View Full Version : lower ball joint to disc spindle qustions


DG
Sep 5th, 99, 9:01 AM
I have a 70 Chevelle Malibu. The previous owner changed the front drum brakes to disc. I think he mentioned a 74 Monte Carlo as the donor.

I was thinking of keeping these discs instead of trying to locate a decent set from a 70-72 GM A body (see post http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum7/HTML/000707.html ) and swapping them out.

One thing I noticed is that the lower ball joint does not stick thru the spindle's lower mount enuff to use a cotter pin to secure the castle nut. This I am told is also an indicator of a 73 and up Monte Carlo swap.

I wanted to see if there is a ball joint availible that would fit on my stock control arm that would fit properly to this spindle?

Is it possible to clearly identify the spindle I have?
Thanks



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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

Scooter
Sep 5th, 99, 9:14 AM
It sounds like the original 70 lower ball joint was used. The 70 has a different taper to it and the stud is shorter than the 74 ball joint. The 70 ball joint is also smaller in diameter where it goes into the lower control arm, which means a 74 ball joint will be too big. There is a ball joint made with the correct diameter to fit your lower control arm, and with the correct stud to fit the 74 spindle, but I don't know the part # of it. Maybe someone else can help with that one.

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70 & 1/2 RS Camaro
SB406 & M20 4spd
9" Rear
70 Malibu
SB350 & TH400

Gold Member # 103

Brob
Sep 5th, 99, 10:19 AM
It sound like the previous owner did'nt change the lower ball joint for the later year Monte Carlo. You might check the upper ball joint the same rational applies as far as years go.

Lower Ball Joint
64 to 72 Use the same ball joint K5103
Moog #
73 to 88 Use a different ball joint K6145
Moog #

Upper Ball Joint#
64-72 K5108
73-88 K5208


Source is from an 1997 Mooge Catalog
Sorry I don't know the taper

These ball joints fit all Monte Carlo, El Camino, Chevelle & Malibu

Befor edit I had transposed part numbers sorry

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[This message has been edited by Brob (edited 09-06-99).]

Wes V
Sep 5th, 99, 10:45 AM
This is going to sound REAL painful, but I'd recommend that you locate the local distributor of suspension parts to the repair shops and bring in one of the spindles! That way, you can get the ball joint that is correct in both taper and length.

Please don't "jury rig" this, for obvious reasons!

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference & Wagons sections
Gold Member #5

DG
Sep 5th, 99, 1:34 PM
I have contacted the suspension parts houses on this. I am waiting for a reply.

Scooter, <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>There is a ball joint made with the correct diameter to fit your lower control arm, and with the correct stud to fit the 74 spindle, but I don't know the part # of it<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Where have you heard this, I'm interested?

Wes V, <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Please don't "jury rig" this, for obvious reasons!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>, If I can't make this safe, I'll toss the 74 spindles and buy a kit or scrounge some more for a 70-72 OEM set. I haven't driven the car all summer since I took the fenders off for metal work.

Thanks for all the replies, but I need some part ##'s guys before I get the fenders back. Of course if some one has a bare set (I have every thing else) of 70 spindles I'd appreciate an email. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif




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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086


[This message has been edited by DG (edited 09-05-99).]

[This message has been edited by DG (edited 09-08-99).]

Schurkey
Sep 5th, 99, 11:24 PM
You need the same ball joint kit that was "invented" by H-O Racing, and I think it is still sold by Malibu Performance. Seems to me that the '74 Monte used the same spindle as the 2nd Gen Camaro, often used for tall spindle disc conversion.

There was a discussion here years ago about the lower ball joints being standard issue units for whatever the spindle came off of, ('74 Monte in your case) but with .080 machined off of the press fit diameter. I have NOT verified this, and include it only to refresh other's memories.

One problem--using the wrong taper ball joint stud may have caused wear or other problems in your present spindles. Inspect ALL THREE holes in each spindle! (Upper BJ, Lower BJ and tie rod end. Those were all part of the H-O conversion kit.)

