ball joints / spindles for conversion

[motorcritter]

Doing a crossmember swap- '80 C20 to '70 C10- and I want to go with different hubs (not 8 lug), so would G20 van spindles fit the C20 ball joints, and then I can run 5 or 6 lug hubs? If not, then, would it be better/easier to swap out ball joints for those compatible with a C10 or G10HD? The rear axle will get changed to conform with whichever hub style I run up front.

I'm unclear as to what fits what, in this situation, and could use some guidance. I figure somebody has been down this route before, and knows what to do , or not do- often the more valuable knowledge.
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[lolife99]

Read this:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4

Not sure why you are swapping a 3/4-ton crossmember into your truck,... to gain 5-lug or 6-lug.
If you still have questions after reading the above thread,... I'll be glad to help.

[motorcritter]

The donor truck is being used for a couple other projects, and gettting the front end parts is just one of them. That it happens to be a very nice, well-maintained and solid truck is why it is of interest. I see that the C20 control arm shafts are different than the C10 ones. The concern I have is changing out the spindles. Does a change in ball joints facilitate the spindle change, and would the outer tie rod end be compatible (with a C10 spindle) or is it different, also needing replaced with a C10 item?

I really appreciate your help, and I look forward to your information.
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[lolife99]

Did you read the thread I linked you to?
Everything c20 is different.
Ball joints, tie rods, steering linkage, lower a-arms etc.
Buy some $228 conversion spindles, and bolt them on to your truck.
No need for a crossmember swap.
Read the thread I linked.
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[lolife99]

I know my thread doesn't go into specifics about every possible C20 to C10 issue.
Maybe I should write another thread.

But you have a 1/2 ton drum brake truck.
And you want 5-lug or 6-lug disc brakes.
That thread should cover that.

Your c20 parts don't gain you much in my opinion.
Plus you really need to inspect ANY used part you plan to install on your truck.
I would be rebuilding it not installing 30+ year old parts.
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[motorcritter]

Point well taken, I guess my focus on the upgrade, and the parts involved sidetracked my logic, regarding the parts involved. Upgrading the front end, by changing spindles, rotors, calipers, etc., now looks a lot more sensible, from that perspective.

Thanks for helping save me from my obessive, compulsive focus on what I think is right, and showing me a viable and practical alternative! That's why I come here, and sit at the feet of masters (of Chevy trucks!) and learn. I am well-versed in import marques- the ins and outs of Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda, Toyota and Isuzu are well known to me, been working on those for years. The intricacies of Chevy trucks (old ones, at that) are pretty new to me, though, and I appreciate your time and advice.
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