Drop Spindles Wont Align

[71stub]

So I just put my drop spindles on from ECE with all new ball joints and tie rod ends, but when i took it to get aligned the guy said he couldnt get the camber just the way he wanted it because the bolts going through the frame and into the upper A-arm were not long enough and he ran out of adjustment before he got the camber where it should be. I know this guy very well and he has been aligning cars for 40 years so hes not filling me full of crap and i looked underneath and there is not many threads left showing through the nuts. Has anybody else had this problem? Can i replace the bolts or do i contact ECE? Thanks in advance.

[Palf70Step]

I have heard that from others who dropped theirs also. I know they make longer bolts just for that, I just can't remember who. Hopefully the others in the know will chime in soon.

[Boog]

From what I've heard normally installing just the lowered spindles there is no alignment probs. It's when 3" or more drop front springs are used that the alignment issue pops up. That is unless there is a bent frame or suspension parts.
I believe there are offset upper control arm shafts available but I forget who sells them. I'm sure someone else will pop in with that.

[uncle]

I've never had that problem and have several lowered 4" in front using ECE parts.

[lolife99]

I just installed CPP tubular upper arms to solve this very problem. 3" of drop spring and 2.5" of spindle. Longer upper bolts would definitely be cheaper.

[71stub]

It was aligned before the install and everything was fine. I replaced the stock springs with new stock height units. Anybody know where i can get longer bolts and how hard they are to install? I havent really looked at it that hard as i was pretty pissed when i spent all that money and it didnt work out.

[lolife99]

I think I would find a new alignment guy. Installing spindles doesn't change much. It's the use of drop springs (3" for sure) that screw with the camber/caster issues. Has the truck been wrecked? Bent frame maybe?

[Musclerodz]

Spindle won't change camber. The problem is with the springs you replaced.

[71stub]

Like i said it aligned fine before so i doubt the frame is bent. If the frame was bent i dont see how it would happen on both sides in the same manner. Ive had this guy align a lot of cars for me and hes been doin it for 40 years. I can tell the top of the tire is tipped in and theres not much thread left showing on these bolts to adjust it anymore. Nobody else has ran into this?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 71stub

Like i said it aligned fine before so i doubt the frame is bent. If the frame was bent i dont see how it would happen on both sides in the same manner. Ive had this guy align a lot of cars for me and hes been doin it for 40 years. I can tell the top of the tire is tipped in and theres not much thread left showing on these bolts to adjust it anymore. Nobody else has ran into this?

I've done more than a dozen vehicles personally w/dropped spindles & never encountered an alignment issue as a result of the spindle. I have seen the issue w/cut or dropped springs.

[71stub]

So i should try a different set of springs and it should resolve the issue?

[kevncar]

Is this something I'm going to run into with ECE dropped spindles and bags?

[Shane]

Originally Posted by 71stub

So i should try a different set of springs and it should resolve the issue?

No offense, but you should try another alignment guy first.

[Primered_69]

He may be a really good alignment guy with stock vehicles ...but does he have a lot of experience with lowered vehicles?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by primered_69

he may be a really good alignment guy with stock vehicles ...but does he have a lot of experience with lowered vehicles?

x2, not that it should matter. Raising the spindles hub vs stock spindles (which is what drop spindles do) doesn't affect the camber. A shorter spring on the other hand will affect the camber.

71stub, are you using the same exact springs that were in place for the last alignment?

[lowdownstar]

Hey lolife99
i am looking to install the same setup you just did. (I just installed CPP tubular upper arms to solve this very problem. 3" of drop spring and 2.5" of spindle.) was it worth it? i am going to need the lower A arms as well $$$$$

thanks Ray
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[71stub]

No, I used new springs and it seems to sit lower than the 2.5" i was expecting. I think i will order another set of springs and see what happens. Thanks for all the help.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 71stub

No, I used new springs and it seems to sit lower than the 2.5" i was expecting. I think i will order another set of springs and see what happens. Thanks for all the help.

You should have gotten 2.5" of drop from the dropped spindles alone. Try putting the stock springs back in. If it's not low enough for you, trim 1 coil off the springs.

[steelhorse]

They may have sent you the wrong springs.If you are put of adjustment on the control arm bolts its not your alignment guy.

[ChevLoRay]

I have had no problems with my ECE stuff. The alignment went to stock specs. We did replace the upper/lower control arm shafts and bushings, as well as the upper/lower ball joints, idler arm and pitman arm, as well as the outer tie rod ends and the center link.

But, the bottom line is that the specs went back to O.E.M. specs and it drives great.

[Steven B]

Check the springs. I had no problems with my dropped spindles either.

[70c10]

70GMCer had a similar problem and posted about the tie rod adjusting sleeves or something being installed backwards causing this on his. Do a search and hopefully that will help.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by 70c10

70GMCer had a similar problem and posted about the tie rod adjusting sleeves or something being installed backwards causing this on his. Do a search and hopefully that will help.

That would affect toe, not camber.

[70jnktrk]

I feel the need to chime in here...I just did the ESE 4/5 drop and had no problems. 2 1/2 dropped spindles with 1 1/2 springs on the front.They told me to align to factory specs..which it did no problem. Like everyone else has said it is the springs that create the need for alignment. I also found the guys at ESC to be MORE than helpful when I was doing my install. I was concerned whether or not the 5 inch drop springs in the rear would look the way I wanted..Mark told me if I paid the shipping they would swap the springs out for 6 inchers...hope this helps ...Steve

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by lowdownstar

Hey lolife99
i am looking to install the same setup you just did. (I just installed CPP tubular upper arms to solve this very problem. 3" of drop spring and 2.5" of spindle.) was it worth it? i am going to need the lower A arms as well $$$$$

thanks Ray
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Yes. My blazer drives better than it ever did. My problem was I already spent the money to rebuild the stock upper arms. If you eliminate that cost,... it makes these Cpp very reasonable. (because everything is new)