lowering a arms? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-04-2005, 07:18 PM

Has anyone here used lowering a arms to drop there truck. I been told by one vendor they arent very good. Any one? And is it true that I wont be able to get the front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only ,

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-04-2005, 08:31 PM

I have a pair.. THey are not very good. These things costs a few hundred bucks and the pirch that the spring sits in is too wide. The welds are sloppy... They have a big square base that bolts up where the other a arm went but you can't get full headers in there very good after you put it in. I actually had to bend my ceramic coated headers a little and it was a *****. Your better off with either drop spindles and springs or bags.. there are too many choices to go with other than the tube a arms like I got. It only drops her about 2 1/2 anyway and they are not very attractive. Unless you know of several brands.. The one I got is from LMC. let me know if you guys know of another set .. I'm gettn rid of mine.

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-04-2005, 08:48 PM

The one vendor I spoke with about them says I wont be able to get my front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only Do you think thats true. He said I need to use spndles and springs or a arms and springs . What do you think?

GreyHoundSteve · 05-05-2005, 10:01 AM

I think you should do like the vendor says. I have never even seen 3" drop springs for the front. Who sells those? None of the vendors ive seen here sell more than a 2.5 drop spring and most of the vendors only sell 2" for the front. Spindles are an easy install and will drop you 2.5" right there and you can get a set of quality ones for the same price you would risk on a set of a-arms of questionable quality. Unless your just hell bent on new a-arms for some reason i would do like everyone says and use a drop spindle and no more than a 2" drop spring or bags.

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 01:53 PM

i think it is all in who makes them. i have a set that hasnt been put on yet, but they are made from factory a arms.

sneakysnake · 05-05-2005, 02:45 PM

You can align a 3" spring drop. the problem lies with jacking it up a short spring will fall out of its holder.

67chevemall · 05-05-2005, 02:53 PM

^ what he said

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 03:25 PM

If you want to go really low. just go with drop spindles and bags or a lowered pring. I don't think that you will be happy with the a-arms

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-05-2005, 07:18 PM

Greyhound steve ,GMC Pauls , Mother truckers and brothers all sell 3in front drop springs. Thats just to name a few. 68w/sbc406 Where did you get the lowering a arms and how much. They look way better than what I looked at ( tubes) Mistershotgun , I want to use spindels but I am married ,lol , I have to go the cheapest route. Thanks everyone for the help, Allso , With a 2/4 drop can I use stock shocks?

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 08:49 PM

i got them from a local place called charlies drop shop. he said that his internet site is like solo suspension or something like that. they were a present so i dont know the price

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 09:06 PM

Yeah.. tubes.. Tubular A arms from LMC. I think they were around 400 for the set. But I would trade them for some drop spindles any day.

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 09:09 PM

mine were less than 400 i think around 275-300

*screamin_c102* · 05-05-2005, 09:11 PM

Charlie's drop shop: http://www.dropitnow.net/parts.htm

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 09:14 PM

here is a picture of the fron end with the drop A arms. I don't have anything of the arms thenselves but I could get some and you guys would see what I mean.

*screamin_c102* · 05-05-2005, 09:18 PM

I'm baggin' Screamin' as soon as this term is over. I'll be running 2.5 drop spindles up front instead of the dropped A-arms and 2" blocks in the rear. I thought the LMC arms looked pretty weak myself.

68C15 · 05-05-2005, 11:11 PM

I made my own drop arms. just used some 3" long sections of 6" heavy wall tube to recess where the spring sits. then re-configured the ball joint angles on uppers & lowers to get them back in the middle of the travel arc. if needed I can get some pretty good pics since the body is off the frame in pieces. it netted me about a 5 inch drop. now for some 2 1/2 spindles & some bags & I will be set.

