The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-08-2022, 11:57 PM   #1
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Question Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

I’ve located an elusive set of fabtech 4.5” lift spindles for a 73/87 truck and Im going to use them on my 68. I know I can just swap the upper and lower ball joints out in my a-arms, my question is can I use a 73/87 center link also so I don’t have to use conversion sleeves and monkey around with adapting 68 tie rods to 73/87 outer tie rod ends? Will the 73/87 center link work in my 68, that way I can just use 73/87 inner/outer tie rods for simplicity? Thanks!
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:23 AM   #2
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Yes. I’ve don’t the conversion using a 71-72 centerlink and tie rods with 71-72 spindles.
Should be the same for 73-87 spindles and 73-87 centerlink and 73-87 tie rods.
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:27 AM   #3
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Cool thanks. What about the idler arm and pitman arm? I looked up the part numbers on those and they are both different.
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:29 AM   #4
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by leddzepp View Post
Cool thanks. What about the idler arm and pitman arm?
I used 71-72 parts.
Seriously the conversion tie rods sleeves is the easiest way.
Run your 68 outer tie rods at the INNER location.
Then use 73-87 outer tie rods with your lift spindles.
That’s what I would do.
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:33 AM   #5
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by lolife99 View Post
I used 71-72 parts.
Seriously the conversion tie rods sleeves is the easiest way.
Run your 68 outer tie rods at the INNER location.
Then use 73-87 outer tie rods with your lift spindles.
That’s what I would do.
Thanks, that does sound easier. Do you know who still sells them? The thread sizes are different also, so I assume one end of the sleeve is one size and the other end is the other size?
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:45 AM   #6
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by leddzepp View Post
Thanks, that does sound easier. Do you know who still sells them? The thread sizes are different also, so I assume one end of the sleeve is one size and the other end is the other size?
You are correct.
One end 5/8” LH thread the other end is 11/16” RH thread.
(That’s why you have to move your 68 outer tie rod in. )

CPP makes them.
I would use the ones from AZ ProPerformance.
Edelbrock and QA1 use to sell them also.
www.PerformanceOnline is another source.
Finding them in stock might be an issue.
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 12:52 AM   #7
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Thanks Keith, going this route is a done deal. The 73-87 brake hoses are much longer too, hopefully long enough for the increased lift.
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 10:35 AM   #8
CG
BlahBlahBlah
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Monroe, Wa.
Posts: 19,736
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Lift spindles? What are the plans for your 68?
__________________
… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

Monroe Swap meet May 18-19.
Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever.
Lunch time BBQ at the spaces.
If you have stuff to sell bring it along.

If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board.


https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291
CG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 11:20 AM   #9
71meangreenc10
Its a Truck Thing......
 
71meangreenc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Posts: 3,158
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

The center link changed around 83 for the Idler Arm. Make sure you pay attention. The stud went smaller into the link. 82 and down used the same Idler for many years.

Smitty
__________________
71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto
71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599
70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck.
72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378
72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110
68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head
71 C30 Wrecker
71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck
68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home
71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor
69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time
71meangreenc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2022, 12:41 AM   #10
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CG View Post
Lift spindles? What are the plans for your 68?
I’m going to lift the front with spindles and the rear with coil spacers. Goal is to lift/level it for some 33” tires. It’s been done with 88/98 lift spindles, but you cannot use 15” steelies and that’s something I want to retain. In addition to that it requires purchasing more parts than using 73/87 stuff. The calipers, rotors, pads, bearings, etc that I already have on my 68 from a previous disc conversion will all bolt right over onto 73/87 spindles.
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2022, 11:15 AM   #11
CG
BlahBlahBlah
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Monroe, Wa.
Posts: 19,736
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

I think thats going to look very cool. There are a few trucks here on the board that are two wheel drive but up a little so they can fit bigger tires, very burly looking.
__________________
… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

Monroe Swap meet May 18-19.
Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever.
Lunch time BBQ at the spaces.
If you have stuff to sell bring it along.

If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board.


https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291
CG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2022, 01:05 AM   #12
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Yeah I looked for a K truck for a while with no luck. Looked for a K chassis to swap under my 68…no luck. I really don’t need 4wd, but I like a lifted longbed with bigger tires, and I use it like a truck so this is the way to go for me.

Performance online is local to me. I stopped by their showroom after work today and picked these up
Attached Images
 
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2022, 08:14 PM   #13
May70
Registered User
 
May70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Hampton Roads VA
Posts: 644
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

I used the same POL adapters.
__________________
70 C20 Build link : Project Montezuma
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=794479

How to repair that rusted out 67-72 c10-c30! Please subscribe!
https://www.youtube.com/c/MaycoCustomRestorations
May70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2022, 02:20 PM   #14
CG
BlahBlahBlah
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Monroe, Wa.
Posts: 19,736
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

I keep coming back to this thread ... Do you have a timeline on this or is it a long term kind of thing?
__________________
… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

Monroe Swap meet May 18-19.
Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever.
Lunch time BBQ at the spaces.
If you have stuff to sell bring it along.

If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board.


https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291
CG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2022, 12:36 AM   #15
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

No real timeline other than I do want to get it done As soon as the spindles get here I’m going to get them cleaned/painted and ready to install. According to the seller they should be pulled and shipped out next week. I’ve been getting parts together so that I can get it done in a day whenever that day happens to be. I’m off work in a few weeks so I should be able to set aside some time to do it then.
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2022, 06:04 PM   #16
MikeB
Senior Member
 
MikeB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,378
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

I used the parts below on my 69 C10 with 1986 spindles. Center link was from a 71-72 C20, but I think a 73-87 C10 center link is the same part. (73-87 C10s were much beefier than earlier years.)

