Getting ART arms - what spindle?

[67Fleet]

Hey, I've got bags front and rear and am going to be getting ART upper/lwr arms. I will be getting new drop spindles so my question is which should I get and which will work on my setup? I have a 6-lug disc conversion up front. Anything particular I need to know before I order? Also, what is your preference and why: Belltech 3" or ECE? Is there really much difference between the 3" and the 2-1/2 from ECE?

[SCOTI]

Get the correct spindle for your 6-lug brake conversion. I believe they're based on 73-up spindles but it's better to verify that through the manufacturer. FWIW, it's easier to find stuff for 73~87's.

[67Fleet]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Get the correct spindle for your 6-lug brake conversion. I believe they're based on 73-up spindles but it's better to verify that through the manufacturer. FWIW, it's easier to find stuff for 73~87's.

That's why I posed the question. The PO did all the conversions and I have no idea how to tell what I have, therefore no idea on what to replace with. Can you offer any additional info? It's always difficult dealing with someone else's mess.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

That's why I posed the question. The PO did all the conversions and I have no idea how to tell what I have, therefore no idea on what to replace with. Can you offer any additional info? It's always difficult dealing with someone else's mess.

Ahhhh.... I see said the blind man.

Call one of the vendors. See if they can confirm the 6-lug kits are basically re-drilled 5-lug rotors & if they're 73 & later or????

Other than that, the easiest way might be to get an outer tie-rod for 71-72 & 73-up to test fit on your current spindle. Which ever tie-rod fits should tell you what you need to know.

[gringoloco]

Measure the thickness of the rotor- if it's 1.25", use the Belltechs. The 6-lug conversion rotors are just HD blanks drilled for 6-lug.

They are not a full 3" from what I gather, but they are more than a 2.5" ECE. The 73-87 parts are also cheaper/more readily available. Can't go wrong with either for quality. I've got Belltech on the truck and ECE on the Blazer.

Since you're swapping everything- use the Belltechs- my .02.

[67Fleet]

thanks guys, I'll measure tonight and go from there. I'll post up some pics with my new digicam also to see if it helps you guys to see what I have.

[67Fleet]

gringo, it is 1-1/4" wide. What do you mean by "HD blanks"?

[gringoloco]

'Heavy Duty' These are the rotors used on 71-80 or so, then GM made them optional and introduced a light duty 1" thick rotor. Most aftermarket kits are based around the HDs- they just buy them blank and machine for 6-lug instead of 5. If this is the case with your set-up, the Belltech 3" will work.

-Chris

[67Fleet]

ok, so I can order the Belltech's for the 73-87 trucks and balljoints for same? Do I order arms for 73-87 also then? It's a lot of money to drop all at once so I want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff.

[gringoloco]

Yep. The ART arms come loaded(cross-shafts, ball joints) so you won't need joints, but you will need inner/outer tie rods.

Do you have drop spindles now? What kit is it?

[67Fleet]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Yep. The ART arms come loaded(cross-shafts, ball joints) so you won't need joints, but you will need inner/outer tie rods.

Do you have drop spindles now? What kit is it?

yeah, but have no idea what brand they are. There are no markings on them that I can see.