lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hurtsme2 · 03-19-2008, 06:29 PM

one vs. the other the good the bad the ugly. Any thoughts advice. I'm going for 5-6 front drop so what ever way I go coils will be used as well.
thanks

gchemist · 03-19-2008, 07:52 PM

Spindal keep the factory geometry for alignment. Springs push the wheel out. I would use both for any drop more than 3".

zombiescustoms · 03-19-2008, 08:14 PM

spindles are the cheapest way to go just bought mine for $139 plus shipping, LCAs are good alco but about double the price.

**slepysal** · 03-19-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombiescustoms

spindles are the cheapest way to go just bought mine for $139 plus shipping, LCAs are good alco but about double the price.

Were did you get them from ?

zombiescustoms · 03-19-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

Were did you get them from ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370031278766

these are 3" and they have them for any configuration, my burb is a 3/4 ton with 1.25 rotors, 8 lug of course.

**slepysal** · 03-20-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombiescustoms

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370031278766

these are 3" and they have them for any configuration, my burb is a 3/4 ton with 1.25 rotors, 8 lug of course.

Wow thats a great price, any issues with them as far as fit/ quality ?

**Captkaos** · 03-19-2008, 08:22 PM

Neg -
-Spindles push the tire out.
-LCA's decrease your ground clearan (under the lowest point of the truck and some generic shops "can't" align them properly.

Pos -
Spindles don't effect the ride, and are generally easier to have a generic shop to align them
LCA's don't affect ride and keep the wheel in the same position.

You can't use these together.

C-10volvo · 03-19-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Neg -
-Spindles push the tire out.
-LCA's decrease your ground clearan (under the lowest point of the truck and some generic shops "can't" align them properly.

Pos -
Spindles don't effect the ride, and are generally easier to have a generic shop to align them
LCA's don't affect ride and keep the wheel in the same position.

You can't use these together.

Agreed.
Also depending on what wheels you have, there may be some grinding on the spindle for clearance. A 6 inch front drop (3'' spindle with 3'' spring) may be hard to drive without the aid of bags unless you live where there's only fresh tarmac and no speed bumps.

zombiescustoms · 03-19-2008, 08:56 PM

I had 3" spindles and 3" springs on my '80 and had no issues with "pushing the tire out" the spindle is exactlly the same as the stocker bit has the axel portion moved up.

Mr79C10 · 03-20-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Neg -
-Spindles push the tire out.
-LCA's decrease your ground clearan (under the lowest point of the truck and some generic shops "can't" align them properly.

Pos -
Spindles don't effect the ride, and are generally easier to have a generic shop to align them
LCA's don't affect ride and keep the wheel in the same position.

You can't use these together.

So true on that, Generic shops WONT even try to align it. I had to wait for a buddy to get free time at his shop to get it right.

LOHRTBT · 03-19-2008, 09:38 PM

so what do you use for a 4/6 for the front ? 2 inch spindle and 2 inch spring?

bigblock73 · 03-19-2008, 09:53 PM

Dave, 3" spindles and a 1" spring. Bell Tech offers each.

I believe Western Chassis has 2.5" spindles and maybe 1.5" springs.

I have never seen a drop spindle increase track width in front...my Bell Tech ones didn't at least.

454HO · 03-19-2008, 10:42 PM

I've done it both ways on different trucks. In my opinion, there is no benefit to LCA's that justify the extra cost over a quality spindle.

LOHRTBT · 03-19-2008, 11:33 PM

I thought if you went with a 3" spindle you had to do some grinding if on 15" wheels?

zombiescustoms · 03-19-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOHRTBT

I thought if you went with a 3" spindle you had to do some grinding if on 15" wheels?

not sure, my 80 had 17" and my burb has 20"

bigblock73 · 03-20-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOHRTBT

I thought if you went with a 3" spindle you had to do some grinding if on 15" wheels?

Depends on the offset/backspace of the 15" wheel. If you run a 2/5" spindle, you shouldn't encounter any of those problems regardless of offset/backspace.

I had to trim my LCA to clear my 15" wheels after the drop spindle install.

69BBsuburban · 03-20-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOHRTBT

I thought if you went with a 3" spindle you had to do some grinding if on 15" wheels?

Most likey will need to do some "slight" clearancing on the caliper if using 3" spindles and factory 15"s....as well as aluminum aftermarket 15" wheels, as aluminum wheels are thicker in the cross section.

**slepysal** · 03-20-2008, 02:40 AM

Yea let me know !!! Be safe on your trip

**slepysal** · 03-22-2008, 03:48 AM

So Zombie how did the install go ?

zombiescustoms · 03-22-2008, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

So Zombie how did the install go ?

Very well, I had the spindles done in about an hour and a half, no issues, the hardest part was the left rear shackle, on a burb you have to make an access hole in the spare tire well for the bolts to come out, the spindles were as nice as the last set I used, which were westerns I think, the toe was way out of wack because they move the tie rod attachment point in to clear wider wheels, all in all very pleased, I have heard all the negitive things about AIM products but the spindles were fine, and for the price you cannot go wrong!!!

