Dropped Spindles or Springs?

[Already Gone]

I need some advice cause I'm confused and don't want to ask vendors this question. I want to lower my longbox 72 and after reading nd looking can't figure out whether to use drop spindles or lower coil springs or both in the front. Some people do both and some just one or the other. Can someone tell me the pros and cons of using either or both. I have a big block in the truck and want to drop it 2" or 2 1/2" in the front and 4" or 5" in the rear. I will probably get the parts from ECE in Fresno as I've already bought some stuff from them and like the way they deal. I will be running P235/70R15's on Chevy 15X8 rims all the way around to start. The plan is to eventualy go to P255/60R17's in the front and P275/60R17's in the rear.

[Captkaos]

If you are only going 2-2.5", I recommend getting spindles. It doesn't change the current ride of the truck or the stock control arm geometery. With a spring drop, it will get a little stiffer, the control arms will "roll" up to their new posistion and the geometry will change because of this. Both methods REQUIRE alignment, but if I were planning this kind of drop, I would got with spindles.

[GreyHoundSteve]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

If you are only going 2-2.5", I recommend getting spindles. It doesn't change the current ride of the truck or the stock control arm geometery. With a spring drop, it will get a little stiffer, the control arms will "roll" up to their new posistion and the geometry will change because of this. Both methods REQUIRE alignment, but if I were planning this kind of drop, I would got with spindles.

Agreed. ECE makes 2 1/2 drop spindals for around $279 which is the only con i can think of because dropped springs only sell for around $100. Also, dropped spindals require front disk brakes. Those 2 things aside spindals are the BETTER way to drop it.

[Bryce M]

I know summit has DJM 3 inch drop spindles for 228 shipped they have other brands as well at the same price I think if you dont have front discs you might as well put them in as well since you will need them if you plan on stopping.....

[68LSS1]

If you go with the spindles check for clearance issues with the tie rod ends. If you have wide wheels or they are close now you MIGHT run into a problem.

[72BLAZERDUDE]

Make sure if you get spindles that they use original hardware. Some will fit but you have to change the ball joints and tie rod ends over to a newer 73 style.

[Tx Firefighter]

ECE spindles are way cheaper than that 269 quoted. Mine were 229 delivered to my door.

Frankly, either a spindle or a spring will drop your truck nicely. How much money do you want to spend? That should be the deciding factor. I'd say the ride difference isn't enough to really be concerned with.

I personally, use 2 inch springs for a mild drop, then spindles if I want even lower. I have never had any ride complaint issues with just a dropped spring myself.

[Already Gone]

I did forget to mention the truck does have disc brakes. Thanks for the suggestions and imput guys. From the answers I have recieved here it doesn't seem to matter whether you use use drop springs or dropped spindles but would get a harsher ride if you used both together. I guess I'll go with the 2 1/2 drop spindle and a spindle and a 5" drop in the back. Do yopu think I can go to a 5" rear drop withour C-notching as the only thing that will be in the back of the truck is air..Should I get a shock relocater kit and adjustable panhard bar for the 5" drop.

[Tx Firefighter]

You can easily go 6 inch drop in the rear without a c-notch. I've done it several times on different trucks of mine.

You should get the adjustable rod and shock relocators though.