Outfitting 79 GMC C30 with 88-98 2wd Lift Spindles

[Big-Sexy907]

Gentlemen,

I was bouncing around the forums searching for some detailed information on how to go about lifting the front of my 1979 GMC Camper Special. The truck is a 1 Ton Crew Cab Dually. I'm interested in getting a minimum of 6" of suspension lift in the front, and around 5" in the rear. I've seen that several members have used the 2wd lift spindles off the OBS trucks to get roughly 4" of front lift, and supposedly they just used a different balljoint and upper suspension arm. My question is; are the one ton lower arms the same as the 3/4 ton, and if I do this swap are there any other unforeseen circumstances I may encounter? Overall it seems fairly straight forward, (like replacing/updating the entire front end suspension to 88-98 equipment except for the lower control arm) and I think I could complete the swap in 3-5 days.

Does anyone else have a detailed parts list/build thread out there?

[andrewmp6]

I'm not sure on the control arms but this is the best swap i can find http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=469743

[Big-Sexy907]

Andrew, I seen that post during my search and found that most of the time the guys were using 3/4 ton parts to lift their 1/2 ton trucks. I'm curious to know if I can use the same method on a 1ton dually. In theory the front suspension components should be the same, but I'm curious to know if I'll have to swap the front rotors and calipers to that of an 88-98 dually.

I guess the way to find out would be order the lift spindles and see what happens.

[Big-Sexy907]

From the looks of it Bucannon had it right, these should be the only parts you'd need to lift a one ton as well.

•1973 - 1987 3/4 ton lower control arms (or just ball joints)
•1988 - 1998 upper ball joints
•1988 - 1998 outer tie rod ends
•1988- 1998 rotors and calipers

I'm curious to know do we need to swap control arms as well?

[swissarmychainsaw]

Originally Posted by Big-Sexy907

Andrew, I seen that post during my search and found that most of the time the guys were using 3/4 ton parts to lift their 1/2 ton trucks. I'm curious to know if I can use the same method on a 1ton dually. In theory the front suspension components should be the same, but I'm curious to know if I'll have to swap the front rotors and calipers to that of an 88-98 dually.

I guess the way to find out would be order the lift spindles and see what happens.

From the looks of it Bucannon had it right, these should be the only parts you'd need to lift a one ton as well.

•1973 - 1987 3/4 ton lower control arms (or just ball joints)
•1988 - 1998 upper ball joints
•1988 - 1998 outer tie rod ends
•1988- 1998 rotors and calipers

I'm curious to know do we need to swap control arms as well?

Ultimately the problem is that you cannot buy "lift spindles" for 73-87 trucks any more.
Since that is the case, then guys have figured out a way to use 88-98 "lift spindles" which are still available.

Lower Control Arms
A quick look at Rockauto.com shows that the Lower Control Arms for a 1 ton and a 3/4 ton are different, but the ball joints are the same (just looking at part numbers).

I think that typically 1 ton uses different suspension parts than "lesser" models.

The trick is to use the new "lift spindles" that match your lower and upper ball joint sizes.

Spindles
88-98 1/2 ton spindles use 73-87 3/4 ton size LOWER ball joint (requires 3/4 ton lower control arm)
and the 73-87 1/2 ton upper ball joints (requires 1/2ton upper control arm)
which makes it all work.

The spindle itself is different though, so your caliper and brakes, and wheels need to be the 88-98 ones as well.

My guess is for your 1 ton lift project, you compare the ball joint part numbers to find the spindle that will work for you. My quick look shows that you already have the right lower
ball joint.

(hope that all made sense)
Nick

[meatwagon83]

mines 3 inches higher than stock, i used hd springs and p30 spindles

[whited44]

I'm very interested in this thread. I can't believe parts for trucks that they made for 14+ years are becoming obsolete

[andrewmp6]

Its about money if they don't sell enough of them they stop making them.

[87r30Masshole]

[QUOTE=meatwagon83;6428067]mines 3 inches higher than stock, i used hd springs and p30 spindles.]

I'm looking to do the same thing to my r30, is that all you needed was p30 spindles and HD springs. Did you get them online or did you have to use a junkyard.

[swissarmychainsaw]

Originally Posted by whited44

I'm very interested in this thread. I can't believe parts for trucks that they made for 14+ years are becoming obsolete

No, the lift spindle would be aftermarket, so I don’t think it’s fair to assume you’d be able to get them.
Luckily ALL (lots any way) the stock parts are!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Leadfoot1]

[quote=87r30Masshole;8476219]

Originally Posted by meatwagon83

mines 3 inches higher than stock, i used hd springs and p30 spindles.]

I'm looking to do the same thing to my r30, is that all you needed was p30 spindles and HD springs. Did you get them online or did you have to use a junkyard.

Interested as well.... just got an R30 myself and man its low.... didnt think that was gonna be such a pain to lift!!

Considering getting a 4wd paarts truck amd ripping everything off of it.... im just unsure if the frame holes and everything would be same...