Brob
Sep 6th, 99, 6:51 AM
DG Thanks I had transposed my Moog part numbers check my edited message

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Tino
Sep 6th, 99, 7:15 AM
DG,
Schurkey is correct that the Monte(73+) and Camaro(70-77) used the same spindles for 73+. The p/n's are: left 329249, right 329350. As far as the ball joints, the upper is 338388( fits all(70-77) Camaro,Chevelle, NOva,Monte), the lower is Camaro(70-77) - 9756251, Chevelle/Monte(70-72) -3875067, and Nova(70-74) - 3875067. The Camaro(70-77) and Monte(73+) also share the same lower control arms p/n 6260592. Hope it helps.


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Tino #28 Gold

DG
Sep 6th, 99, 9:09 AM
Schurkey,
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>You need the same ball joint kit that was "invented" by H-O Racing, and I think it is still sold by Malibu Performance. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I knew there must have been some sort of kit for this swap. I cannot find HO or Malibu performance in the back of the HR, CC, CHP mags I have lying around. Anyone have their number?

Tino, thanks for the part #'s, I'll print this out again.

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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

JeffK
Sep 6th, 99, 9:35 AM
Here's the phone number to Malibu Perf:

818-222-6725

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JeffK ACES #01510
Team Chevelle Gold #72
496 EFI/Richmond 6-Speed
JeffK@chevelles.com
www.athenet.net/~chevelle (http://www.athenet.net/~chevelle)

DG
Sep 7th, 99, 10:03 AM
JeffK,
I talked to Malibu Performance this morning. No luck getting ball joints to work on my current spindles if they are from a 74 Monte.

BUT, they have a conversion kit if I find a set of 70-81 Camaro disc spindles. I would get 4 ball joints and outer tie-rod ends for $175. Might try to go that route.

I just called a few local wrecking yards and I can get a complete set of these Camaro spindles for $60. Anyone done this swap recently, using Malibu Performance ball joints? I figure I might as well do upper & lower bushings too.


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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086


[This message has been edited by DG (edited 09-07-99).]

[This message has been edited by DG (edited 09-07-99).]

Brob
Sep 7th, 99, 1:35 PM
DG I'm presently gathering parts to convert my 64 Chevell to disk. I'm using 78 Camaro spindles. I bought the pair of lower machined ball joint's from Mailbu Performance $92.00

Everything else I bought from Autozone who now owns Chief and appears to be about 25% less than Pep Boys.

Upper ball joints for 1970-81 Camero Moog Part number K5208 McQuay # FA 688 $11.99 ea

Tire Rod ends for 1975-81 Camero Moog Part number ES441RL. McQuay # Es441R $8.99 ea

The outside diameter of the tie rod is larger than the stock one. The tie rod sleeves is split to accomodate this difference just loosen the bolts.

Calipers # 90147 & 90148 $11.99 ea. exchange old core

Brake hose #88542 $15.99 ea.
Bearings $5.99 ea.
Seals #8871 $1.99 ea.
New attach bolts # H5002 $3.39 ea.


I purchased everything at Autozone. They carry Mcquay Norris but converted everythin over from my Moog numbers.

I also bought "off set" Upper Control Arms to get more negetive camber Moog # K5250 $96.00
Getting hard to find. Autozone could not interchange this one to McQuay Norris. Found a store that stocked Moog parts, not many stores carry Moog in my area.

I also bougt a rebuilt power booster with new master clynder for $175.00 from Holland Specialties.

e mail hollandspecialts@hotmail.com

714-539-8586



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DG
Sep 7th, 99, 5:29 PM
Allright Brob!!!,
I was quoted about $100 for the conversion lower ball joints from Malibu Performance if I found 70-81 Camaro spindles. I can get a complete set from a yard for $60.

I do have an AutoZone local, how much are rotors going to cost?

And did you have to get the offset upper shafts?

I may score somethign usable at the Springfield swap this weekend. Other wise I'll start with the Camaro spindles. By the way what is the casting # on your spindles?
Thanks

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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

Brob
Sep 8th, 99, 9:37 AM
DG Please go back and edit the quote you entered under Brob. I've E mailed you the correction and restated in a previous post. I had reversed the part numbers for the years ie.

