Question about front suspension rebuild - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68jimmy · 03-03-2005, 02:32 AM

I recently picked up a complete front suspension setup from a 76 gmc 1/2 ton. I need to rebuild it prior to slapping it in my 68 gmc with all new bushings, ball joints. etc...

Do all the trucks in the 73-87 range use the same suspension components? Who makes a complete kit with all pieces in one box? Do the bushings have to be pressed in/out? Any tips before I jump into this?

Thanks!

jermasaurus · 03-03-2005, 02:53 AM

Control arm bushings will have to be pressed in and out. I am not 100% sure, but I think there is one or two changes in ball joints through the years.

68jimmy · 03-03-2005, 06:19 PM

Thanks. i guess I should have been more clear in my question, do all 1/2 tons in these years share the same components? Or better yet what years were there any changes...

**Captkaos** · 03-03-2005, 07:05 PM

73-87 are all the same as far as 1/2T. Structure changed but the components are all swapable.

beaterC10 · 03-03-2005, 08:53 PM

I believe pitman arms changed in 84 on the 1/2 tons. The steering boxes changed somewhere along the way from SAE to metric fittings.

68jimmy · 03-03-2005, 10:58 PM

Thank you all for the information...

79BIG10 · 03-04-2005, 01:05 AM

What about a-arms? I'm looking at getting some from a 86 1/2 ton model to fit my 79 Big 10. I'm curious if they're the same as well. If I could I would press fit the a-arms bushings in teh 86 then mount to my 79.

beaterC10 · 03-04-2005, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79BIG10

What about a-arms? I'm looking at getting some from a 86 1/2 ton model to fit my 79 Big 10. I'm curious if they're the same as well. If I could I would press fit the a-arms bushings in teh 86 then mount to my 79.

Pretty sure they are, my 84 has arms from a 79 under it.

03-03-2005, 02:32 AM	#1
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	Question about front suspension rebuild I recently picked up a complete front suspension setup from a 76 gmc 1/2 ton. I need to rebuild it prior to slapping it in my 68 gmc with all new bushings, ball joints. etc... Do all the trucks in the 73-87 range use the same suspension components? Who makes a complete kit with all pieces in one box? Do the bushings have to be pressed in/out? Any tips before I jump into this? Thanks! __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

03-03-2005, 06:19 PM	#3
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	Thanks. i guess I should have been more clear in my question, do all 1/2 tons in these years share the same components? Or better yet what years were there any changes... __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

03-03-2005, 07:05 PM	#4
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	73-87 are all the same as far as 1/2T. Structure changed but the components are all swapable. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

03-03-2005, 10:58 PM	#6
68jimmy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: albuquerque Posts: 431	Thank you all for the information... __________________ 78 C10 LWB Super Cheyenne

03-04-2005, 01:05 AM	#7
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	What about a-arms? I'm looking at getting some from a 86 1/2 ton model to fit my 79 Big 10. I'm curious if they're the same as well. If I could I would press fit the a-arms bushings in teh 86 then mount to my 79. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

03-03-2005, 02:53 AM	#2
jermasaurus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Lenox, IL Posts: 442	Control arm bushings will have to be pressed in and out. I am not 100% sure, but I think there is one or two changes in ball joints through the years.

03-03-2005, 08:53 PM	#5
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	I believe pitman arms changed in 84 on the 1/2 tons. The steering boxes changed somewhere along the way from SAE to metric fittings.

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