Need help from anyone who has installed new lower control arm shafts

[brn agn]

My Dad and I are in the process of putting a disc brake conversion kit on my 69 SWB. During the disassembly process, we discovered that that lower and upper control arm bushings were worn.

We found the replacement shaft kits and when my Dad was putting it all back together, he found that the dimples in the new shafts are about 3/8" further from the end compared with the stock shafts.

If we used these shafts, it would push the lower a-arm forward, which would dial in more caster. I have included pictures below. Does anyone have any experience with this? Are the parts wrong or was there a change to the design of the part over the years? We are taking the parts back to the store tomorrow to see if they can help, but I knew there was a wealth of knowledge on here. Any help would be appreciated.

[1968SWBBigBlock]

My ece parts were dead the same
Looks like a 73-87 part maybe

[brn agn]

Originally Posted by 1968SWBBigBlock

My ece parts were dead the same
Looks like a 73-87 part maybe

Did you use them as is? If so, were they able to align the truck?

[71tahoe]

What about the other end? Is it a different distance because it looks like it's clocked differently?

[brn agn]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

What about the other end? Is it a different distance because it looks like it's clocked differently?

I was hoping for that too...but they both measure the same distance from the end.

[s_nova69]

That is peculiar. I have found many differences between the 68-70 chassis vs. the 71-72 chassis. You might have shafts from a 71-72 (new ones) and the old are different. You might try asking your question in the suspension forum and I am sure someone will put down the right answer to your question. Good luck

[VA72C10]

Is it possible they are meant to add the caster in? Where did you get the shafts from? I am getting ready to do my upper and lower control arm bushings and shafts as well. Wish I had completed mine so I could have helped with more info.....

[brn agn]

These parts are from Advance Auto. I normally order parts from Napa, Carquest, etc..., but the truck was torn apart and Advance was able to get the parts over night.

I thought that maybe the parts were different to add more caster in also, but then I thought about the guy/gal who is only replacing the shaft/bushings on one side of the vehicle. Having 3 additional degrees of caster on one side could not be good.

[Hottrucks]

not to be smart ass or anything but if you flip it over so they are nose to tail do they line up??? you know front to rear ???

[VA72C10]

ttt for you

[brn agn]

Quick update: We spoke to the Manager at the parts store today. He called several other stores that had the same part and they measured their parts. It appears the parts we have were either machined wrong or boxed wrong. The store Manager ordered replacements that should arrive tomorrow. I'll keep this thread updated in the rare chance that someone else would run in to this problem.

[leddzepp]

Subscribed. I am doing this very soon too.

[VA72C10]

Thanks for the update...when you get them and verify they work, would you be willing to post the part numbers and prices...trying weigh this vs. shafts from ECE/POL or even tubular arms...thanks.

[Hottrucks]

my upper shaft was like $25 the easiest way to do it is to just pop the upper ball joint yank it off and throw it on the floor...... just when you put it back on never siez the upper bolts because your going to need to have a front end alignment when your done and the mechanic will thank you.....you adjust the caster by rotaing the upper shaft.....

I cheated on my lower since only one side seemed to be bad I raped one out of a spare LCA that had new ones in it and did it right on the truck...kinda a PIA but with the bags I didn't want to pull it all apart took about an hour same with the upper.....if you choose to clean them and give them a coat of paint then longer because paint takes forever to dry wen your watching it even with a beer in your hand??

[brn agn]

Here is another update. I stopped by the store tonight to check out the new shafts that were ordered. I first measured the replacement shafts from the same brand I had problems with (called "OE Brand"). They were also incorrect. The Manager had also ordered Moog shafts and I measured them. They are much closer to the factory shafts. There is only 1/8" difference in them, which I should be able to compensate in the alignment. I will get pictures up soon, but in summary:

OE Brand Control Arm Shaft (Lower) P/N S-13168A: 3/8" difference from factory. 2 locating "dimples" with the same distance from each edge.

Moog Control Arm Shaft (Lower) P/N K6147: 1/8" difference from factory. 1 locating dimple (matches the factory shaft).

One other thing to consider is that as much as we love our old trucks, the tolerances on them were not that great. So, there is a possibility that my factory shafts are close to or out of spec originally and the replacement Moog shaft is closer to nominal. Regardless, I am using the Moog shafts. Time to get back to work!

[VA72C10]

Thanks for the update. Did they have everything else you needed (bushings, etc?) I am trying to figure out the cost difference of rebuilding the stock control arms vs. new tubular arms.

[Tom Vogel]

I used ECE parts... which I beleive are MOOG. They fit perfectly. Those old shafts were a B---h to get off, werent they.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

I used ECE parts... which I beleive are MOOG. They fit perfectly. Those old shafts were a B---h to get off, werent they.

I used Moog parts on my 72 front end rebuild a few years ago. They are the best components IMO.

[brn agn]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Thanks for the update. Did they have everything else you needed (bushings, etc?) I am trying to figure out the cost difference of rebuilding the stock control arms vs. new tubular arms.

The bushings are included with the shafts (I could only find them in a kit). The lower kit was $77.99 each from Advance Auto. However, www.rockauto.com has the same part for $57.59 and you can find a 5% coupon relatively easy. Shipping is usually around $20.

[brn agn]

Here is a picture of the Moog shaft vs stock:

[VA72C10]

Did you get it done?

[brn agn]

It is getting closer. Both sides look like this now:



I am ordering tires today and waiting for a new caliper to arrive (one of the first calipers was damaged). With those parts, I should be able to set the truck back on the ground (albeit a little lower than before).

[VA72C10]

Very cool....what type of new wheels since I noticed the 5 lug?

[brn agn]

I really, really, really wanted to run a set of steel wheels with the baby moon hubcaps, but it started getting expensive (I wanted 17x8's). So, I found a good deal on a set of Torq Thrust II wheels instead (17x8 on the front and 17x9.5 on the rear). I know they are like belly buttons, but it is a classic design in the size I wanted. It is all about compromises, right?

[VA72C10]

Hey, nothing wrong with Torque thrusts...yeah, they're popular on our trucks...but for good reason...they look excellent on them. Can't wait to see the truck with them on!!!