73-87 control arms?

[ChrisAunchman]

I am planning on what todo with the front suspension on my 65 Chevy C-10. I have access to a complete front end out of a 1978 C-10. I have a few questions though.
Can I use the the 78 control arms in place of the older control
arms? or Do I need to swap the engine crossmembers?

If I order a set of DJM tubular upper and lower control arms can I
use the '78 spindles for a disc brake options?

Thanks,
Chris

[k1rodeoboater]

In order of your questions...

yes

no, but you can if you want to

...don't know

[Captainfab]

Yes you can bolt the '78 control arms up to your '65 crossmember. However, on the lower control arms, I recommend drilling out the holes in your '65 crossmember so you can use the '78 U-bolts.

About the DJM control arms, I would say that depends on which ones you order. That would be something you need to ask either the dealer you are buying from or DJM directly.

[ChrisAunchman]

The control arms I'm looking at from DJM cover from 65-70.

Would it be better to order the 73-87 control arms and use my '78 crossmember or reuse the 65 crossmember?

My goal would be to use a spindle that would allow me to easily install disc brakes and upgraded steering. I have been looking at the plates that allow you to install the 73-87 steering boxes.

This is why I'm thinking of reusing the older '78 spindles.

[k1rodeoboater]

...is your engine still in the truck? Pulling the crossmemeber with the engine still in makes it a bit tougher. Doable but just a bit more work.

[ChrisAunchman]

The frame is bare. This is pretty much a ground up build. I have alot of options here. Just trying to explore the best option. Especially since I have the whole front end and crossmember of a '78 C-10.

Reason why I'm asking is because I have seen people use a 73-87 crossmember in these trucks. Just not sure if there is an advantage or not. It seems to make more sense though togo after market with the control arms.

[jimmydean]

It's easier to drill out the u bolts and use the early crossmember than it is to drill out the frame to fit the later crossmember. Either way works, though.

[scotts62]

I just drilled a couple more holes in the frame and used the whole cross member out of a '74, just seemed easier at the time than taking two apart to make one work.

[ChrisAunchman]

So what do you mean drill out the U-bolts? I'm assuming you are talking about the lower control arm u-bolts.

Drilling them out? Are you talking about opening the holes in the engine crossmember?

Also is there any issue/difference in the coil spring seats between the earlier & newer setup?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ChrisAunchman

So what do you mean drill out the U-bolts? I'm assuming you are talking about the lower control arm u-bolts.

Drilling them out? Are you talking about opening the holes in the engine crossmember?

Also is there any issue/difference in the coil spring seats between the earlier & newer setup?

The earlier trucks w/drum brakes had a-arm u-bolts that were 1/2". The later model trucks w/disc brakes (post 72) were 9/16". Either u-bolt will retain the newer a-arms but the later ones are technically stronger.

Coil springs will interchange.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I used the whole suspension from a 75 chevy truck. All bolted up to my 65 crossmember. I am going to go back and drill the holes for the bigger u bolts as I used the smaller ones from the 65. I used the center link and all. Including the springs.

[ChrisAunchman]

Thanks, so I am thinking there is no advantage going with the 73-87 crossmemeber. I'll just make the holes bigger for the U-bolts.

Now I just have to determine if it is worth it to rebuild my '78 arms or go with tubular ones. I am thinking of going no more than 3" of drop in the front. Is it better to get the drop in the control arm? or Do drop spindles work just as well. I'm not to convinced on using drop coils. I have seen issues with alignments after that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ChrisAunchman

Thanks, so I am thinking there is no advantage going with the 73-87 crossmemeber. I'll just make the holes bigger for the U-bolts.

Now I just have to determine if it is worth it to rebuild my '78 arms or go with tubular ones. I am thinking of going no more than 3" of drop in the front. Is it better to get the drop in the control arm? or Do drop spindles work just as well. I'm not to convinced on using drop coils. I have seen issues with alignments after that.

Definitely do spindles over dropped a-arms.

[ChrisAunchman]

Really....LOL I was so set on the arms.....Are spindles better for alignment purposes? If that is the case it may be better to keep the stock '78 arms under there then. I have already sandblasted the old control arms.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ChrisAunchman

Really....LOL I was so set on the arms.....Are spindles better for alignment purposes? If that is the case it may be better to keep the stock '78 arms under there then. I have already sandblasted the old control arms.

Dropped a-arms make a bad situation worse.... The spring pocket will be low enough that you constantly have to worry about both the pockets & the bushing/shafts hitting mother earth vs. just the bushings.

And, the spindles provide drop w/o changing shock or suspension travel. Dropped a-arms are the same thing as a cut spring so both shock & suspension geometry/travel are affected.

The down side of spindles are typically more issues w/back spacing related rubbing @ the lower a-arm lip (especially w/3" spindles).

[ChrisAunchman]

WOW awesome information....I did notice on the how low the pocket was on the a-arms...I wonder how 2" drop spindles and 1" or 2" drop coils would work......

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ChrisAunchman

WOW awesome information....I did notice on the how low the pocket was on the a-arms...I wonder how 2" drop spindles and 1" or 2" drop coils would work......

2.5" spindle & 2" coils work well. Very well....

[stsalvage]

one they most people over look on theses front ends is on your truck before you take it apart.Look at how many shims are keeping that front end straight I have a 1965 3/4 ton and i swapped out a 1972 3/4 ton had nothing but problems with alinement.Later i was told all i had to do was change ball joints and use the 1971--72 disc brake spindle.My truck before i touched it never was in the alinement shop not one time in 35 years and it was a trash truck and a junk hauling truck before i did the swap

[ChrisAunchman]

Good point. I ussually always keep the shims labeled in 4 bags. The '78 frame I was able todo this. The '65 frame I am getting it bare with no A-arms on it.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I used drop spindles.