Control Arms

[biohazardbill]

I see alot of people using control arms from different years, is there one time period that is better than another to use other than the factory ones?

[Solo2002]

Not sure on the best if there is but I used a mid 80s to convert mine to 5 lug and power disk also got all the steering linkage, power steering box,pump,and proportioning valve. Been a while but I think it was 85 or 86 hope this helps
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[likaroc13]

quoted from Captainfab:

There isn't anything better about the '71-'72 spindles, or any of the front suspension, versus the '73-'87. In fact I prefer the '73-'87 control arm rubber bushings over the '72 and earlier steel control arm bushings. Also the '71-'72 upper ball joints are more expensive than the '73-'87 uppers.

Around here the '67-'72 trucks have been popular for over 30 years, so used parts used to be hard to come by and expensive when you did find them. That is one reason I always used the '73-'87 parts.

a while back i also asked about using the '72 control arms w/ steel bushings vs. the rubber ones from '73-87....i know several people responded saying they couldn't tell a big difference between the two...i had '72 parts available, so that's what i used....but many have said the '73-87 stuff is less expensive

[biohazardbill]

Thanks

What is needed to swap in 73-87 control arms onto the 66 factory crossmember?

[Solo2002]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

Thanks

What is needed to swap in 73-87 control arms onto the 66 factory crossmember?

You u need it all from my understanding your tie rod ends won't work on the newer spindles not 100% sure on that but the newer steering linkages easy it's just 2 bolts for the pitman arm on the passenger side every thing else fits rite in place
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[joesscamaro]

I think everything from the control arms to the spindles and everything in between. Pretty sure the control arms just bolt right up.

[blackbear]

i used the orginal control arms and put the ball joints for 73-87. also used 3 inch drop spindle for a 73-87.

[biohazardbill]

Well somone local was parting out a 74, I love craigslist sometimes. Front control arms, spindles, calipers, rotors, sway bar, springs to cut down for fun, brake proportioning block, power steering box and pump (didnt need the pump but what the hay) and the steering rod setup, not sure if the stock one or the one from the donor would be better.

All for 200 bones

[k1rodeoboater]

what I've always been curious about is if the 73-87 control arm bushings will fit into the 60-66 arms.