73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: retmajwjs on February 07, 2023, 04:03:21 PM

Title: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: retmajwjs on February 07, 2023, 04:03:21 PM
I'm new to the forum. I have a 1978 Chevy C10 shortbed, 350. I'm replacing the upper control arms, tie rods, pitman and idler arm. After removing everything I started looking at the lower control arms. They are in fairly good shape. But I was thinking while its apart I might replace the lowers. I can't find new replacements except for "tubular" which are very expensive. So my question is are the C20 lower control arms interchangeable with the C10. I'm sure they would heavier but I would think the dimensions would be the same.
Title: Re: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: Swampyankee74 on February 08, 2023, 04:55:03 AM
I just went through a similar thing on my 74 c1500. From what I could tell the lower c10 control arms are different from the c20 and c30. They look similar but have different ball joints and bushings.  I ended up just rebuilding mine with new bushings and ball joints.
Title: Re: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: VileZambonie on February 08, 2023, 06:23:58 PM
Sandblast, powder coat and rebuild them.
Title: Re: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 20, 2023, 07:25:59 PM
Big Nick spoke the unspeakable... :(
Title: Re: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: Shifty on March 21, 2023, 09:27:10 AM
Keep in mind that almost all of the bolt-on control arms that are available nowadays are made in china.  Some of the "CK" part number prefix ones in Moog are still USA-made, but that's changing too.   :(
Title: Re: LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Post by: Chevygold on March 21, 2023, 04:56:41 PM
When I did my front end the arms were solid so grit blasted them and painted with POR15 primer and chassis black then refitted with new bushes, ball joints were still good so wrapped lots of duct tape round them during the grit blasting then fitted new rubber boots before putting it all back together.
Graham