1966 front suspension

[butch2000]

Hey all , New to the forum , so if I ask a dumb question try not to rizz me to bad , what's the benefit or up side to changing out the all the front suspension on these trucks besides just the 5 bolt conversion ? looks like it would be less work to change just the a-arms and spindles ?

[Captainfab]

That's what most do. And some guys only change the ball joints and spindles. In the past when I changed the entire front suspension, it was with a suspension that was in good enough condition to run as is, and also the engine was out of the truck. It was a quick and simple way to make the conversion. Then just replace components as needed later on.

[64shortbox]

I did the whole front suspension change but for several reasons. I could take my sweet time disassembling, cleaning, painting, buying parts and then put it all together and slide it in and done as one unit. But as Captainfab stated I also planned on pulling the motor & trans to fix all the fluid leaks and detail the engine compartment. On another note rebuilding the suspension ran me almost $1000.00. New Raybestos Professional Grade upper & lower ball joints, 2 1/2" drop spindles, new Moog front springs, new 6 lug rotors from CPP, new poly bushings, paint & primer and I was out $1000.00 and I'm lucky enough to have access to a steam cleaner, bead blast cabinet, and a 100 ton press at my work. I also had to wait until I worked an off shift to do all of this when there are no supervisors around so I actually got paid to work on my truck. Again, it all depends on what best suits you and your needs at the time. And yes you can get cheaper front suspension parts but do you really want to trust your life on a $12.00 ball joint made in China or India etc.
Many years ago I was in a company truck, the tie rod end failed on the freeway the truck made an immediate right in front of F600 Ford I got hit and was driven up an embankment, stood the truck on its' nose then rolled it back down the embankment. I also stupidly, I had a 3 drawer tool box in the front floor that hit me in the back of the head when the truck rolled and it went out the back window. All it cost me was 17 staples in the back of my head. So on my own stuff I buy nothing but the best when it comes to suspension pieces. Just food for thought if you're wondering why Mevotech ball joint is $7.00 and a Raybestos or Moog is $28.00.

[ChrisDollins]

My truck was already together so I installed '79 ball joints in the 66 a arms and changed spindles. And of course new '79 tie rods, center link, idler arm, and steering box for power steering.

Chris

[butch2000]

Thanks for the feedback , Nice truck Chris ,

[wildearp]

There are several benefits to changing out the entire front suspension to an aftermarket setup. If you want your truck extremely low, you will have ground clearance issues with the factory crossmember. Most aftermarket crossmembers fix this issue.

Also, many of them narrow the trackwidth from 3-4 inches so your tires are tucked in and better centered in the fender well.

After that, you end up with tubular upper and lower a-arms, stronger ball joints and a stronger front end with much less flex and correct geometry for the ride height.

TCI has a new front end on the market. Porterbuilt and Scotts have some nice gear. I am going with a Fatman just for the economy, availability, and for the length of time the company has been around.

[ChrisDollins]

Originally Posted by butch2000

Thanks for the feedback , Nice truck Chris ,

Thank you! It's good enough for who its for anyway. Haha

Chris