**slepysal** · 03-22-2008, 05:46 AM

Very cool thanks !!

RWJJR · 03-22-2008, 05:20 PM

Can you run stock shocks if you do a spindel only drop??

1979 Chevy stepside · 03-23-2008, 04:40 AM

Yep you can run stock ones on there but if they have been on a long time like mine were its prob better to spend the extra and get the new shocks. I did my spindles today in bout 3 hours, took me a little longer than i figured due to the lower Ball joint not wanting to pop out as planned.. i had to pull out the persuader to assist me. Other than that it was easy to do and looks really good. Tommorow its onto the rear end once i get the box off.

Wild83C10 · 03-23-2008, 06:04 PM

Another advantage to LCAs is they provide a better ball joint angles. I used 3" lowering LCAs and lowering springs. I also purchased new tubular upper control arms. I had to put in longer studs for the uppers to get the correct alignment. The LCAs are nice and they sit level to the ground which is better for handling. I don't think I had any issues with ground clearance that I can remember. I have 17" rims so I didn't have any issues there either.

454HO · 05-24-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

I had to put in longer studs for the uppers to get the correct alignment.

Hey Wild83C10, where did you get the longer studs from? I have waaaay too much neg camber with my DJM 3" drop control arms.

03-19-2008, 06:29 PM	#1
hurtsme2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: the great state of Florida Posts: 13	lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms one vs. the other the good the bad the ugly. Any thoughts advice. I'm going for 5-6 front drop so what ever way I go coils will be used as well. thanks

03-19-2008, 07:52 PM	#2
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Spindal keep the factory geometry for alignment. Springs push the wheel out. I would use both for any drop more than 3". __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

03-19-2008, 08:14 PM	#3
zombiescustoms Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Abingdon, MD Posts: 74	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms spindles are the cheapest way to go just bought mine for $139 plus shipping, LCAs are good alco but about double the price.

03-19-2008, 08:22 PM	#7
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Neg - -Spindles push the tire out. -LCA's decrease your ground clearan (under the lowest point of the truck and some generic shops "can't" align them properly. Pos - Spindles don't effect the ride, and are generally easier to have a generic shop to align them LCA's don't affect ride and keep the wheel in the same position. You can't use these together. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

03-19-2008, 08:56 PM	#9
zombiescustoms Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Abingdon, MD Posts: 74	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms I had 3" spindles and 3" springs on my '80 and had no issues with "pushing the tire out" the spindle is exactlly the same as the stocker bit has the axel portion moved up.

03-19-2008, 09:38 PM	#11
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms so what do you use for a 4/6 for the front ? 2 inch spindle and 2 inch spring? __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-19-2008, 09:53 PM	#12
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Dave, 3" spindles and a 1" spring. Bell Tech offers each. I believe Western Chassis has 2.5" spindles and maybe 1.5" springs. I have never seen a drop spindle increase track width in front...my Bell Tech ones didn't at least. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 03-19-2008 at 09:54 PM.

03-19-2008, 10:42 PM	#13
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,224	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms I've done it both ways on different trucks. In my opinion, there is no benefit to LCA's that justify the extra cost over a quality spindle. __________________ - Greg

03-19-2008, 11:33 PM	#14
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms I thought if you went with a 3" spindle you had to do some grinding if on 15" wheels? __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-20-2008, 02:40 AM	#18
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Yea let me know !!! Be safe on your trip __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

03-22-2008, 03:48 AM	#19
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms So Zombie how did the install go ? __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

03-22-2008, 05:46 AM	#21
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Very cool thanks !! __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

03-22-2008, 05:20 PM	#22
RWJJR Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: EAST TENNESSEE Posts: 233	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Can you run stock shocks if you do a spindel only drop?? __________________ 1980 Silverado short bed 1993 GMC 1500 LS swap 2006 Lifted Z71 Crew Cab Last edited by RWJJR; 03-22-2008 at 05:21 PM.

03-23-2008, 04:40 AM	#23
1979 Chevy stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 14	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Yep you can run stock ones on there but if they have been on a long time like mine were its prob better to spend the extra and get the new shocks. I did my spindles today in bout 3 hours, took me a little longer than i figured due to the lower Ball joint not wanting to pop out as planned.. i had to pull out the persuader to assist me. Other than that it was easy to do and looks really good. Tommorow its onto the rear end once i get the box off.

03-23-2008, 06:04 PM	#24
Wild83C10 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 910	Re: lowering spindles vs. Lowering control arms Another advantage to LCAs is they provide a better ball joint angles. I used 3" lowering LCAs and lowering springs. I also purchased new tubular upper control arms. I had to put in longer studs for the uppers to get the correct alignment. The LCAs are nice and they sit level to the ground which is better for handling. I don't think I had any issues with ground clearance that I can remember. I have 17" rims so I didn't have any issues there either. __________________ 83 C10 Stepside (SOLD, it was a blast!) 383 MASS-FLO EFI/TKO II 600/3.90 Posi 10 bolt S475 and C4 DM running, fine tuning turbo= Douchebag Racing: Runs Fine all the Time



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