Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

Currently my truck has a pancaked crossmember, and drop springs. Along with a Gulstrand mod and moving the lower A arm forward to maximize the stock package. The whole truck basically started with how much could I polish factory parts for replacement simplicity.

I have been wanting to lower it more because I am bored, and I am getting ready to swap out my wounded motor.

Well since the motor is coming out perfect time to Z the front, and get a couple inches lower.

Or I could add drop spindles. Rather 2.5 or 3 inch versions.

I am in favor of the Z since I have all the tools, and cost would be minimal. Leaving money to buy the other parts I need to do the swap, and move my helper air bags. Is there any optimal amount to Z a frame? I was just thinking about 3 inches seems very popular.

Where as the spindles are a hour job, but my lower A arm is now closer to the ground. Which looks like it maybe a future issue with speed bumps.

What say you?

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

On my previous truck I had a sectioned crossmember, drop springs, and drop spindles, along with the other mods you mentioned to improve the stock geometry. Overall the truck drove very well. This was all on a '72. I never felt like the lower arms were too low.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...48e153ed_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6e481eea_b.jpg

If it were me it would be no question, drop spindles would give you a quick and easy additional 2.5" of drop. Raising the rails 2-3" introduces other fitment problems that need to be addressed like engine placement, steering shaft, core support, lines, etc. Now... to be up front I am actually raising the rails on my current build. :lol: However, this is only because I went coilover on this truck and the advertised drop is not enough, so I'm adding in the raised rails and a body drop to get where I want to be.

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

Thank you for the picture

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

Pancaked raised upper pivot and 2.5 spindle 1in forward and narrow arms and all said and done.
I wish we did a drop member works ok but the ackerman isn't right and the wheel hits the lower arms

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

That is a sweet set up.

Thanks for the pics.

Are you running wheel tubs or did you just remove them?

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

Out for now. Have a set of slosh tubs for it for a future project

Re: Z'd front vs drop spindles
 

The spindles are the easiest and most reversable. It can be done in essentially the same time as putting them in.
However, you might run into a scrub line problem. If something drags, when a tire goes flat, it can be quite a thing!
The Z doesn't fall into this, but it is a lot more work to do, in the first place.
Reversing can theoretically be done, but it is way more intense.