Ball joints and drop spindles... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

COACHMEASON · 07-08-2009, 10:41 AM

I have the Belltech 3in drop spindles...As I start reading the instructions its one of those "modify" projects which is fine. I am going to change out my ball joints since I am there...Question...Should I stick with the 72 ball joint or get a later model ball joint?? Thanks

**leddzepp** · 07-08-2009, 10:50 AM

The 71-72 Upper ball joints are different than the 73-up. Your spindles will only accept one or the other. Which does it say to use in the instructions?

COACHMEASON · 07-08-2009, 10:53 AM

The spindle is for a 71-72...I was thinking if I put on 73 ball joints I will by pass the grinding of the A-arm...

**leddzepp** · 07-08-2009, 10:57 AM

You need 71-72 upper ball joints then. The lowers are the same as the 73-up. Why do you need to grind the A-arm?

COACHMEASON · 07-08-2009, 11:01 AM

Its in the instructions to do so...

**leddzepp** · 07-08-2009, 11:04 AM

I have CPP (Western) dropped spindles on my truck and did not need to do that. Maybe someone else has Belltechs and can provide you with more info. You do need the 71-72 upper ball joints though. It is also a good idea to replace your tie rod ends and pitman arm as well. Hope this helps, and good luck.

Tx Firefighter · 07-08-2009, 12:39 PM

The Belltech is a three inch spindle. It makes the inner edge of the wheels rub on the control arm with some wheels. That's why so many companies make 2.5 spindles instead.

my67chevytruck · 07-08-2009, 01:49 PM

I have heard of this issue with 15" rims. what size rims will you be running? if above 15" you might be able to skip the grinding step.

07-08-2009, 10:41 AM	#1
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 417	Ball joints and drop spindles... I have the Belltech 3in drop spindles...As I start reading the instructions its one of those "modify" projects which is fine. I am going to change out my ball joints since I am there...Question...Should I stick with the 72 ball joint or get a later model ball joint?? Thanks __________________ 07 Avalanche Z71 92 Mustang 5.0 GT (Triple White w/ 53,000 miles) 72 SWB Chevy w/ PS, AC, 350/350 Current Project ....In paint shop getting body/paint work done (Corvette Velocity Yellow)... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

07-08-2009, 10:50 AM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,981	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... The 71-72 Upper ball joints are different than the 73-up. Your spindles will only accept one or the other. Which does it say to use in the instructions? __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man Last edited by leddzepp; 07-08-2009 at 10:51 AM.

07-08-2009, 10:53 AM	#3
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 417	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... The spindle is for a 71-72...I was thinking if I put on 73 ball joints I will by pass the grinding of the A-arm... __________________ 07 Avalanche Z71 92 Mustang 5.0 GT (Triple White w/ 53,000 miles) 72 SWB Chevy w/ PS, AC, 350/350 Current Project ....In paint shop getting body/paint work done (Corvette Velocity Yellow)... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

07-08-2009, 10:57 AM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,981	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... You need 71-72 upper ball joints then. The lowers are the same as the 73-up. Why do you need to grind the A-arm?

07-08-2009, 11:01 AM	#5
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 417	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... Its in the instructions to do so... __________________ 07 Avalanche Z71 92 Mustang 5.0 GT (Triple White w/ 53,000 miles) 72 SWB Chevy w/ PS, AC, 350/350 Current Project ....In paint shop getting body/paint work done (Corvette Velocity Yellow)... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

07-08-2009, 11:04 AM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,981	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... I have CPP (Western) dropped spindles on my truck and did not need to do that. Maybe someone else has Belltechs and can provide you with more info. You do need the 71-72 upper ball joints though. It is also a good idea to replace your tie rod ends and pitman arm as well. Hope this helps, and good luck.

07-08-2009, 12:39 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... The Belltech is a three inch spindle. It makes the inner edge of the wheels rub on the control arm with some wheels. That's why so many companies make 2.5 spindles instead. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-08-2009, 01:49 PM	#8
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Ball joints and drop spindles... I have heard of this issue with 15" rims. what size rims will you be running? if above 15" you might be able to skip the grinding step. __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.