Rebuilding 71 crossmember..

[oldblue1968chevy]

Ok. Truck came with a 71 front crossmember, its missing the steering componnents. My 69 is drums but everything is there.

Im thinking it would be simpler to return my 71 drop spindles I got from summit racing for 67-70 conversion dropped spindles. That way I can just order all my rebuild parts for a 69 chevy truck.

Whatchall think?

Just placed an order with a borad vendor for cab bushings and rad support bushings.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Anyone? Would it be better to rebuild the 69 crossmember thats on the truck or rebuild the 71 crossmember that came with it?

(I already have 71 dropped spindles but have about 2 months left to return them)

[oldblue1968chevy]

Are 69/71 drag link (the long bar between pitman/idler arm) the same?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Are 69/71 drag link (the long bar between pitman/idler arm) the same?

no.

Centerlink:
Grouped by Differences:
*60-62
*63-64
*65-70
*71-72
*73-87

Info here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4

[oldblue1968chevy]

lolife-

Like I said, I already have the 71 dropped spindles. Would it be simpler to return them for 67-70 conversion dropped spindles (Im missing the 71's centerlink/draglink) Also I would keep my sanity by just ordering 69 chevy parts instead of frankenstein stuff.

Also, I have the factory 1 1/16" swaybar. Would I notice anything going to the larger 1 1/4" bar from the 73-87 trucks?

[lolife99]

It would be more simple to use conversion spindles.

You might notice a slight difference using the 1-1/4" bar over the smaller version.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Calipers
balljoints
control arm shaft kits
tie rod end adj sleeves
tie rod ends (inner/outer)
idler arm
seals for inner rotors

$390.00 from rock auto with coupon
Everythings moog except raybestos calipers and the seals for the rotors)

I have everything else (hoses rotors spindles shocks etc already)

[oldblue1968chevy]

Is there anything else I need? I couldnt find the dust covers for the rotors on rockauto.

Were the factory 67-72 1/2ton swaybars 1 1/8" or 1 1/16"? I just remember mines not the 1 1/4". Going to order new swaybar bushings as well.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Well I located a 1.25" swaybar. Some mix up on whether or not it has brackets or not with it (Abit confusing).

Are drag links (centerlinks) wear items? Mines missing. Should I buy a used one? Cant find a new one on the net (not by moog at least)

[Tx Firefighter]

Center links are non wear items. They're just a solid bar with holes in it for the idler and pitman arms and the two inner tie rod ends.
Posted via Mobile Device

[oldblue1968chevy]

What I figured. Any idea where I can get a new one? Checked moog's site and rockauto

guess I should keep hunting a used one.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Returned my dropped spindles (71 72) Was trying to find conversion spindles (slightly used etc)

Thinking of using my tax return for frontend parts and maybe dropped spindles...

Need:
Calipers
balljoints
control arm shaft kits
tie rod end adj sleeves
tie rod ends (inner/outer)
idler arm
seals for inner rotors
KYB-344055(rear)
drop spindles (conversion type)
1 1/4" swaybarbushings
(1) brake rotor
rear dropped springs http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cl...del/c10-pickup or similar

[cubber]

I had a 72, and put all of it's suspension (freshly rebuilt) on my 69. It's a long story, but it involves me doing a lot of installing and un installing, and reinstalling 67-72 C10 front end parts. I would, at your stage, go with the conversion spindles, and maybe even think about keeping the 6 lug, it seems like there are lots more cool wheels available on the cheap for 6 lug. I know you move around a lot, but if any of this is taking place in Viola, I (and probably some more of the Tn boys) would be more than happy to lend a hand. That suspension stuff can be an aggravation, and I have had mine completely apart 4 or 5 times in the last year. I can do it blindfolded, lol.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Yeah all of its goin on back in TN im a couple miles away from home most of the year
Plan on going back this spring would like to disassemble the trailing arms (split them) sandblast weld/bolt them together with grade 8 and put new bushings in and paint. Also would like (we'll see) to get the front suspension off the truck (clip taken off) disassembled sandblasted rebuilt (will be storing in dads basement/shop)

Tryin' to find a place that sandblasts cheap/good in middle TN (Near viola/manchester/mcminnville). Will be doing the frame too but that will be some other time (unfortunately). Planning on cuttin holes for exhaust thru the trialing arm crossmember as well. Duals and LSX?

[lolife99]

Do you have any thoughts about just finding a different frame?
That way you could keep your truck together and rebuild the frame in your spare time.
That's what I would do.

These trucks take up a ton of room when you blow them completely apart.
A bare chassis would be a good project to do, and still allow youu to drive your truck.
(As in, haul stuff to the sand blast shop, etc)
Plus you might get some better trailing arms and a frame that hasn't been in a wreck.

Just a thought,...

[oldblue1968chevy]

The trucks down to the frame (Minus a cab with torched out firewall?) I removed the 1 fender and rusted out core support, there stored in the barn in the backround. Said barn has since been re-skinned and roof repaired and some of the framing repaired (by my highschool bud)

I think your gettin' this one and my ol blue truck mixed up lolife...

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

I think your gettin' this one and my ol blue truck mixed up lolife...

Yes I am.
Carry on. Ha.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Heres a few more pictures with yours truly with dads new back field yard ornament (he was thrilled)

[cubber]

I was thinkin about you wanting to be able to stick to 69 parts, and I realized, what rotors and calipers do you get? There weren't any for 69, were there?

[oldblue1968chevy]

No, drums in 69. I'll be going with dropped spindles (using 71-87 rotors/calipers).

Hey cubber, if you or any of the other chevy guys come across a swb bed or a nice or buildable cab in the nearby area let me know. Thanks again

[cubber]

I know where a near flawless cab is, but I bet it would take about $2000 to get it. It has already been blasted, and is virtually rust free.

[cubber]

He might take 1500, who knows. It's a 70 model cab, non ac. I've seen it, wish I had a use for it.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Whew lol. Wheres it located and any pictures?

[cubber]

It's in Eagleville, Tn. A friend of mine has it, and TONS of other body parts. I don't have any pics, but I can find out a price, and get whatever pics you want this week. PM if you want!

[oldblue1968chevy]

Was looking at the forums and figured i'd order some parts for this project, just dropped $200 for some moog suspension pieces (balljoints control arm shafts) Need swaybar bushings too but couldnt remember what color my trailing arm bushings were, want them to match...

Is there any difference between 69 and 72 A arms (top/bottom)?

Plan is to pull the trailing arms and A arms and have them sandblasted paint them and install new bushings/bjs etc. (Small project)

So my ? is can I just take the A arms off the extra (1972) crossmember have them blasted and install the Bjs and shafts into those?

Anyways..thanks guys!!!

PS Where can I get non rubber 1 1/4" BLACK swaybar bushings? lol