Lower Ball Joint Fits all Monte Carlo, El Camino Chevelle & Mailbu Source Pages out of an 1997 Moog Catalog

64-72 is a K5103 Moog
73-88 is a K6145 Moog

Upper Ball Joint

64-72 is a K5108
73-88 is a K5208


Camero
Upper Ball joint all Moog Numpers
67-69 is a K5108
70-81 is a K5208
Camero
Lower Ball Joint
67-69 is a K5103
70-81 is a K6145


1993-96
Camero & Z28
Upper is a K6462
Lower Is a K6145


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[This message has been edited by Brob (edited 09-08-99).]

[This message has been edited by Brob (edited 09-08-99).]

DG
Sep 8th, 99, 12:08 PM
Brob, I just deleted it from the quoted message. This is great info. I'll have to print this out again.

Does anyone have any tips ID-ing GM spindles for for the swap meet this weekend? Should I go buy a "By the numbers book"?
Thanks

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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086




[This message has been edited by DG (edited 09-08-99).]

Philip
Sep 8th, 99, 12:43 PM
Brob, what are you going to use for upper control arms?? I heard they had to be changed to use the Camaro spindles. I'm going to remove some from a 79 Camaro this weekend and should I also get the upper arms?

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Philip Valentine
Lakeside, AZ
Team Chevelle Member #42 GOLD
philip@chevelles.com

Brob
Sep 8th, 99, 7:52 PM
DG I promis this is my last posts unless you have a question

Casting numbers on My Spindes which are of a 1978 Z28 Camero:

There a lot of numberon these castings. these are the numbers that may be castings#
position of numbers on this page is revelant

371675 L

Also on the same spindle
875LH 17
Next Spindle

371676 RH
8 GM
Also some where elso on the arm

676RH 8

There seems to be some correlation with the last three digets??? Help Scotty "Beam me Something"

Everything I have written is because of the information I have read and gathered about the subject on this "GREAT WEB Site.


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[This message has been edited by Brob (edited 09-09-99).]

DG
Sep 9th, 99, 6:28 AM
I just got this email from Performance suspension.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>IT sounds as though you have the 73-77 spindle and will need a 73-77 lower ball joint that has been machined down to fit in your lower arms. This is a popular swap. We should be able to get the ball joints for around $30 ea.

Call Dave at 1-800-572-3768.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll give him a call and let this post know how that goes.

Oh Brob, I have not found any casting # on the 70 Chevelle spindles I have.

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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

Brob
Sep 9th, 99, 1:00 PM
64 Elcamino I'm using my stock "A" arms with the offset control arm kit Moog number K5250. You don't have to use this offset kit all it does is give you more negative camber so you use less shims. The high dollar "A" arm that Global and Hotkins sell does the same thing maybe better?? I havent read where the Camero "A" arms are compatable, thats why we use the Camero ball joints to fit the tall spindles.

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[This message has been edited by Brob (edited 09-09-99).]

DG
Sep 11th, 99, 9:12 PM
But Brob, does the Camaro lower ball joints mount to your stock Chevelle lower arm and fit properly? That is where my problem began?

No luck today at the swap meet finding 70 Chevelle disc spindles.

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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

Scooter
Sep 12th, 99, 10:23 AM
The 73+ Camaro/Chevelle Lower ball joint will not fit into your 70 chevelle lower control arm without machining it down about .080 as Shurkey mentioned.

DG:
If you get part #'s for those ball joints, please post them. I will be doing the same swap on my son's 70 chevelle using 76 Cutlass tall spindles and will need those ball joints at sometime. He's only 7 now, so I have some time, but I've been gathering parts for it.

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70 & 1/2 RS Camaro
SB406 & M20 4spd
9" Rear
70 Malibu
SB350 & TH400

Gold Member # 103

Brob
Sep 16th, 99, 3:25 PM
Scotter Go back up this string. I posted a lot of part number that may be of use to you.



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ChiefWax
Mar 28th, 08, 10:57 PM
oh man I know this is from 10 years ago but I'm having the same problem. My spindle part numbers are
371676 RH
and 371675 LH

Is there any new information I can get?

I have original 70 Chevelle with these spindles...
I tried looking up malibu performance but there is no luck...whats new to help this situation?