C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sailed2japan · 11-06-2009, 06:57 AM

I was wondering if anyone knows if a upper ball joint from a 88-98 C2500HD or C3500 will bolt into the upper control on my 83 C20. I am exploring ways to lift my truck and would like to put lift spindles on it. I know I could use a C2500 light duty spindle, but then I would be swapping to 6 lug and I don't want to loose my 14 bolt ff rear as I don't think a 12 bolt will stand up to the power of the cummins that's in the truck. I've already grenaded 2 14 bolt semi floating axles in this truck and I would think they were stronger than the 12 bolt, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit: I've already found out the lower ball joint will fit the lower control arm.

I'm also wondering if the 8 lug rotor might fit on the 6 lug spindle?

sailed2japan · 11-06-2009, 07:35 AM

Well from looking at the auto zone web site it seems the 6 and 8 lug rotors are the same diameter and thickness, but use different wheelbearings and different calipers. Now I am wondering if the inner diameter of the wheel bearings is the same and if the 8 lug caliper will bolt to the 6 lug spindle.

74 C-30 · 11-06-2009, 07:42 AM

upper balljoint on 73-87 has 4 factory rivits that you gring out and replace with 4 bolts, not sure about 87+ trucks

68 TT · 11-06-2009, 09:18 AM

Sounds like it is time to go play around at the pull-it-yourself junk yard and see what works.

**N2TRUX** · 11-06-2009, 10:45 AM

Moved to Suspension to see if you get better results.

sailed2japan · 11-09-2009, 04:34 PM

Can this go back to the 73-87 forum?

**N2TRUX** · 11-09-2009, 07:09 PM

Done...

Prerunner1982 · 11-09-2009, 07:33 PM

Glad to see you are still planning this. Take pics and notes when you get around to doing this.

68 TT · 11-09-2009, 07:45 PM

See if your local auto parts store has both ball joints and match up the grease boot metal trim flanges to see how the bolt placement compares.

I have done this in the past with car ball joints to facilitate spindle swaps so why not on a truck.

If NAPA doesn't have them they will ship them from their local warehouse to the satellite branch free of charge usually the same day if you don't live near a store that has them both.

All it will cost you is a little time.

sailed2japan · 11-10-2009, 01:01 PM

That's what i thought about doing I jst hate to hassle them with my mock up bs when I know they have plenty to do as it is.

68 TT · 11-10-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

That's what i thought about doing I jst hate to hassle them with my mock up bs when I know they have plenty to do as it is.

It's not wasting their time if it works out and you buy the parts.

Don't forget to give them account number 1200 for the preferred customer discount at NAPA if you don't all ready have an account you can use to get the better pricing.

sailed2japan · 11-10-2009, 08:37 PM

Napa is one of the companies I love because not only do they have great quality parts and staf, but they also give a military discount, same as preffered, to all active and reserve customers. I always support the companies who support us troops.

pooz911 · 11-17-2009, 09:15 PM

Have you thought about the the 8 lug spindles...fabtech part number FTS2588-7

for the 1992 - 1999 chevy c2500/c3500..

I've been wondering if these will match up to our A arms...

sailed2japan · 11-17-2009, 09:27 PM

Tat's what I am looking into right now. I've been on a break from this fora few days as I just found out that my frame is bent. I still plan on looking into it in the near future. I did get a chance to compare the C2500 upper ball joint to the C20's. It doesn't look like the C20 ball joint will fit the C2500 spindle, but it does look like the two outer holes will line up and you could then drill a new pair of inner holes. I haven't taken one on my control arms in, yet that's the next step for me. I'll let you know how it goes.

68 TT · 11-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

Tat's what I am looking into right now. I've been on a break from this fora few days as I just found out that my frame is bent. I still plan on looking into it in the near future. I did get a chance to compare the C2500 upper ball joint to the C20's. It doesn't look like the C20 ball joint will fit the C2500 spindle, but it does look like the two outer holes will line up and you could then drill a new pair of inner holes. I haven't taken one on my control arms in, yet that's the next step for me. I'll let you know how it goes.

Were you able to compare the taper angle and stud diameter measurements between the C20 & C2500 ball joints?

sailed2japan · 11-18-2009, 11:32 PM

I checked the stud diameters and the 2500 definately has thicker studs. I checked the taper angles with my clibrated eyes and they seem the same. I'm thinking that the way to go is going to be to mod the c20 arm to accept the 2500 ball joint.

Edit: The 2500 lower will press into the C20 lower.

Prerunner1982 · 11-19-2009, 09:42 AM

Where is your frame bent?

68 TT · 11-19-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

I checked the stud diameters and the 2500 definately has thicker studs. I checked the taper angles with my clibrated eyes and they seem the same. I'm thinking that the way to go is going to be to mod the c20 arm to accept the 2500 ball joint.

Edit: The 2500 lower will press into the C20 lower.

