stepped lower control arm, want to lower 2"

[MT71c-10]

I have a 71 c-10 lwb 350, manual trans was original, with Chisolm stepped 1 1/2" tubular lower control arms. I need to lower the front 2" to match up the fender gap with the rear. From ground to top of fender arch is (I think 32", can't remember and it is up in air now) So that brings me to a few questions.

1. There is a sticker on the control arm that says ( do not use drop spindles or other devices to lower this vehicle beyond the design limits of this assembly) I would like to use spindles but springs will be fine, but can I do this safely?

2. If I can use lowered springs, I am going to cut a coil or two to see if that will match up to what I want?

3. I don't know if I already have a lowered spring on this truck, does anybody have a set of stock springs off a matching truck that could give me a free length measurement, or know how to find out what I have?

Thanks for your time guys.
Nick

[chevy_mike]

Don't know about the spring question but I think not using dropped spindles may be due to wheel clearance with the A arm.

Since the wheel is effectively raised but the arm is in the "stock" location, the wheel is now closer to the bottom of the A arm. If you add dropped spindles, then the wheel is that amount closer and with 15" wheels, would rub. Now if you are using 18"+ size wheels, this may not be an issue.

At least that's my .02 worth.

[Captkaos]

You cannot use lower control arms and lower spindles together, it puts the control arm below the rim and in the event of a flat, you will loose control. With 15" rims, this will basically be an accident waiting to happen.

[MT71c-10]

AHHH Now I understand. I've got 17" rims, but I think I'll just go the spring route. So with the springs, are they thinking that if you hit a large bump, or go a little "Dukes of Hazard" the spring could fall out when the suspension unloads? I'm fairly new to the hobby and just trying to learn, but I've got a bad habit of overthinking everything I do which makes me ask too many (dumb?) questions. My 6 year old drives with me alot and just want it to be safe.


Would it be safe to cut the coils (then later this winter replace with lowered coils) with these control arms?

[CG]

You can use lower coils but like previously stated...You cant mix dropped spindles and lowered a arms.

[67chevemall]

What they said. You can cut the coils but there is a point where like you said they become lose. Just jack the front end up. If you can wiggle them around they need to be longer......When I bought my truck one was too short so I had something to go with.
3/4" longer did the trick

[67chevemall]

Or just put bags on there and adjust it.,..WAY easier