What Front Suspension Do I Have

[JGross]

I just purchased the 65 short fleet and was told the front suspension was set up for air bags. I plan on installing springs but I know very little about suspensions so here are my questions:

1. Do I have to replace these control arms or will they work with springs if I cut out the lower bag mount?

2. How can I find out what brake calipers will work with these spindles?

3. How can I tell if these are drop spindles or standard?

4. The rotor bolts are 4.75 inches center to center and 5 inches center to outside. I think the bolt pattern is 5 on 5 in. Is this correct?











Thanks in advance for you help

[protrash64]

The control arms are 73+....rubber bushings. I would go to a local parts supplier and pick up a set of calipers for any 73+ 1/2 ton pick-up. Throw springs in there, you'll be fine if you remove the lower cups.. If you remove the rotor you can see where the pin is in relation to the lower ball joint. If it is near the bottom, it is probably stock.......if it is in the middle of the spindle, about 2'' or so up from the bottom, it is probably aftermarket lowered. Also lowered spidles will have names of manufactureres cast into the body, such as 'Bell' or "western'.

[Slow Build]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Also lowered spidles will have names of manufactureres cast into the body, such as 'Bell' or "western'.

Not all manufacturers do this. I guess some aren't proud enough of the spindles to put there name on them. Those do look like drop spindles to me.

As protrash said it does look like 73-8? front crossmember and control arms. You want the 1.25" 73-8? rotors.

It sounds like you have 5x5" bolt pattern (link on how to measure).
http://www.stylinconcepts.com/images/boltpattern.html

PS: Thanks for asking. I went out to measure the rotors the PO gave me with the truck and realized they were 5x4.75".

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

Not all manufacturers do this. I guess some aren't proud enough of the spindles to put there name on them. Those do look like drop spindles to me.

.....thought it would be a clue, but I agree after looking at that front shot. The rotor is roughly above the LCA.....drop spindles.

[Tx Firefighter]

Those are indeed 73-87 control arms, but the crossmember itself is 63-70.

[Captainfab]

The lower control arms are the '73-'87's but the uppers are the '63-'72's. As already mentioned, you'll need calipers for the '73-'87 with the 1.250 thick rotors. You should be able to run coil springs, as long as you can get that bag mount out of there without damaging the LCA. I don't know what the parts supply is like in your area, but it might be easier to just get another LCA and swap it. It's not that hard to do since the spring's already out. I agree with protrash64, those look like drop spindles.

[Slow Build]

Oops. I saw the LCA bushings and ran with it.

[Chevy Fleetside]

It is Frankintruck.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

It is Frankintruck.

....thats what is great about these trucks!!