what ball joints for mcgaughys 2.5" drop spindles for 63-70 #63173

[littlevictories]

Hey Folks,

I'm still trying to make this thing ride right. 2.5" drop, LCA modded for 6* positive caster. I replaced the wear parts in the front end last year and I think I used the wrong balljoints. Everywhere I have read says the #63173 spindles use the stock (in my case 1966 1/2 ton) ball joints. And that is what is in there now. Today I called McGaughys (now switch) and the tech said the 63173 uses the '73-79 ball joints.

My problem is that the stock balljoints for my year leave about 1/4" between the top of the castle nut and cotter pin hole. They kept loosening up, so I kludged some washers under the castle nut so the cotter pin would engage.

It's still not right and I'd like to make this work. It's gonna be some time before I can afford a porterbuilt or the like. Trying to buy a house so funtime funds are really tight.

Any help is appreciated. I've searched for an answer multiple times and it seems like most people are using the stock for their year ball joints. Did they change at all over the years (im stricktly speaking of half tons here)?

Thanks folks


Doug

[lolife99]

The 63173 McGaughy's spindle is listed as a 63-70 conversion spindle.
Sounds like they boxed up the wrong spindle or you got the wrong ball joint.
You will have to confirm what you have.
The balljoints and outer tie rods dictate what the spindle is.
I suggest buying some new balljoints and outer tie rods to confirm what you have.

[lolife99]

Spindles break down as follows:
60-62
63-70
71-72
73-87

[littlevictories]

Hey thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure I have the right spindles, as I originally threw the spindles right onto my 90,000 mile OEM ball joints and didn't have an issue. The issue arose when I used the mevotech 6023 & 6024 ball joints, as that what was available at my local parts house. I guess I could have gotten the wrong parts somehow?

Would the corresponding moog part do me better?