73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: zaphos on March 20, 2013, 06:28:56 pm
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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
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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
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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