been a while since i posted - ready to start the build. now more ?s

[neverwinter]

hey all,
hope everyone had wonderful holidays and things are well. I recently sold a bunch of stuff inc my 67 dart GT and some bike parts. wanting to thin the herd and gain some focus. my attention has turned to my 63 c10 and thought id ask some questions before blindly making idiotic purchases.

after picking up the truck i brought it to have it looked over by my mechanic whom i trust very much. he noted a bunch of things that can / should be addressed so i decided to tackle that by snatching up a 79 c10 frame with 2 in drop spindles in front, nearly brand new american tq thrust wheels and tires, and power steering. i already ordered the kit to do the power steering conversion and to use the rear axle from the 79 as well.

i was told my ball joints are ok as is - not great but not dire either. they are pressed in so prob originals. after removing the upper and lower control arms they could use some cleaning, maybe some refreshing of parts, maybe some paint/powder, and they are HEAVY beasts (well the lowers anyway).

do tubular control arms make much of a difference with 2 in dropped spindles? would they even work in tandem? i dont want the truck on the ground. or should i just save the cash and put it towards something else down the line? a full set is about 600 from summit. saves weight, etc. or is there just no need? eventually i want to add a crate 350 and maybe some basic hop ups because ideally i will use this truck as much as possible in new england inc tougher climates. my plan is to keep this truck for a while i just dont want to toss cash out if not needed.

thanks all

- jason
ps -im not worried about keeping originality but i will keep all take off parts anyway.

[protrash64]

If you have your control arms apart put in new b/j's.....its like a 100bucks in parts. Tops are not pressed in; riveted. New ones bolt in easily.

Dont use drop control arms with drop spindles as you will create a scrubline issue. Some aftermarket control arms have no drop; they are just an upgraded replacement part and are fine to use. Just make sure you know what you're looking at.

IMO, there is no need for tubular control arms. They do look cool!! They can improve geometry for air ride and add strength for road racing but not neccessary. The stockers still work 45 years later, right? There are lots of places to spend $$$ on the truck that may be more useful. Unlimited budget?? Hell, tube a-arms in chrome!!!

[neverwinter]

awesome advice - many thanks. might as well just do the suspension stuff now. i built a website for a powder coat company so hope they will hook me up with getting all the front stuff blasted and simple black and clean. that 600 could COULD go to a shiny crate engine but we'll see. want to drive evrything before going to crazy and ripping out the 283. tho i have read on here that simply dropping that 350 )the 290 hp one) makes a big difference. i want to be able to hit the highway - dont need to drag race with it but def want to feel like i can go for a long ride and not be a grandpa!

[protrash64]

Exactly; dollars add up fast on an engine swap when you figure all new hoses, fuel pumps, gaskets, plugs, wires, new radiator, etc.

Using the '79 frame will save you a bunch of work. The rear axle will be wider, so check your bed for clearance. You will also need new axle perches to match the trailing arms.

Spend some of that dough on brakes!! Nice new ms/cyl + booster, for instance.