Lower A-Arm replacement

[wHATANERD]

I'm in the process of swapping the front crossmember out on my 1969 C/10 with one from a 1972 C/10. however after cleaning the replacemnt part up I have found that the Lower A-Arm on the left will need to be replaced. Will a Lower A-arm from a 1973 an up interchange? Thanks, Whatanerd

[1971Stepside]

Lower a-arms on 73 are different than the 72's. You could swap the entire crossmember and all the a-arms from the 73 onto your 69 frame though.

[crazy longhorn]

You could also use one of the 69 arms. Pop a 72 balljoint in it......but you will need to trim the steering stop to get your full turning radius. I think the 73 arms will bolt on if you use the shafts with them, but are different as mentioned(rubber bushings instead of steel). good luck,crazyL

[wHATANERD]

thanks for the information, since I already have the 69 A Arms, and have nothing else to do with the crossmember once it is pulled I'll probaly press in a 72 ball joint into it, crazy longhorn, how would I change the steering stops as you mentions? Thanks again, Whatanerd

[crazy longhorn]

I havent run into the steering stop issue myself, As when I did my swap I had a good set of 71-72 arms. I have talked with a couple guys on the board that have used a grinder to trim the stop on the spindle . You could also look at the difference in the stops on the arms, & remove/install the stop from the damaged arm onto the 69 arm......just go for the route that works best for you. Good luck,crazyL

[slam33]

$119 new. It's in there cataloge. http://www.truckandcarshop.com/

[wHATANERD]

The 72 spindles are good, I plan on popping a 72 ball joint into the existing 69 lower A-arm, I took some measurement, and the A-arms seem to be idendical, I will keep posted as to the progress. I pulled the engine and transmisson today, and will be taking it to a local mechanic to bave the seal and gasket replaced while it is down, with the engine off the crossmember I hope to begin the swap Tommorow or the next day, I let eveyone know how it worked out, I can't wait to drive her with front disc.

[crazy longhorn]

Just for thought......If your orig crossmember is in good shape, you can swap the 72 disc setup in by changing the ball joints, & use all of the steering linkage from the 72.(centerlink,tirod inners, outers, & sleeves). The only diff in the crossmembers will be brake hose bracket placement. As far as the steer stop issue, I havent run into it personally, but have heard from some guys that have. let us know how it goes, & good luck......crazyL

[wHATANERD]

The 72 cross member has already been cleaned, and painted, It will probaly be easier to proceed with the swap rather the try to clean and paint the one already on 69. however I was susprised to find the 69 crossmember is bolted to the frame with 3 bolts on each side, rather than 2. I wound up pending most of the day cleaning engine parts. Hopefully if all goes as planned will begine the swap in the am. I will keep this thread posted with status.

[wHATANERD]

The Crossmember from the 72 is installed, all went well, The Disc Brake componets are installed, and all left to do is bleed the air out, I'm looking forward to better stopping especially driving thru Austin Texas Bumper to Bumper traffic.