67-72 vs 73-85 A-arms

[norwegianc10]

Is there there any other difference than the balljoints? About to order some new arms for my 67, and I have already got 73-85 spindles.

[snipescastle2]

I believe the '73 to '87 A arms have different bushings, more like the press in rubber cartridge
Type, -vs. Bolt in like the 67 to 72 trucks, which And i'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, would require the front cross member from a '73-'87 truck because the lower control arms bolt in-vs. clamp in place with "U"bolts. I believe the stud end of the ball joints is smaller than the 67-72 also.
Ben

[old Chevy guy]

You don't want to use the a arm from the 73-87 right? Instead your asking if the 73-87spindles will fit your 67-72. I believe ,or so I was told about switching some parts on to my own truck ,that the spindles will bolt on but we really need more info as to your ultimate goal here. What brakes do you want to use etc. Ive been told that an entire spindle and brake assembly from an 73-87 would fit on my 71 c20,in the interest of putting bud wheels on the front to match the dual wheels I'm running in back. I have the parts but haven't tried it yet. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in soon.

[lolife99]

Spindles have to match the ball joints and outer tie rods.
So if you have 73-87 spindles you need to use 73-87 ball joints and outer tie rods.
The 73-87 ball joints will physically bolt/press into 67-72 a-arms.

Ball joints year breakdown as follows:
60-62
63-70
71-72
73-87

[im4darush]

A arms are the same. The bushings in the 73+ are rubber as opposed to solid, but the shaft is the same and will bolt up fine. I prefer the rubber bushings for ride quality.

Ball joint will press in to both A arms. The joint you use has to match the spindle as stated earlier. The only different in A arms is from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton. The 3/4 A arm has a wider hole for the ball joint, and thus uses a wider diameter ball joint. I just went through this. Was sent the 3/4 A arm with the HD joint. The Arm bolted up same as any other. Only the ball joint is the problem.

So to answer your question. If you compare a 1/2 ton A arm, 73+ will have rubber bushings in the shaft. Everything else about the arm is the same. Ball joint installed in the Arm is another matter.

[norwegianc10]

Thank you all guys, sorry if I were unclear in my post. I am about to order some tubular A-arms, that`s why I am asking. I have already got dropped spindles using 73-87 balljoints and tierod. What I want to know is if I should order 73-87 arms, or 67-72 and change balljoint after I get them.

[im4darush]

With tubular I think your only issue will be ball joints, but check with the manufacturer of the arms you are buying.

And remember this when you hear that ball joints are different...

71+ is the same on the lowers. Its the uppers that changed in 73. If you have 73+ spindles, you will need the upper ball joint that comes in the 73+ upper A arm.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by norwegianc10

Thank you all guys, sorry if I were unclear in my post. I am about to order some tubular A-arms, that`s why I am asking. I have already got dropped spindles using 73-87 balljoints and tierod. What I want to know is if I should order 73-87 arms, or 67-72 and change balljoint after I get them.

BUY the 73-87 arms and make your life easy.
No sense scratching up your new tubular a-arms trying to remove and replace the balljoints.
I'm sure they are the same aftermarket a-arm anyway.
(just different balljoints)

[norwegianc10]

Thanks guys
Another thing, anyone know if there are any tall upper balljoints available for 73-87 upper A-arms?