disc brake conversion on 68' - ball joint question

[AusTx68]

I'm doing a frame off on my 68' which already had the front disc brake conversion. Without thinking I put new 68' ball joints in my control arms. Now I'm having trouble getting the ball joints in the spindles. The old spindles where 72' and I'm now using ECE dropped spindles. I just ruined a low ball joint while trying to tighten the bolt. The bolt stripped. Seems like the ball joint is too big for the spindle. Should I have gone with 72' ball joints? Does anyone know if they are smaller than the 68'?

This frontend rebuild has been a complete nightmare. Way harder than I thought it would be!

[AusTx68]

Just got off the phone with ECE. I had no idea they were still open with I posted my question.

In my case the PO did the conversion so I'm working thinking 68'. My 4/6 drop kit has 71'-72' spindles to replace the 72' spindles on the truck. Turns out the 68' ball joints have a different taper. That explains the fitment problem. Now I need to replace all my damn ball joints! SOB!

I doubt I can return the pressed in lowers. The uppers are going back for an exchange. This sucks but hey, it was my damn mistake.

[lolife99]

Did you use 63-70 tie rod ends or 71-72 tie rod ends when you ordered new parts?

If you have 71-72 spindles they need to be the same.

[AusTx68]

Since it already had the disc brake conversion with 72' spindles, I assume it also had the matching tie rods. That's why I decided to switch out the ball joints for 71'-72' instead of returning the spindles to ECE for ones for a 68'.

[lolife99]

Sounds like you have it figured out. Make sure to post up some pictures to keep us updated.

[AusTx68]

I was able to get it figured out. The control-arm shafts where a *****!

[lolife99]

Looks nice!

Not nit-picking,... but your rear "Upper" shock mount brackets are on backwards.

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Looks nice!

Not nit-picking,... but your rear "Upper" shock mount brackets are on backwards.

As far as I'm concerned that's not being nit-picky. That's a down right error on my part. Thanks for pointing it out.

[SIXT8LOU]

Thats a clean looking frame off resto... sharp....keep us posted....

[redbaron69]

"the control-arm shafts were a *****!"

NOT WHAT IM WANTING TO HEAR

getting ready to attempt this myself any advice? dos... donts... thanks

[VA72C10]

Beautiful frame! Nice work!!!

[Twisted78SS]

For clarification to those of us doing the same thing, could you possibly post a closer shot of the shock brackets on backwards and maybe one of them installed correctly..

Thanks,

[chevy_mike]

Not the greatest pic but is does show the way the brackets should mount.

[67cheby]

nice work on the frame , one more thing to point out the upper ball joints should be on top of the a arm instead of under it , i believe someone correct me if i am wrong.. i put on my upper strong arms about a month or so ago and while searching this site realized i had the on upside down !!!

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

nice work on the frame , one more thing to point out the upper ball joints should be on top of the a arm instead of under it , i believe someone correct me if i am wrong.. i put on my upper strong arms about a month or so ago and while searching this site realized i had the on upside down !!!

Maybe the strong arms are setup different. The stock location is under the control arm.

[noonzor]

very nice lookin frame, i hope to have mine lookin similar, she'll be blasted and painted by the end of the month!

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by redbaron69

"the control-arm shafts were a *****!"

NOT WHAT IM WANTING TO HEAR

getting ready to attempt this myself any advice? dos... donts... thanks

Loosen the caps while they are still on the truck. I first used a pipe wrench but it kept slipping. I later switched to sockets and that made a big difference. I think it was a metric 36 for the uppers.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by AusTx68

Maybe the strong arms are setup different. The stock location is under the control arm.

That's incorrect.
The stock upper balljoints were installed on the "top side" of the a-arm with rivets from the factory.
The rivets have to be removed and replaced with bolts when you install the new balljoint.

I'm not sure if it matters where the balljoint is installed,... but most people put them on the top side.

[AusTx68]

Oh wait..I see what you are talking about now. Yea, I totally agree. Well, I looks like i got some work to do this weekend.

[michael bustamante]

I did that too, I kept looking at them thinkin "something just aint right" then I figured Id get a better angle by turning the rear uppers around

[SIXT8LOU]

Iam doing the disc brake conversion also,,,can you do me a big favor, i think i read the uppers are 1 3/8s,,,,,,, and the lowers are 1 5/8s (socket size) not sure but i got the pipe wrench ready! also are the center links the same from a 68 vs a 71? do i need to change out mine for the 71? thanks any help is appreciated....Lou

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by SIXT8LOU

Iam doing the disc brake conversion also,,,can you do me a big favor, i think i read the uppers are 1 3/8s,,,,,,, and the lowers are 1 5/8s (socket size) not sure but i got the pipe wrench ready! also are the center links the same from a 68 vs a 71? do i need to change out mine for the 71? thanks any help is appreciated....Lou

Yes they are different.
Use the centerlink and the tie rod ends from your '71 (with your 71 spindles),... and everything will be fine.

[michael bustamante]

ok heres another one for you. are the center links from a 3/4 ton 71-72 and tie rods the same as a half ton?

[lolife99]

I'm not familiar with the 3/4 ton stuff.
A quick parts cross reference at your local parts supplier should confirm or deny it.
I just don't know right off hand. Anyone else know?

[SIXT8LOU]

thanks!!!! ill get to it maybe after work tommorow.....great help...