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front spindle differences?

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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 05:05 PM
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Default front spindle differences?

Does anyone know if their are any differences in the disc brake spindles for c2 and c3? I know they use different bearings after 1969 but is that the only difference?
Thanks for the input
Ben Russell
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 05:09 PM
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I am not technically qualified to answer your question, but if no one else responds, call VanSteel and ask. Good Luck.
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by needforspeed150
Does anyone know if their are any differences in the disc brake spindles for c2 and c3? I know they use different bearings after 1969 but is that the only difference?
Thanks for the input
Ben Russell
The only difference is the spindle diameter (and thus the bearings).

Edit: Oops, forgot - the steering arm bolt holes are larger too.

Last edited by JohnZ; Oct 5, 2007 at 11:29 AM.
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
The only difference is the spindle diameter (and thus the bearings).

how about the two holes for the steering arm?? in 1969 they became 1/2".
redvetracr
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 06:24 PM
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Also the hubs are different. FYI the rear hubs are also stronger on the later c3's (more solid).

When I went to the c3 front spindles I needed:

spindles, hubs & bearings, and steering arms.

Hope that helps.
Chuck

Last edited by Wilkinshc; Oct 4, 2007 at 06:25 PM. Reason: gramar
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Wilkinshc
FYI the rear hubs are also stronger on the later c3's (more solid).
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
The only difference is the spindle diameter (and thus the bearings).
Just for clarification, didn't the 68s still use the small spindles and bearings?

And why does a Corvette need 3/4-ton truck rated bearings, anyway? 1/2-ton GM trucks of the era used smaller front spindles than 69-82 Corvettes.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:16 AM
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Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Just for clarification, didn't the 68s still use the small spindles and bearings?

And why does a Corvette need 3/4-ton truck rated bearings, anyway? 1/2-ton GM trucks of the era used smaller front spindles than 69-82 Corvettes.
Yeah, they changed in 69.

Cornering stress, I'd guess...
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Wilkinshc
Also the hubs are different. FYI the rear hubs are also stronger on the later c3's (more solid).
Oh - are you talking about the bearing support change?

The later ones weigh more but I didn't know they are stronger...
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 02:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Steve439
Cornering stress, I'd guess...
Seems like overkill. Were racing C2s experiencing a lot of strange bearing wear?
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Seems like overkill. Were racing C2s experiencing a lot of strange bearing wear?
That's a good question.

You'd think if they went to that much trouble 1/2" studs would have been worth it too.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 02:10 PM
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Mag wheels with lotsa offset and leaning hard on real sticky tires in the turns have cost me a LOT of wheel bearings over the last 40 years.....and some axles too.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 02:48 PM
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Go around the banking of Pocono at what 130-140 mph with 10" slicks on the front and then talk to me about bigger bearings. BTW, I never broke a 7/16 stud. If I had I probably wouldn't be able to tell this story.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:42 PM
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The Chevrolet Power Manual (now out of print) recommends the later model spindles and hubs in the Corvette race preparation section.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve439
That's a good question.

You'd think if they went to that much trouble 1/2" studs would have been worth it too.
Exactly. Since my AR wheels aren't hub-centric, I've upgraded to 1/2" studs. Not the most fun job I've ever done on my car... C4s finally got the 1/2" studs, I have no idea why C3s were stuck with dinky 7/16" studs (with very small splined areas) while using those enormous spindles. It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense from an engineering standpoint.

Last edited by I'm Batman; Oct 5, 2007 at 06:03 PM.
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:01 PM
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For the record there were three different front spindles used from 65-82. The 65-67 used the small bearing spindles and hubs. The holes through the spindle for the steering knuckle were 7/16". In 68 the spindle still used the small bearing spindle and hubs but the steering knuckle holes were 1/2" From 69-82 they were all large bearing spindles and hubs and the holes were 1/2" If you guys need any of them we are a supporting vendor and offer our prices with no core charge and free shipping.

www.duntovmotors.com
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve439
Oh - are you talking about the bearing support change?

The later ones weigh more but I didn't know they are stronger...
Exactly, if you look inside there is alot more material. Sorry it took so long to answer.

Chuck
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:59 PM
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Thanks for all the response guys.
Great help.
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