FRONT DROP (arms, coils, spindles, no bags?)

[sactoC10]

There are those of us out here who are not thrilled about airbag suspension, yet we still want our trucks low and lower.

Has anyone run the combination of lower tubular control arms, with drop coils and drop spindles to get the front down less than 6 inches? If so, how did it work out? It seems do-able, as the only item that changes the factory geometry are the shorter coil springs...no?

[SCOTI]

My combo is 2.5" western chassis dropped spindles & 1 coil cut from the stock springs. It's prob equal to about a 5.5-6" front drop. I couldn't go anymore w/o removing the inner wheel tubs.

Since I don't have the combo your inquiring about, I can only tell about what info I learned while seeking answers to various questions. I believe the manufacturers of both don't recommend using their products in a combination because you would end up w/some severe tie-rod & a-arm angles.

Dropped a-arms affect the suspension geometry the same as cutting springs or installing shorter springs. The ride won't change because your just dropping the location of the spring seat, but the geometry changes. Now add in shorter springs & this exaggerates the effects. As for adding the spindles, my guess is you'll start having some interference issues w/the tie-rods/calipers & rim b.spacing.

[sactoC10]

Well I have a spring and spindle drop, but it seems that it could be lower without having to use bags. I'm not really interested in swapping out lower control arms, for I've heard bad things about them hanging low... but I thought it was worth asking.

Thanks.

[John Fabris]

We did a 64 GMC 1/2 ton, used 2" drop lower control arms, 2" drop springs, and 2" drop spindles, and man that thing sat low!! Went to drive it, and every time you step on the brakes, the front end would bottom out!!!! Went back to stock springs with one coil cut out, and seems to be holding OK.

[sactoC10]

Have a picture anywhere of that ride? Here's mine as I noted, and you can clearly see that I have plenty of room and clearance to get a inch or two lower. I'll be getting 245 tires on there next week to replace the 235's, but that won't make much of a difference.

[sactoC10]

oops, forgot to add picture

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Sacto you got side view pic's of your ride you could post????

[Glen]

dont forget though, the reason we run bags is so we can lift the thing up to get in and out of driveways without ripping the bumpers off.

I find the whole up and down thing to be embarrassing and try not to use them when in public.

[sactoC10]

I haven't been happy yet with the profile, so I've not yet taken that picture! Soon, very soon...maybe a week or two. Jeff

[Low69CST]

sactoC10, just curious why you don't like air bags. They seem to be the way to do a serious drop and still have any claim to ride quality.