth. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!



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