2WD 92-99 C2500 3/4 ton lift spindles on 84 C20 3/4 ton

[zaphos]

O.K. I found several posts on 1/2 ton spindle swaps but the 3/4 ton cross-generation thing seems to be unique. Fabtech stopped selling stuff for the 73 - 87 2WD years ago. They do have the 92 - 99 C2500 lift spindles still available #FTS25887 so does anyone know...

1) If the 92 - 99 balljoints would work with my 73 - 87 A arms or if I can just use my existing joints
2) If the rotors/ calipers need to be changed
3) Other mods I haven't thought of (the kit is for 8 lug so my wheels should be good)

Any thoughts on if this can be done?

I am currently looking at photos of the spindles of the two models to see how close they match up.

If so, I promise to document the build with lots of pics.

TIA
Mark

[Captkaos]

Been asked alot here...  You have to ream out the spindle to match the 73-87 ball joints..  Love to see someone make a post on this...

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,25486.msg212540.html#msg212540

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,19931.msg162072.html#msg162072

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,21437.msg176030.html#msg176030

[zaphos]

Thanks for the reply Captkaos,

I have read those links before my post. The difference is I am avoiding and 1/2 ton (C1500) parts altogether to use my existing 8 lug wheels. I am also not using any 88 - 91 C10 spindles.

The 92 - 99 C2500 lift spindles "FTS25887 Spindle For Select GM C2500 Trucks" are for 8 lug.

Fitment:
Chevrolet   C2500   1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998   WT   2 Door Standard Cab Pickup   Spindle; 4.5 in. Lift; Rec. Tire Size 305/71R16; Rec. Wheel Size 16X8 w/4.75 in. Backspacing;
8 Lug Wheel

C2500-K2500 ¾ Ton & HD 2/4 WD
   1988-2004
   8on6.5


So I just need to see if the form factor for the 92-99 spindles matches the 73 - 87 stock spindle. If so I can match up the ball joints.


Existing setup:
stock C20 lower A Arm
Airbagit.com upper A Arm with balljoint spacers (Scary product, advertized as C20 but is really C10, also uses rediculously weak bolts for the balljoint spacer)
3 inch over coil springs (more like 1.5 inches when broken in)

So far I think this is the recipe for the update:
Stock 73 - 87 C20 upper and lower A Arms
92-99 C2500 3/4 ton lift spindles (Fabtech)
3 inch over coil springs (more like 1.5 inches when broken in)

Yet to be determined:
Ream Tie rod end only if necessary (Not running a sway bar so may be able to snake it under) unless diameters are different
92-99 C2500 ball joints(? - See if existing will work)
If needed - 92-99 8 lug rotors/calipers (as they are both 3/4 ton, spindle shaft diameter SHOULD be the same making this not necessary

So I think I am going to get my hands on OEM 92-99 C2500 spindles and do some measuring / comparing with my existing 73 - 87 C20 spindles. Worst case, I have to change ALL balljoints, and run all new parts from the spindle outward. One measurement I am going to beg from Fabtech will be the distance between upper and lower ball joints on the lift spindle. The extended spring will not fit with stock length and I don't want to use another cheesy balljoint spacer. This thing spends real time in the dirt. 

Have a look at my plan and let me know where I may be off.

I tried to be as clear as possible but, if I confused you, that makes two of us  .

Thanks again,

Mark