Lower control arm shaft

[nicks05z71]

I am I right in thinking that 67-72 shafts and 73-87 shafts are differnt? So i couldnt lets say put an 73-87 LCA on a 67-72 shaft?

Ive never had one appart and not real sure what id be getting into. If i needed to replace one how would I center the shaft in the U-bolts ahead and back?

[lolife99]

The 67-72 shafts have threaded steel bushings that thread into the a-arm.
The 73-87 a-arms are rubber bushed and use a press in style rubber bushing.

You can swap the entire a-arm assembly as long as you use the correct year ball joint.

The shaft is "located" on the frame with a "centering pin" that is in the u-bolt frame saddle.
The shaft on the lower a-arm has a locating hole drilled in it. This will make sure that the shaft is in the correctly positioned,... front-to-back on the frame.

What year truck are you working on?

[nicks05z71]

Im working on my '68. I want to plate the bottom on the LCA and cut out the center of the spring pocket for large pipe. Getting rid of the cups altogether. Basicly I'm trying to lower the mounting position of my bag.

I figured I could find a nice set of 73-87 LCAs at a junk yard, cut them up, and when I was ready just change them out.

[lolife99]

The 73-87 control arms will work fine. Just match the ball joint to the year of spindle you are using,... and you'll be fine.

[nicks05z71]

thanks!