bought this el camino (71) and found spindles with the caliper brackets as part of the spindle, also the steering arm is integral too,
rotors are PN 5547, which is S10 rotor, problem is ball joints and tie rod ends DO NOT seat far enough into the spindle to allow cotter pin to install.
anyone have an idea what I have? or best way to correct this?
I'll include a couple pics in hopes this makes it more clear.
thanks for the assist !
doghouse

What kind of person would DO THAT to an elcamino?

Looks like they left in the OE balljoints. The tapers don't match whatever car/truck they pulled the spindles out of. That couldn't be more unsafe except if they just left the castle nuts off altogether.

Do you want a cheap solution? Or the correct solution?

anyone have an idea what I have?

This one (https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-bin/vm91corp30r/item-dtl.w?sid=abjdbudnjOaittdc013672781111501179&item=697-905&icrid=&clt=hwrap1&vsrch_str=&vsrch_brand=all&vsrch_cat=Steering%20Knuckles&st_amount=&end_amount=&start=&vfrom=&prev=&vnext=&category_list=1600:1122:0:0:0) looks a lot like yours. This is the list of all the models (https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-bin/vm91corp30r/buyers_guide.w?sid=abjdbudnjOaittdc013672781111501 179&item=697-905&clt=hwrap1&vsrch_str=&vsrch_brand=all&vsrch_cat=Steering%20Knuckles&st_amount=&end_amount=&start=&vfrom=&prev=&vnext=&category_list=1600:1122:0:0:0:0) it was used on.

best way to correct this?

Changing the ball joints and tie-rod might be cheaper, but will they fit in the A-arms and tie-rod sleeve? Changing the spindles might be your best bet.

I would like to go to a dropped spindle, and use std parts,
std parts could be 71 el co parts, or upgrades.
the rotors on the car are new, but rusty, I can clean them,
but what spindles/ calipers/ brackets will I need?
"Muscle Factory" has spindles that use S10 rotors/ calipers, but do they afffect steering, alignment?
I do not have the steering arms that are OEM.
I am finding so much 1/2 a$$ed stuff done to this car, I cannot trust any previous work done to it.
oh well, was supposed to be a budget car, LOL

I would like to go to a dropped spindle, and use std parts,
std parts could be 71 el co parts, or upgrades.
the rotors on the car are new, but rusty, I can clean them,
but what spindles/ calipers/ brackets will I need?
"Muscle Factory" has spindles that use S10 rotors/ calipers, but do they afffect steering, alignment?
I do not have the steering arms that are OEM.
I am finding so much 1/2 a$ stuff done to this car, I cannot trust any previous work done to it.
oh well, was supposed to be a budget car, LOL

If you want original parts: you have this spindle (JJ348) from Year One (http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?input=spindle&SM=1&SC=0) and this steering arm from east coast chevelle (http://eastcoastchevelle.com/productview.php?cat=Suspension&id=1237557567) or these used steering arms (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-1972-GM-A-body-disc-steering-arms-Chevelle-GTO-442_W0QQitemZ330407137917QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2010 0223?IMSfp=TL100223145011r23585).

thanks for the links/ info !!!!!!

From everything I have read, the s10 brakes leave a lot to be desired. I would find brakes from a Chevelle or El Camino. If you want to up grade them beyond that. Check out some of the other threads here on TC.