Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

8T1stepper · 07-22-2011, 11:58 PM

I just got an 81 C10 and I am going to bag it all around.
I am running 28 inch tall tires, so do I need drop spindles to get the lower arms to lay?
Should I pie cut the control arms to to keep the ball joints from binding and cut the lowers to make them drop arms?
I plan on the ride hieght being as low as I can and still steer good, so I want the suspension to work good just a few inches off the ground.

SCOTI · 07-23-2011, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8T1stepper

I just got an 81 C10 and I am going to bag it all around.
I am running 28 inch tall tires, so do I need drop spindles to get the lower arms to lay?
Should I pie cut the control arms to to keep the ball joints from binding and cut the lowers to make them drop arms?
I plan on the ride hieght being as low as I can and still steer good, so I want the suspension to work good just a few inches off the ground.

If you want the "suspension to work good" @ that low ride height, drop spindles should be one of the first parts you purchase.

njlimbaugh · 07-23-2011, 09:32 AM

Cutting, welding and redesigning suspension parts is not something that should be undertaken by an amateur; or most professionals, come to think of it. It's tricky enough to remove and replace stock parts with well-engineered and thought out items and get the alignment back to specifications. With the amount of aftermarket stuff available these days, I can't imagine not being able to get your truck low enough with something pre-engineered for that purpose. Safety First!!

8T1stepper · 07-23-2011, 02:56 PM

Thanks for the impute.
I guess getting drop spindles will keep me from trying so hard to get it low.
I was just hoping that some hard work would save me some money for other things. I love to fabricate, But I will have plenty of that on the rear 4 link.
I'm going to raise the whole bed up so that the wood floor can look nice.

**N2TRUX** · 07-23-2011, 04:14 PM

Buying spindles is money well spent. You can only get so low anyway, unless you section the crossmember. Cutting the control arms is pointless because your not going to get that low unless you address the crossmember hitting the ground first.

Jamie McDavid · 07-24-2011, 11:19 AM

You can do it without drop spindles but you will wear out your tires and your ride will suck... Drop spindles and really worth the extra cash.

07-22-2011, 11:58 PM	#1
8T1stepper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: FREEKIN Windy Lubbock, Texas Posts: 13	Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? I just got an 81 C10 and I am going to bag it all around. I am running 28 inch tall tires, so do I need drop spindles to get the lower arms to lay? Should I pie cut the control arms to to keep the ball joints from binding and cut the lowers to make them drop arms? I plan on the ride hieght being as low as I can and still steer good, so I want the suspension to work good just a few inches off the ground.

07-23-2011, 09:32 AM	#3
njlimbaugh Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: LaFayette GA Posts: 111	Re: Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? Cutting, welding and redesigning suspension parts is not something that should be undertaken by an amateur; or most professionals, come to think of it. It's tricky enough to remove and replace stock parts with well-engineered and thought out items and get the alignment back to specifications. With the amount of aftermarket stuff available these days, I can't imagine not being able to get your truck low enough with something pre-engineered for that purpose. Safety First!!

07-23-2011, 02:56 PM	#4
8T1stepper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: FREEKIN Windy Lubbock, Texas Posts: 13	Re: Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? Thanks for the impute. I guess getting drop spindles will keep me from trying so hard to get it low. I was just hoping that some hard work would save me some money for other things. I love to fabricate, But I will have plenty of that on the rear 4 link. I'm going to raise the whole bed up so that the wood floor can look nice.

07-23-2011, 04:14 PM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? Buying spindles is money well spent. You can only get so low anyway, unless you section the crossmember. Cutting the control arms is pointless because your not going to get that low unless you address the crossmember hitting the ground first. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-24-2011, 11:19 AM	#6
Jamie McDavid Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 93	Re: Do I need drop spindles to get the front end on the ground? You can do it without drop spindles but you will wear out your tires and your ride will suck... Drop spindles and really worth the extra cash. __________________ White Lightning



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