Be aware that there were two different model spindles for 73-87 C10s (at least starting in the mid-80s). One was for 1" thick rotors, the other was for 1.250". The inner wheel bearings and calipers are also different. Pads are the same.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!
MikeB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2022, 08:45 PM   #17
71meangreenc10
Its a Truck Thing......
 
71meangreenc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Posts: 3,158
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeB View Post
I used the parts below on my 69 C10 with 1986 spindles. Center link was from a 71-72 C20, but I think a 73-87 C10 center link is the same part. (73-87 C10s were much beefier than earlier years.)

Be aware that there were two different model spindles for 73-87 C10s (at least starting in the mid-80s). One was for 1" thick rotors, the other was for 1.250". The inner wheel bearings and calipers are also different. Pads are the same.
Mike,
Center links changed from 83-87. The Idler is not a K6096T. Idler is K6247T from 83-87. 82 and down uses the K6096T.

Smitty
__________________
71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto
71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599
70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck.
72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378
72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110
68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head
71 C30 Wrecker
71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck
68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home
71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor
69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time
71meangreenc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2022, 09:18 AM   #18
MikeB
Senior Member
 
MikeB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,378
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Smitty, thanks for the corrections. When I made that chart many years ago, I ASSumed that 73-87 parts were the same. For future reference I'll modify the chart to have three model year columns instead of two.

However, bottom line is I used the parts in red on my 69 C10 with 86 standard duty spindles.

BTW, I think the "T" suffix is simply the latest version with a powdered metal gusher bearing.

Another note: When I first did the conversion, I used adapter sleeves from Golden State Pickup Parts (remember them?), I always thought it was kludgy and might confuse a future owner or shop, so was glad to find the proper center link.

To the OP: You will probably have to hit some junkyards to find a center link, but the adapters will work in the meantime.
__________________
Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

Last edited by MikeB; 08-21-2022 at 09:28 AM.
MikeB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2022, 03:50 PM   #19
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Spindles came in earlier than expected. Blasted and ready for paint, just need to decide on color. Took one down to POL to check fitment for brake dust shields. The counter guy told me they only fit OEM spindles and did not fit aftermarket or lowered spindles, they even have the disclaimer on the box These spindles were tapped and drilled so he humored me and pulled one out of the box for a test fit. They fit perfectly with no issues He was probably more impressed than I was He did say that he had never seen lift spindles for a square body before.
Attached Images
  
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2022, 06:33 PM   #20
71meangreenc10
Its a Truck Thing......
 
71meangreenc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Posts: 3,158
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeB View Post
Smitty, thanks for the corrections. When I made that chart many years ago, I ASSumed that 73-87 parts were the same. For future reference I'll modify the chart to have three model year columns instead of two.

However, bottom line is I used the parts in red on my 69 C10 with 86 standard duty spindles.

BTW, I think the "T" suffix is simply the latest version with a powdered metal gusher bearing.

Another note: When I first did the conversion, I used adapter sleeves from Golden State Pickup Parts (remember them?), I always thought it was kludgy and might confuse a future owner or shop, so was glad to find the proper center link.

To the OP: You will probably have to hit some junkyards to find a center link, but the adapters will work in the meantime.
Mike,
No issue, I have no idea why they changed it, I think the newer one is weaker than the 6096. I also suspected they used the same center links on squares until I mounted this last crossmember under my 68. Had a 6096 ready to install when I found out the differences in them.

I think I may still have a GSP catalog in the cabinet, I'll have to dig through the piles and check...

Smitty
__________________
71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto
71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599
70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck.
72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378
72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110
68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head
71 C30 Wrecker
71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck
68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home
71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor
69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time
71meangreenc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2023, 02:25 PM   #21
D.PASSMORE
One of the First
 
D.PASSMORE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: St. Augustine,FL.
Posts: 4,043
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Quote:
Originally Posted by leddzepp View Post
I’ve located an elusive set of fabtech 4.5” lift spindles for a 73/87 truck and Im going to use them on my 68. I know I can just swap the upper and lower ball joints out in my a-arms, my question is can I use a 73/87 center link also so I don’t have to use conversion sleeves and monkey around with adapting 68 tie rods to 73/87 outer tie rod ends? Will the 73/87 center link work in my 68, that way I can just use 73/87 inner/outer tie rods for simplicity? Thanks!
What's the final product look like? Thanks
__________________
DAVID PASSMORE
ST AUGUSTINE ,FL
ZIP 32084

'71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili)
'72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule)
'72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)
D.PASSMORE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2023, 09:25 PM   #22
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 19,972
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Just finished installing them this week, along with 1.5” spacers in the rear. Truck now stands level and high enough to clear 33’s. I’m very happy with how it sits.
Attached Images
  
__________________
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
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-29-2023, 12:36 AM   #23
Ironangel
Senior Member
 
Ironangel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere"
Posts: 2,219
Re: Best way to adapt 73/87 spindles to a 68?

Nice, I like it! I put 3/4 ton springs rear and 1" risers on the front lower springs. I had 15 x 31's on it...
Attached Images
  
__________________
Michael of the clan Hill,
"Two Seventy Two's"
71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed
71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed
02 3/4 ton Express
14 Indian Chief Vintage
1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property"
"Be American, Buy American"

Last edited by Ironangel; 04-29-2023 at 01:20 AM.
Ironangel is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com