Log in

View Full Version : 2nd Gen spindles in a 67

Black93GT
08-25-2010, 04:12 AM
So while researching which tall spindle I want I read a description of the Heidt's spindle that states it will update the 67-69 geometry to that of the 2nd gen... So why not swap ball joints and drop in a 2nd gen spindle?
Black93GT
08-26-2010, 03:40 AM
I figured there would be an answer or two on this one already. I've never crawled under a second gen to know the differences. I've searched and searched this one.... Scoured page by page. But there just seems to be a lack of info. Hopefully I can find one in a local pick and pull to snag a set.
BMR Tech
08-26-2010, 12:56 PM
The first gen is rear steer (gearbox and steering linkage is behind the spindle centerline) and the second gen is front steer. Even if you could adapt them with a front steer rack and pinion, the ball joint tapers are different too.
Black93GT
08-26-2010, 08:47 PM
front steer?? perfect!! My LS1 donor is front steer rack and pinion so i'm headed that direction anyhow.

I think I'm going to do a budget junkyard spindle swap just to do it and get a nicer set of spindles after i get this thing going.

Thanks for your info!!
BMR Tech
08-27-2010, 09:00 AM
No problem, make it happen and have fun! Any plans on how you will address the different ball joint tapers? The 2nd gen upper ball joint will bolt into a 1st gen A-arm so that will work fine but the lower press-in joint will require some fabrication to make work. The body of the second gen joint is larger than that of the first gen...
Black93GT
08-30-2010, 07:52 PM
Well if the bottom ball is of a different diameter then I'll either machine a piece to weld in. It can never be this easy but I'd imagine of all the ball joints produced there has to be something with the 2nd gen taper and 1st gen mount dia.
deuce_454
08-30-2010, 11:47 PM
why not just install tall ball joints.. www.scandc.com it will accomplish the same as a taller spindle, but it wont mess up your steering

and it bolts in
Black93GT
08-31-2010, 03:03 AM
why not just install tall ball joints.. www.scandc.com it will accomplish the same as a taller spindle, but it wont mess up your steering and it bolts in Well my initial question was poised as I was looking at Heidt's taller spindles which are described as being 1.5" taller and changing the geometry to the 70-81 camaro suspension. My thinking is what would it take to swap the 2nd gen spindle as it would make sense (if possible) as a low budget upgrade.
deuce_454
08-31-2010, 06:06 AM
the steering geometry is different from gen1 to gen2.. so its not practical or cheap to do ... taller balljoints installed with 67 spindles accomplish the same... (the spindleheight is measured from joint to joint, so taller spindle with stock joints, or stock spindle with tall joints are the same...)

http://www.scandc.com/suspensions.htm

you can for between 450 and 750 dollars rebuild your front end, and get an adjustable upper arm that will yield geometry thats equal to or better than the heidts spindle.... (and the heidts spindle plus 4 ball joints is much more expensive to)