McGaughy drop spindles from ECE?

[HookEm67]

Finally found time to start install of 3.5/5 drop/disc brake conversion kit from ECE on my 67. Rear drop kit went on without a hitch. Ran into a situation on the drop spindles. The upper a arm hits the spindle and the upper ball joint doesn't seem to fit right. The spindles say "classic drop" 6072L and 6072R. All signs point to these being McGaughy spindles instead of ECE? Is that common practice for them? Nothing was mentioned when I ordered. And of course this comes to light on a Sunday so they're not open.

[leddzepp]

Pretty sure all USA made drop spindles come from the same foundry. The only difference I've seen are belltech spindles which are a 3" drop as opposed to a 2.5" drop. I've used all other brands with no issues.

[lolife99]

Does the upper a-arm contact the spindle when the truck is at ride height on the ground?
Or when the wheels are in the air with the a-arms at "full droop"?

[HookEm67]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Does the upper a-arm contact the spindle when the truck is at ride height on the ground?
Or when the wheels are in the air with the a-arms at "full droop"?

We did not finish installing them because they didn't seem to fit as they should. So I would go with "full droop"

[HookEm67]

It appears the "upper ball joint hole" is either tapered different or is too large for the upper ball joint stud.

[lolife99]

Ball joints have to match spindles.
One of the two is wrong.
63-70
71-72
73-87

What did you order parts for?

[HookEm67]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Ball joints have to match spindles.
One of the two is wrong.
63-70
71-72
73-87

What did you order parts for?

Ball joints are for 67-70 C10 (they were installed with the original drum brake spindles and fit fine)
Disc brake kit from ECE was ordered for 63-70 as well.
I just don't know how to confirm that the spindles I got are 63-70 spindles. Or is there a known problem with the McGaughy spindles not fitting the factory ball joints? Still perplexed why I got Mcgaughy spindles instead of Early Classic spindles.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by HookEm67

Ball joints are for 67-70 C10 (they were installed with the original drum brake spindles and fit fine)
Disc brake kit from ECE was ordered for 63-70 as well.
I just don't know how to confirm that the spindles I got are 63-70 spindles. Or is there a known problem with the McGaughy spindles not fitting the factory ball joints? Still perplexed why I got Mcgaughy spindles instead of Early Classic spindles.

Sorry for the Sunday afternoon P.I.A.
It happens to all of us, no?

Call 'em first thing in the morning. Or, first chance you get.
Mark or Stan will have all your answers.

Toll Free Order Line: 888.777.0395
Tech Line: 559.291.1611

You bought 'em there. Call on the Toll Free line.

[lolife99]

Years ago ECE substituted Western Chassis Spindles in their kits when their supplier couldn't keep up with their order demands.
ECE would never sell you an inferior product.
McGaughy's make a great spindle.
Call them,... theyy will make it right.

[HookEm67]

If the lower ball joint fits well, but the upper ball joint and tie rod end seem to be too loose, would that point to the spindle being a 71-72 spindle?

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by HookEm67

If the lower ball joint fits well, but the upper ball joint and tie rod end seem to be too loose, would that point to the spindle being a 71-72 spindle?

Yes.

[lolife99]

Even the lower should't fit if you have 63-70 lower balljoints.
71-72 and 73-87 trucks share the SAME lower balljoint.

Your 67 lower balljoint should be a different size/taper.

[HookEm67]

Talked to ECE today. They say they have confirmed that they are definitely 63-70 spindles.

[michael bustamante]

i thought the upper ball joint was the same for 67-72 and if you use 71-72 spindles you had to replace the lower ball joint.
i have mcgoughys spindles for 71-72 and this s what i did. no issues.
sorry i couldnt help more but im pretty sure the upper bj is the same for 67-72.

[HookEm67]

I've heard from more than one source now, including ECE, that 71-72 spindles would need 71-72 upper and lower ball joints plus tie rod ends. They gave me some things to go back and measure and let them know what I find. So hopefully I can get out of work on time and get something figured out. To their credit they have said numerous times they would make it right one way or another.

[michael bustamante]

yes the tie rods have to be 71-72 also. but when you look up upper ball joints for the truck youll see the same part # for up to 72. it is a good idea to replace them though regardless
and yeah i like early classic too. good company

[lolife99]

Not sure where you guys are getting your part numbers,... But they are two different upper ball joints.
63-70 or 71-72.
Even the lowers and outer tie rods are different.

The only part that is shared are the LOWER ball joints between the 71-72 trucks and the 73-87 trucks.

[HookEm67]

We replaced upper and lower ball joints about 8 months ago and went back with the old stock drum brakes. It went back together great when we did it. But I checked part numbers to see if maybe I put the wrong ball joints in and they look correct. However moog has different part #s for 67-70 and 71-72 upper ball joints. It looks like the lower ball joints were the same from 71 all the way up to 87 but different for 67-70. Upper ball joints have different part #s for 67-70, 71-72 and 73-87.

[michael bustamante]

my bad.... sorry

[70cst]

chevrolet c10 1967-1972 67-72 tailgate original barnfind - $2000 (nw valley)


He he can get $2000 ... Good for him.