Drop spindles w/original ball joints - cotter key hole?

[ctsandb]

I am putting a set of Early Classics 2.5" drop spindles on my 71 c10. I got the spindles off craigslist and I'm reusing my ball joints. When I went to put them on, I noticed that the mounts of the spindles are about 1/2" thinner than the originals. This results in the ball joint nuts being well below the cotter key holes. What do I do? Do I drill new holes? Do I put 1/2" of washer under the nuts? Neither sound totally great but I'll trust you're advice!

Thanks!

[lolife99]

I think you have the wrong spindles.
Balljoints have to match the year of the spindle.
So does the outer tie rod.
63-70 spindles are typically smaller than the 71-72 or 73-87 spindles.
Any idea what year these spindles are for?
I bet those are 73-87 spindles.
Larger tapered hole.
Your upper balljoint falls thru too far.
But the lowers fit, because 71-72 and 73-87 trucks use the same lower balljoint.
How's the outer tie rod fit?

[ctsandb]

Originally Posted by firedemon

looks like the wrong ball joint for the spindle what year are the spindle supposed to be for

Originally Posted by lolife99

I think you have the wrong spindles.
Balljoints have to match the year of the spindle.
So does the outer tie rod.
63-70 spindles are typically smaller than the 71-72 or 73-87 spindles.
Any idea what year these spindles are for?
I bet those are 73-87 spindles.
Larger tapered hole.
Your upper balljoint falls thru too far.
But the lowers fit, because 71-72 and 73-87 trucks use the same lower balljoint.
How's the outer tie rod fit?

They guy I bought them from said they were for a 67-72 but it sounds like he was mistaken. I tried the outer tie rod and it seemed ok but maybe a little big also?

The spindles have some numbers on the back but I don't know if they mean anything. The right has 50505 and the left has 8053 (or maybe B053).

This is crappy news. I've been taking it slow and cleaning and getting all the parts together. Now I need to get it done by this weekend and I discover the main part is wrong....

[ryans69chevy]

Man that does stink! If I were you I'd remove the ball joints and bring the spindle into your local auto parts store and check different ball joints. One should be a nice tight fit.

[ElKotze]

I would just change the upper ball joints, not a big deal. Get one for '73 and up. But, if you need outer tie rod ends as well, you need to get the front realigned......So, more parts, more time - welcome to the world of vintage iron

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by ctsandb

They guy I bought them from said they were for a 67-72 but it sounds like he was mistaken. I tried the outer tie rod and it seemed ok but maybe a little big also?

The spindles have some numbers on the back but I don't know if they mean anything. The right has 50505 and the left has 8053 (or maybe B053).

This is crappy news. I've been taking it slow and cleaning and getting all the parts together. Now I need to get it done by this weekend and I discover the main part is wrong....

It's all about knowledge of your truck and the parts you need.
You can now buy 60-62, 63-70, 71-72, and two different 73-87 spindles.
These trucks have been around a long time and most have gone though a lot of changes.