Drop Spindles and Tie Rod Length, 69 C10

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 69BB396

I also discovered that these sleeves are not threaded through the entire shaft - there's a section in the center not done. And this sleeve is not split down the center like the others. That's why the tie rods won't adjust close enough.

I read this quote,... and thought you were talking about the Edelbrock version.
I glad things worked out.
I thought maybe Edelbrock had changed their design.

[CPPJEFF]

Originally Posted by 69BB396

Yes, they do - and thanks. They also saved me $50 bucks! The ones from NAPA were 52 each. Took them back. See my pics back on this thread.

Ron

This is totally great news. I actually make those sleeves exactly like that and they are $49.00.

[JonFrankMc]

Any update on tie rod lengths? I installed Western drop spindles on my '71, I had to change to the 73+ outer tie rod ends. I went to get the truck aligned today and while trying to adjust the toe the passenger side inner and outer rods are actually touching each other and I don't have enough toe in yet. Are there shorter 73+ outers? Shorter 71-72 inners?

Thanks guys

[lolife99]

Got any pics?

[JonFrankMc]

I don't. Looking through the split in the stock adjuster you can see the threaded ends of the inner/outer rods touching.

Keith, is there something I can take a picture of to better illustrate the situation? I'm not sure why the driver's side isn't an issue. I am having wheel rubbing issues after the spindle install. A bent frame wouldn't be the issue, right? Steering would shift with the frame?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=563913

[lolife99]

Wheel rubbing may be due to the wrong backspace wheels or the need to trim the lower a-arms.
It's common with 15" wheels with more than 3.5" of backspace.

The earlier tie rod sleeves are longer.
But the 71-72 and 73-87 tie rod sleeves are the same length.
I assume your spindles are 73-87 spindles?

[JonFrankMc]

Well it's odd that only the driver's side is rubbing.

It was my assumption that they were 71-72 spindles. I clarified with the gentleman I bought them from on the board that he used the 73+ outers and upper ball joints. My original '71 rotor fit the spindle. Perhaps early CPP spindles required the change?

At any rate, I need to find a solution to my misalignment. The combo is 73+ outer tie rods and upper ball joints, early CPP spindles, then the old '71 rotors, inner tie rods, lower ball joints and center link.

I can't objectively confirm it but I believe the alignment was wrong prior to the spindle change. The P/S toe in was basically maxed out on the previous setup, much unlike the D/S.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by JonFrankMc

Well it's odd that only the driver's side is rubbing.

It was my assumption that they were 71-72 spindles. I clarified with the gentleman I bought them from on the board that he used the 73+ outers and upper ball joints. My original '71 rotor fit the spindle. Perhaps early CPP spindles required the change?

At any rate, I need to find a solution to my misalignment. The combo is 73+ outer tie rods and upper ball joints, early CPP spindles, then the old '71 rotors, inner tie rods, lower ball joints and center link.

I can't objectively confirm it but I believe the alignment was wrong prior to the spindle change. The P/S toe in was basically maxed out on the previous setup, much unlike the D/S.

71-72 lower ball joints are the same as 73-87 lower ball joints.
CPP still sells this stupid kit that converts to 73-87 spindles.
That's what you have.
73-87 HD spindles.
Your 71 rotors will bolt right on these.

I have done this exact swap with no issues.

[CPPJEFF]

Originally Posted by lolife99

71-72 lower ball joints are the same as 73-87 lower ball joints.
CPP still sells this stupid kit that converts to 73-87 spindles.
That's what you have.
73-87 HD spindles.
Your 71 rotors will bolt right on these.

I have done this exact swap with no issues.

Exactly what Lolife said is 100% Valid!