63-66 guys changing ball joints to 73-87 spindles

[canadian_diesel1964]

Hey guys, through trial and error I found the proper lower pressed in ball joint that seems to work on my 63 c10 while keeping the original control arms and being able to switch to a 73-87 drop spindle. It's the Raybestos 505-1021OS ...its an oversized unit that will at least give you a tack able joint if your hole is a bit worn or maybe even solid enough to be pressed in if not.

The 73-87 regular Ball joints were way too small and I didn't even feel comfortable tacking them in.

So if you want to use the tie rod adjusting sleeve(POL)that 180s the tie rods(409rt outer and 323L inner) and just switch out your ball joints to get to the 73-87 spindle then this is what you do...

Hopefully I've helped someone cuz I was lost! I just didn't want to find a donor and switch everything.

[hotrod66]

Cool I have been thinking of doing the same thing with my 64 glad I waited for you to post part numbers thanks!

[canadian_diesel1964]

Hey I'm glad I could finally help someone! It's an easier swap once you got the numbers!

[Chevy Fleetside]

ECE sells bolt in drop spindles or stock height that use the later brake stuff. They use your early ball joints and tie rod ends

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

[canadian_diesel1964]

Dayum! LOL all good I went 3" drop...and all my stuff needed replacing but these would have saved a lot of pondering for sure..

[Pappyx3!]

Originally Posted by canadian_diesel1964

Hey guys, through trial and error I found the proper lower pressed in ball joint that seems to work on my 63 c10 while keeping the original control arms and being able to switch to a 73-87 drop spindle. It's the Raybestos 505-1021OS ...its an oversized unit that will at least give you a tack able joint if your hole is a bit worn or maybe even solid enough to be pressed in if not.

The 73-87 regular Ball joints were way too small and I didn't even feel comfortable tacking them in.

So if you want to use the tie rod adjusting sleeve(POL)that 180s the tie rods(409rt outer and 323L inner) and just switch out your ball joints to get to the 73-87 spindle then this is what you do...

Hopefully I've helped someone cuz I was lost! I just didn't want to find a donor and switch everything.

Glad you were able to work thru it. Take any pics?

Thanks,

Pappyx4!

[Pappyx3!]

Originally Posted by canadian_diesel1964

Hey guys, through trial and error I found the proper lower pressed in ball joint that seems to work on my 63 c10 while keeping the original control arms and being able to switch to a 73-87 drop spindle. It's the Raybestos 505-1021OS ...its an oversized unit that will at least give you a tack able joint if your hole is a bit worn or maybe even solid enough to be pressed in if not.

The 73-87 regular Ball joints were way too small and I didn't even feel comfortable tacking them in.

So if you want to use the tie rod adjusting sleeve(POL)that 180s the tie rods(409rt outer and 323L inner) and just switch out your ball joints to get to the 73-87 spindle then this is what you do...

Hopefully I've helped someone cuz I was lost! I just didn't want to find a donor and switch everything.

Glad you were able to work thru it. Take any pics?

Thanks,

Pappyx4!

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by canadian_diesel1964

Dayum! LOL all good I went 3" drop...and all my stuff needed replacing but these would have saved a lot of pondering for sure..

Sometimes pondering is a good thing. I did a lot of that when building my truck and over the years have learned a lot.

[canadian_diesel1964]

I bet...when I did my 51 F1 I learned so much but I've found with a Chevy there's lots too!

[hotrod66]

Okay for me I have stock spindles so I just want to use what I have but the drop spindles are nice. What adjuster sleeves did you use and part number? Have tried to comprehend what you said in your first post.

[Chevy Fleetside]

ECE also has stock height spindles

[hotrod66]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

ECE also has stock height spindles

That's good to know but I have the 73-87 spindles laying around and want to use what I have instead of spending money on my spare parts project.

[Captainfab]

What I have done in the past is just use the entire steering linkage from the donor truck. You will just have to drill 2 holes to mount the later model idler arm.

Originally Posted by hotrod66

Okay for me I have stock spindles so I just want to use what I have but the drop spindles are nice. What adjuster sleeves did you use and part number? Have tried to comprehend what you said in your first post.

Originally Posted by hotrod66

That's good to know but I have the 73-87 spindles laying around and want to use what I have instead of spending money on my spare parts project.

[bcontractor]

i used my stock cross member and arms...just went to new ball jints and changed my tie rod adjs from CCP...i got my 2.5 dropped from a retailer . it was from a 73-8*...

[canadian_diesel1964]

Follow up ...the lower ball joints went in good but I am going to throw a tack on each side of it to make sure...

[canadian_diesel1964]

Pics

[canadian_diesel1964]

The look....

[canadian_diesel1964]

Originally Posted by bcontractor

i used my stock cross member and arms...just went to new ball jints and changed my tie rod adjs from CCP...i got my 2.5 dropped from a retailer . it was from a 73-8*...

Do you happen to know the part number on the lower ball joints you used?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by hotrod66

That's good to know but I have the 73-87 spindles laying around and want to use what I have instead of spending money on my spare parts project.

I can understand that. I have some laying around also but I am thinking of lowering the truck 2" all the way around.

[bcontractor]

Originally Posted by canadian_diesel1964

Do you happen to know the part number on the lower ball joints you used?

sorry no..long time ago..

[canadian_diesel1964]

The difference in the stock 63 ball joint and the new Oversized one is about .5 of a millimetre...I used a punch on the bottom flange to tighten the mounting ring a bit at the advice of a mechanic friend and that seemed to help how it fit...probably no tack needed but I will anyways...

[66 C10 383]

I was under the impression that the 73-87 lower ball joints would work in the late 60's a-arms. I have my original 66 a-arms which I was planning on reusing with the 73-87 spindles I have. I bought the Moog K6117T 73-87 lower ball joints. Glad I still have the donor a-arms off the 81.

[canadian_diesel1964]

383 I was also under the same impression...after giving the flange a couple whacks and double tacks on the upper side...this things never going to budge...and if I need to change it a basic cut wheel will take it out...all good

[canadian_diesel1964]

Almost finished product...