3" drop spindle/control arm clearance issue

[bagged74]

I have used DJM 3" drop spindles before and had to do some grinding on the spindle where the caliper mountsto get the factory rally wheels to work. I just installed a set of 3" TrailMaster spindles that I bought off Ebay. I had no clearance issues with the spindle itself, but the wheel is hitting the control arm. I did some grinding on the end of the arm itself to clear the wheel. The problem is that the wheel is hitting the control arm when I turn. I dont really want to do a lot of grinding on the control arm as I wont be running these wheels for long.
Can I use a 7" rally wheel to get some more clearance. I know they have 1/2" less backspacing which should help. Does anyone know for sure?

[72MARIO]

I remember reading about the 3" spindles needing a 17" or bigger wheel. I would also agree that the narrow rims could help. SCOTI has a pretty low beater I wonder if he has 3" spindles .. Cause he is using Van rallys.

[SCOTI]

My beater has 2.5" Western Chassis spindles.

I do have 3" Bell Tech spindles on my 74 & used the same stock 6.5" van ralleys w/o any problems. Once I put the 18x8's on there, I did have to trim the lower a-arm & it still rubs if I turn too far. If I had used less b.space (4.75 ~ 5") it wouldn't be an issue but then it might be rubbing on the outside somewhere. I picked my poison.

[Tx Firefighter]

I run 3 inch spindles on my Blazer and had to use a 7 inch van rallys in the front for clearance. With the 8 inch truck rally, it rubbed badly.

[N2TRUX]

I wish you had asked about this "before" you put the 73-87 front clip under there. My solution was to grind the lip off all the way back to the shock mount. I cut a boxing plate out of 3/16" and welded it to the bottom of the control arm to prevent it from cracking. I recessed it a bit so it didn't hang down....

[bagged74]

you have any pics?? I didnt think the 73-87 spindles would be that big of an issue. I already had them, for the 86, so I figured I would just use them.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by bagged74

you have any pics?? I didnt think the 73-87 spindles would be that big of an issue. I already had them, for the 86, so I figured I would just use them.

I thinks it's more about the amount of drop from the spindles vs. the year they're intended for.

I prefer the 73-87 stuff because replacement parts are easier to find. Try finding a 71-72 centerlink so everything will bolt up.... 73 & later are much easier to find.

[bagged74]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I thinks it's more about the amount of drop from the spindles vs. the year they're intended for.

I prefer the 73-87 stuff because replacement parts are easier to find. Try finding a 71-72 centerlink so everything will bolt up.... 73 & later are much easier to find.

yeah, thats kinda what I was thinking. I thougth I would change the centerlink to the later model when I add the power steering next week. That way I can use the pitman arm that is already on the steering box.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by bagged74

you have any pics?? I didnt think the 73-87 spindles would be that big of an issue. I already had them, for the 86, so I figured I would just use them.

No this was back when I first lowered my 82 Blazer. I didn't have a digi-cam then. Check with Keith (n2billet) he just put that suspension under his 68. He may have a chance to get a pic of it.

It's not a big deal really. I just made some templates and cut out 3/16's boxing plates that started right behind the ball joint area and went back about 6". It just would have been a very simple job if you had done it "before" it was under the truck...