BTW, my alignemt took onle 1/16 worth of shims on the rears to get it perfect

**GMCPaul** · 05-06-2005, 07:14 AM

3" front drop springs often max out the studs where you shim upper a-arm for alignment and when maxed out they require off-set ball joints then to complete alignment properly( Off-set ball joints are Extremely Expensive ) and it is true that if you jack truck up anywhere in front other than under lower a-arm your springs will fall out as suspension sags when you raise the truck. Lowering springs of 3" in the front also make a vehicle more prone to bump steer problems not found when front is lowered using spindles.
GMCPaul

Bustedup · 05-06-2005, 01:30 PM

Charlies stuff works great and is very stout. I just took mine off to go with some lowered spindles for my C20. I also had two inch shorter springs and my truck aligment was fine. After I clean up the dropped lowers I'll have them for sale.

Orence1 · 05-06-2005, 02:43 PM

There is a lot of resistance to the lowered A-arms. I did a lot of investigation before doing the drop on my 72 LWB. I had two conversations with Charlie at Charlies Drop Shop/SoLow Suspension. I asked him about the concerns regarding alignment and excessive wear. He indicated that they have been doing lowered A-arms on chevy trucks for almost 20 years with no problems. All this being said, I chose to go with spindles and springs as my mechanic was more familiar with that modification. My thought would be that if the A-arms were a bad system he probably would have discontinued their use long ago. Again, just my opinion.

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-06-2005, 05:13 PM

I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

68w/sbc406 · 05-06-2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MISTERSHOTGUN

I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-06-2005, 08:52 PM

My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL

*screamin_c102* · 05-06-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARIOS68PANEL

My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL

Mario, you can get the 67-70 spindles and retain your current drum brake setup. Its all bolt-on or plug-and-play if you will.

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-06-2005, 09:10 PM

Where can I get spindles that work with drums? That is the way I should go.

*screamin_c102* · 05-06-2005, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARIOS68PANEL

Where can I get spindles that work with drums? That is the way I should go.

$700 or so from cpp, their kit is a drop spindle/disk conversion.
$260 from ECE (Carolina classic) but requires a disk conversion.

Check this out Mario... http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/spindles.html#C10spins

Chevy C10 / GMC C15 2.5" Drop Spindles:
Whether your C10 or C15 truck came with disc brakes or is
an early model that has been converted to discs, we have a
Western spindle for you that will bolt up perfectly to your
existing ball joints and tie rod ends without modification.
And because they're 2.5" spindles, they won't cause the
wheel clearance problems that some 3" spindles cause.
60-70: 219.95; 71-'72: 219.95; 73-87: 219.95 / pair

05-04-2005, 07:18 PM	#1
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	lowering a arms? front end Q. Has anyone here used lowering a arms to drop there truck. I been told by one vendor they arent very good. Any one? And is it true that I wont be able to get the front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only , __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom Last edited by MARIOS68PANEL; 05-04-2005 at 08:50 PM.

05-04-2005, 08:48 PM	#3
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	The one vendor I spoke with about them says I wont be able to get my front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only Do you think thats true. He said I need to use spndles and springs or a arms and springs . What do you think? __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-05-2005, 01:53 PM	#5
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	i think it is all in who makes them. i have a set that hasnt been put on yet, but they are made from factory a arms. Attached Images __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-05-2005, 07:18 PM	#9
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	Greyhound steve ,GMC Pauls , Mother truckers and brothers all sell 3in front drop springs. Thats just to name a few. 68w/sbc406 Where did you get the lowering a arms and how much. They look way better than what I looked at ( tubes) Mistershotgun , I want to use spindels but I am married ,lol , I have to go the cheapest route. Thanks everyone for the help, Allso , With a 2/4 drop can I use stock shocks? __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-05-2005, 08:49 PM	#10
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	i got them from a local place called charlies drop shop. he said that his internet site is like solo suspension or something like that. they were a present so i dont know the price __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-04-2005, 08:31 PM	#2
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	I have a pair.. THey are not very good. These things costs a few hundred bucks and the pirch that the spring sits in is too wide. The welds are sloppy... They have a big square base that bolts up where the other a arm went but you can't get full headers in there very good after you put it in. I actually had to bend my ceramic coated headers a little and it was a *****. Your better off with either drop spindles and springs or bags.. there are too many choices to go with other than the tube a arms like I got. It only drops her about 2 1/2 anyway and they are not very attractive. Unless you know of several brands.. The one I got is from LMC. let me know if you guys know of another set .. I'm gettn rid of mine.

