How do I measure my spindles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

7T2 · 04-06-2007, 09:55 PM

OK, on my 57 GMC one of the previous owners spliced in a modern front frame clip and front suspension. I don't know what year/make vehicle it came from. I have been told it looks like a 67-87 Chevy/GMC setup, and in fact I took a set of control arms off of a 78 Chevy truck an bolted them right up. I also used an air suspension mounting kit made for 67-87 GM trucks and it also fit perfect. The last thing I want to do to it is maybe add some drop spindles to it to get it down that extra couple inches. Obviously I would like to retain my current disc brake setup and not mess with any of that. I know there are different spindle sizes and diameters, so my question is: not knowing anything about the current setup what do I need to measure and exactly where do I measure it to find out what spindles I have, so I know what to replace them with? I assume I need to measure the diameter of the spindle itself, but where on the spindle is this measurement obtained? Also, are there differences in ball joints, and where do I measure those?

7T2 · 04-08-2007, 08:48 AM

Anyone? Somebody must know this? Where do you measure the diameter of a spindle?

DOOBZ · 04-08-2007, 10:52 AM

I beleive the only thing you need to know is if it has standard(1" wide rotors) or heavy duty(1.25" wide rotors). Hope this helps!

Jaredm82 · 04-08-2007, 11:20 AM

Ya, unless you have a 71-72 front clip, then 1 or both the balljoints are different. I would think odds are you got a 73+... If you took a picture of the a arms people could tell you if they are the older or newer versions...

7T2 · 04-08-2007, 01:31 PM

These are the only pictures I have on my computer at the moment. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of the spindle.

I'll have to measure my rotors, if that's the deciding factor.

Jaredm82 · 04-08-2007, 09:56 PM

I am almost positive that those arms are newer style (73+) so I think youll be good with just measuring your rotors and going from there... From what I can tell I'd say they are 1.25"s but dont take my word for it, Jared

04-06-2007, 09:55 PM	#1
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	How do I measure my spindles? OK, on my 57 GMC one of the previous owners spliced in a modern front frame clip and front suspension. I don't know what year/make vehicle it came from. I have been told it looks like a 67-87 Chevy/GMC setup, and in fact I took a set of control arms off of a 78 Chevy truck an bolted them right up. I also used an air suspension mounting kit made for 67-87 GM trucks and it also fit perfect. The last thing I want to do to it is maybe add some drop spindles to it to get it down that extra couple inches. Obviously I would like to retain my current disc brake setup and not mess with any of that. I know there are different spindle sizes and diameters, so my question is: not knowing anything about the current setup what do I need to measure and exactly where do I measure it to find out what spindles I have, so I know what to replace them with? I assume I need to measure the diameter of the spindle itself, but where on the spindle is this measurement obtained? Also, are there differences in ball joints, and where do I measure those? __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD

04-08-2007, 08:48 AM	#2
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	Re: How do I measure my spindles? Anyone? Somebody must know this? Where do you measure the diameter of a spindle? __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD

04-08-2007, 10:52 AM	#3
DOOBZ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: RedWing Mn Posts: 24	Re: How do I measure my spindles? I beleive the only thing you need to know is if it has standard(1" wide rotors) or heavy duty(1.25" wide rotors). Hope this helps! __________________ 85 short, bags,4-link and sway bars

04-08-2007, 11:20 AM	#4
Jaredm82 Active Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ca Posts: 211	Re: How do I measure my spindles? Ya, unless you have a 71-72 front clip, then 1 or both the balljoints are different. I would think odds are you got a 73+... If you took a picture of the a arms people could tell you if they are the older or newer versions...

04-08-2007, 01:31 PM	#5
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	Re: How do I measure my spindles? These are the only pictures I have on my computer at the moment. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of the spindle. I'll have to measure my rotors, if that's the deciding factor. Attached Images __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD

04-08-2007, 09:56 PM	#6
Jaredm82 Active Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ca Posts: 211	Re: How do I measure my spindles? I am almost positive that those arms are newer style (73+) so I think youll be good with just measuring your rotors and going from there... From what I can tell I'd say they are 1.25"s but dont take my word for it, Jared



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