There are ball joint stud sleeves out there that have been used for years that could work as well if the C20 upper can't accept the two modified hole locations. Basically it is a sleeve pressed into the spindle to adapt a smaller ball joint stud to a more common larger stud size spindle.

Sounds like it is time to buy a 2500 upper ball joint and fit it to the C20 upper a-arm to see if the relocated bolt holes cause an issue.

I would shy away from the stud sleeve route if modifying the C-20 a-arm is at all possible. I think getting the larger stud size of the 2500 ball joint is preferable in a truck.

pooz911 · 01-10-2010, 01:16 PM

any updates????

11-06-2009, 06:57 AM	#1
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? I was wondering if anyone knows if a upper ball joint from a 88-98 C2500HD or C3500 will bolt into the upper control on my 83 C20. I am exploring ways to lift my truck and would like to put lift spindles on it. I know I could use a C2500 light duty spindle, but then I would be swapping to 6 lug and I don't want to loose my 14 bolt ff rear as I don't think a 12 bolt will stand up to the power of the cummins that's in the truck. I've already grenaded 2 14 bolt semi floating axles in this truck and I would think they were stronger than the 12 bolt, but correct me if I'm wrong. Edit: I've already found out the lower ball joint will fit the lower control arm. I'm also wondering if the 8 lug rotor might fit on the 6 lug spindle? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR Last edited by sailed2japan; 11-06-2009 at 06:58 AM. Reason: More info

11-06-2009, 07:35 AM	#2
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Well from looking at the auto zone web site it seems the 6 and 8 lug rotors are the same diameter and thickness, but use different wheelbearings and different calipers. Now I am wondering if the inner diameter of the wheel bearings is the same and if the 8 lug caliper will bolt to the 6 lug spindle. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-06-2009, 07:42 AM	#3
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? upper balljoint on 73-87 has 4 factory rivits that you gring out and replace with 4 bolts, not sure about 87+ trucks __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger

11-06-2009, 09:18 AM	#4
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Sounds like it is time to go play around at the pull-it-yourself junk yard and see what works.

11-06-2009, 10:45 AM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Moved to Suspension to see if you get better results. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-09-2009, 04:34 PM	#6
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Can this go back to the 73-87 forum? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-09-2009, 07:09 PM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Done... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-09-2009, 07:33 PM	#8
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Glad to see you are still planning this. Take pics and notes when you get around to doing this. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

11-09-2009, 07:45 PM	#9
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? See if your local auto parts store has both ball joints and match up the grease boot metal trim flanges to see how the bolt placement compares. I have done this in the past with car ball joints to facilitate spindle swaps so why not on a truck. If NAPA doesn't have them they will ship them from their local warehouse to the satellite branch free of charge usually the same day if you don't live near a store that has them both. All it will cost you is a little time. __________________ miSSed opportunity - ground up creation of an AWD 1994 454 SS that never was http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795577 69 C10 shortbed stepside 400 small block - built like what a super sport truck could have been 69 K20 lwb TBI 350 4L60E NP208 14-bolt Dana-44 w/disc 68 Camaro SS / RS 500hp 439 inch roller cam big block 4L80E 79 Malibu TPI 350 4L60 w/ Z28 steering & sway bars

11-10-2009, 01:01 PM	#10
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? That's what i thought about doing I jst hate to hassle them with my mock up bs when I know they have plenty to do as it is. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-10-2009, 08:37 PM	#12
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Napa is one of the companies I love because not only do they have great quality parts and staf, but they also give a military discount, same as preffered, to all active and reserve customers. I always support the companies who support us troops. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-17-2009, 09:15 PM	#13
pooz911 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Simi Valley Posts: 145	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Have you thought about the the 8 lug spindles...fabtech part number FTS2588-7 for the 1992 - 1999 chevy c2500/c3500.. I've been wondering if these will match up to our A arms... __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/pooz911

11-17-2009, 09:27 PM	#14
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Tat's what I am looking into right now. I've been on a break from this fora few days as I just found out that my frame is bent. I still plan on looking into it in the near future. I did get a chance to compare the C2500 upper ball joint to the C20's. It doesn't look like the C20 ball joint will fit the C2500 spindle, but it does look like the two outer holes will line up and you could then drill a new pair of inner holes. I haven't taken one on my control arms in, yet that's the next step for me. I'll let you know how it goes. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-18-2009, 11:32 PM	#16
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? I checked the stud diameters and the 2500 definately has thicker studs. I checked the taper angles with my clibrated eyes and they seem the same. I'm thinking that the way to go is going to be to mod the c20 arm to accept the 2500 ball joint. Edit: The 2500 lower will press into the C20 lower. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR Last edited by sailed2japan; 11-18-2009 at 11:33 PM.

11-19-2009, 09:42 AM	#17
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? Where is your frame bent? __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call



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01-10-2010, 01:16 PM	#19
pooz911 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Simi Valley Posts: 145	Re: C2500 upper ball joint into a C20 UCA? any updates???? __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/pooz911

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