C10 suspension upgrades

[69GMC2004]

I'm doing a total upgrade to my 69 C20, will basically just be using the frame and body if truth be told. All of the suspension components will be replaced with C10 components (all new), so my question is, would it be worth it to upgrade to the 71-72 components (ball joints, etc) or stick with 69? Cost will be virtually the same.

What's your thoughts?

[Mike C]

If you are not switching to disc brakes that is a huge mistake IMO. And if you do, you Will need to use different ball joints and tie rod ends that are appropriate for your vehicle.

[68Gold/white]

If you are going disc brake, you will have to use the 71-72 ball joints.

Do NOT convert your pickup using front drum brakes!!!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

If you are going disc brake, you will have to use the 71-72 ball joints.

Do NOT convert your pickup using front drum brakes!!!

Not true.
MANY companies make standard or drop spindles to work with your cuurent ball joint and tie rod ends.
Making it easy to add disc brakes to your truck.
The years for conversion spindles are:
60-62 and 63-70
You can also use 73-87 parts if you want to convert to rubber bushed a-arms.

[69GMC2004]

The truck is going to get a front and rear big brake kit, don’t worry lol. But all of these aftermarket parts I’m looking at are available with the 69 style ball joints or the 71-72.
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 69GMC2004

I'm doing a total upgrade to my 69 C20, will basically just be using the frame and body if truth be told. All of the suspension components will be replaced with C10 components (all new), so my question is, would it be worth it to upgrade to the 71-72 components (ball joints, etc) or stick with 69? Cost will be virtually the same.

What's your thoughts?

You can add C10 upper balljoints to your current upper a-arms.
The C20 lower a-arms have a larger balljoint hole in them.
So you will need to use C10 lower a-arms with whatever balljoint matches the year of spindle you decide to use.

[69GMC2004]

I guess maybe I can make this a little bit more simple, is there any noticeable advantage to using 71-72 c10 ball joints vs using 69 c10 ball joints?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 69GMC2004

I guess maybe I can make this a little bit more simple, is there any noticeable advantage to using 71-72 c10 ball joints vs using 69 c10 ball joints?

No.
Just make sure the spindles you buy, match the balljoints and outer tie rods.

[Mike C]

Arguably, the 71 and up components were improvements over the 70 and early which is why GM switched to them.

My 69 only had 66,000 miles on it when I did the disc conversion and the balljoints were like new. So I just die the conversion spindles.

But if I was replacing everything, I would use all stock for the disc brake parts.

[simenad]

I would go for 73-87 parts as they use the heavier duty ball joints. And tie rod ends which are more common and more accessable.

[68 P.O.S.]

I would look at ECE's website. They've got the disc brake conversion kits, suspension kits, and the front end rebuild kits. I put all 3 on my truck and they work perfectly. I also added front and rear sway bars. What a difference brand new suspension and sway bars made