Ball joint question

[CC69Rat]

I have a 67 I am converting to disc McGaughys makes a big brake kit for the 73-87. My question is, if I run 73+ ball joints would this work with the 67 UCA/LCA? I cant remember. Thanks.

[lolife99]

Yes.
But you’ll need to run 73-87 outer tie rods.
That means using a tie rod sleeve adapter or switch to a 73-87 centerlink.
63-70 conversion spindles makes thing more simple.

[lolife99]

From my disc brake thread:

67-70 truck with,...

67-70 Crossmember Installed:
1) There are many advantage to leaving your 67-70 crossmember in place to add disc brakes.

2) 67-70 truck owners can now purchase "year specific" standard and drop spindles, from many aftermarket suspension vendors.
* No need to change ball joints.
* No need to change tie rod ends.
* These new "conversion disc brake spindles" are a true "bolt-on" mod to add disc brakes to your truck.

3) The 67-70 a-arms can also be used with any other (71-72 or 73-87) spindle, with a simple ball joint change.
* The upper and lower ball joints and outer tie rods must match the correct year of spindle you choose.

4) You will need a "conversion" rubber brake hose to connect your disc brake caliper to your existing steel brake line.
* 71-72 rubber brake hoses can be adapted.
* Much longer 73-87 brake hoses can also be adapted.
* Aftermarket steel braided brake hoses are an option.

5) Keeping your original 67-70 crossmember allows to to leave the engine and transmission in place.
* No need to remove drivetrain.
* No need to temporarily support the engine, while removing the crossmember.
* Complete disassembly of the front suspension also allows you the ability to clean, inspect, replace or rebuild all the individual components.

[lolife99]

2) The preferred method is to use all of the 73-87 steering linkage:
* This includes the centerlink, inner and outer tie rods, idler arm and steering box. (A great way to gain P/S)

3) If you must use the 67-70 steering components, you will need to change the tie rods:
* The 67-70 inner and outer tie rods are a smaller diameter (5/8") vs. the 73-87 tie rods larger diameter (11/16").
* The 67-70 tie rods are also the opposite thread direction of the 73-87 tie rods.
* 67-70 inner is RH thread vs. 73-87 inner which is LH thread.
* 67-70 outer is LH thread vs. 73-87 outer which is RH thread.

3.1) So to connect the 73-87 spindle to the 67-70 steering centerlink you must use a:
* 67-70 outer tie rod (LH thread) in the inner location.
* connect that to a tie rod "conversion sleeve". (these are sold by many aftermarket suspension companies).
* use a 73-87 outer (RH thread) to connect to your 73-87 spindle.
* Again,... it's much simpler to use all of the 73-87 steering components.

[68Gold/white]

I like the idea of using the 73up tie rod ends. They are much stronger units, they make the 70 and earlier stuff look wimpy!

[CC69Rat]

Thanks guys. I'm about to tear into it, just pulling parts together right now. I'll post up some pics.

[68Gold/white]

My plan on my 67 is to run 73-up spindles, use all 73-up steering linkage (TRE's, idler arm and pitman arm), use 73-ip ball joints in the 67 control arms. I think this is the best of both worlds. Much strong tie rod ends, along with the grease-able control arm shafts. of the 72 and earlier stuff.

[gmc684x4]

I have read from other conversion threads
Use 73 spindles ball joints and outer tie rods with 77 elcamino inner tie rods
The 77 elcamino inner tie rods are supposed to have the same tapper as 67 70 inner rods allowing use of 67 70 center link

[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

I have read from other conversion threads
Use 73 spindles ball joints and outer tie rods with 77 elcamino inner tie rods
The 77 elcamino inner tie rods are supposed to have the same tapper as 67 70 inner rods allowing use of 67 70 center link

Very cool. Thanks for sharing, I'll check it out.