I have a 63 c10 1/2 ton. Someone switched out the spindles and drag link before I got it. I have a ton of slop in the suspension so I purchased a rebuild kit (63-72 series) and it is all too small. I am guessing I need to go 73, but I hate to make the same mistake again.
Anyone have a quick tip on how to identify which year I am dealing with?
Thinking we need a bunch more details and info before we can offer some useful help.
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I have a ton of slop in the suspension so I purchased a rebuild kit (63-72 series) and it is all too small.
What kind of kit/suspension components did you buy???
What part/parts are too small???
As noted above, providing detailed overall and close up pictures of what you are dealing with will go a long way towards folks being able to provide some direction or guidance.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Hey guys. Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the lack of info. I got the spindle off so I have the numbers now. I have attached a photo, but here are the numbers on it: B/02 5 8274263 NL14.
The truck has 2” lowering springs in the front. The kit I ordered was a 60-66 front suspension rebuild kit from BrothersTrucks.
I have also noticed that the tie rod opening on the drag link in my vehicle is not the same as the opening on the spindle. A tie rod that will fit on the drag link won’t fit through the spindle arm.
Based on that photo, your truck has disc brakes. A 63 truck did not come with disc brakes so you need to determine what year conversion kit the previous owner installed. It has to be something from 72 up. Generally aftermarket suppliers won't tell you what parts are used in their kits so you will have to sort it out Fred.
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes 2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans 1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
Just a Wild Guess , but if you use the pictured casting date code "B 02 5", my thinking would indicate an actual date of February 02 1975 (maybe or could be 1985).
I tried searching for more info using the pictured casting number, but found nothing directly confirming what it is.
Just lots of ads for "dropped" spindles for sale.
Maybe take the spindle (and measurements of the drag link tie rod opening) to your local flaps and do a counter check for fit of your piece with '75 and '85 listed parts. Should be possible to find a match by elimination.
Let us know what you figure out.
Happy New Year
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
, but if you use the pictured casting date code "B 02 5", my thinking would indicate an actual date of February 02 1975 (maybe or could be 1985). 