05-05-2005, 10:01 AM	#4
GreyHoundSteve Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DFW TX Posts: 769	I think you should do like the vendor says. I have never even seen 3" drop springs for the front. Who sells those? None of the vendors ive seen here sell more than a 2.5 drop spring and most of the vendors only sell 2" for the front. Spindles are an easy install and will drop you 2.5" right there and you can get a set of quality ones for the same price you would risk on a set of a-arms of questionable quality. Unless your just hell bent on new a-arms for some reason i would do like everyone says and use a drop spindle and no more than a 2" drop spring or bags.

05-05-2005, 02:45 PM	#6
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	You can align a 3" spring drop. the problem lies with jacking it up a short spring will fall out of its holder.

05-05-2005, 02:53 PM	#7
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	^ what he said

05-05-2005, 03:25 PM	#8
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	If you want to go really low. just go with drop spindles and bags or a lowered pring. I don't think that you will be happy with the a-arms

05-05-2005, 09:06 PM	#11
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	Yeah.. tubes.. Tubular A arms from LMC. I think they were around 400 for the set. But I would trade them for some drop spindles any day.

05-05-2005, 09:09 PM	#12
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	mine were less than 400 i think around 275-300 __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-05-2005, 09:11 PM	#13
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Charlie's drop shop: http://www.dropitnow.net/parts.htm Last edited by screamin_c102; 05-05-2005 at 09:13 PM.

05-05-2005, 09:14 PM	#14
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	here is a picture of the fron end with the drop A arms. I don't have anything of the arms thenselves but I could get some and you guys would see what I mean. Attached Images

05-05-2005, 09:18 PM	#15
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	I'm baggin' Screamin' as soon as this term is over. I'll be running 2.5 drop spindles up front instead of the dropped A-arms and 2" blocks in the rear. I thought the LMC arms looked pretty weak myself.



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05-05-2005, 11:11 PM	#16
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	I made my own drop arms. just used some 3" long sections of 6" heavy wall tube to recess where the spring sits. then re-configured the ball joint angles on uppers & lowers to get them back in the middle of the travel arc. if needed I can get some pretty good pics since the body is off the frame in pieces. it netted me about a 5 inch drop. now for some 2 1/2 spindles & some bags & I will be set. BTW, my alignemt took onle 1/16 worth of shims on the rears to get it perfect __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card Last edited by 68C15; 05-05-2005 at 11:14 PM.

05-06-2005, 07:14 AM	#17
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	3" front drop springs often max out the studs where you shim upper a-arm for alignment and when maxed out they require off-set ball joints then to complete alignment properly( Off-set ball joints are Extremely Expensive ) and it is true that if you jack truck up anywhere in front other than under lower a-arm your springs will fall out as suspension sags when you raise the truck. Lowering springs of 3" in the front also make a vehicle more prone to bump steer problems not found when front is lowered using spindles. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

05-06-2005, 01:30 PM	#18
Bustedup Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Kent, Wash Posts: 53	Charlies stuff works great and is very stout. I just took mine off to go with some lowered spindles for my C20. I also had two inch shorter springs and my truck aligment was fine. After I clean up the dropped lowers I'll have them for sale.

05-06-2005, 02:43 PM	#19
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	There is a lot of resistance to the lowered A-arms. I did a lot of investigation before doing the drop on my 72 LWB. I had two conversations with Charlie at Charlies Drop Shop/SoLow Suspension. I asked him about the concerns regarding alignment and excessive wear. He indicated that they have been doing lowered A-arms on chevy trucks for almost 20 years with no problems. All this being said, I chose to go with spindles and springs as my mechanic was more familiar with that modification. My thought would be that if the A-arms were a bad system he probably would have discontinued their use long ago. Again, just my opinion.

05-06-2005, 05:13 PM	#20
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

05-06-2005, 08:52 PM	#22
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-06-2005, 09:10 PM	#24
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	Where can I get spindles that work with drums? That is the way I should go. __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

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