lower control arms ground clearance

[bohmankid]

For you static drop guys, what would be the best 5-6" drop combo with maximum clearance for the lower control arms?

My truck currently has 3" djm spindles, and stock coils cut. About a 5-6" drop. The control arms are only an inch or two from the ground. Any recommendations?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by bohmankid

For you static drop guys, what would be the best 5-6" drop combo with maximum clearance for the lower control arms?

My truck currently has 3" djm spindles, and stock coils cut. About a 5-6" drop. The control arms are only an inch or two from the ground. Any recommendations?

For additional clearance, you need to raise the x-member & inner a-arm pivot points. The options are:

• replacing it w/an aftermarket set-up
• sectioning/notching an OE unit
• 'Z-ing' the front clip/rails

[Dano69c10]

I have to second what Scoti says.

Easiest is aftermarket crossmember, like a Porterbuilt unit. $$$

Cheapest is a pancaked stock xmember. You can gain 1.5" of clearance and still use your stock steering/suspension. Any more than 1.5" you're going to have to fab up an r&p set-up.

[SCOTI]

Another possible option would be aftermarket a-arms. I believe units like Porterbuilts offer additional ground clearance. Not as much clearance as when raising the pivot points, but when used in conjunction w/say the notched x-member it could offer more.

One would have to sit down & figure the 'cost vs clearance' to see what works best for their budget.

[cdowns]

taller tires give more lower control arm clearance

[blazins10]

i did a 2 inch section on my factory crossmember without replacing any steering parts
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[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by blazins10

i did a 2 inch section on my factory crossmember without replacing any steering parts
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You modified the steering as well then?

[blazins10]

raised steering box and idler up 3/4 inch
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[Dano69c10]

Originally Posted by blazins10

raised steering box and idler up 3/4 inch
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Really?
Didn't affect the tie rod, center link, ball joint angles?

[blazins10]

ive done many of them , and dont really see any side effects
if u have bags it tends to toe out at full lift but u dont drive like that so....
ive owned 3 trucks ive done it to including a 90 burban i put over 100k pulling a trailer
and the new owner is still driving it
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[wraprail]

If it tends to toe out at full lift then it has what's called Bump steer.
This can be dangerous and should be avoided.
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[blazins10]

I don't drive any of my lowered trucks 10-12 inches off the ground
So not really to concerned about it
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[chevyrestoguy]

Z'ing the chassis the cheapest method that gains the most clearance. The cost is essentially the material for the boxing plates and gussets, and many of us have those pieces in our scrap pile. If the cuts are placed correctly, the radiator, steering box, and steering linkage all remain in the stock location. I went up 2" and forward 1" to center the wheels in the fender openings.

Z'ing is the cheapest, but it will require the most labor. You have to take into consideration the cutting, welding, and fabrication labor. You will also have to take into consideration the mods you have to do to the stock inner fenders if you decide to run them them. I'm a regular guy, and I don't own a chassis shop, so I don't put a dollar figure to my labor.

[tinydb84]

I got a quote from a reputable shop to Z my truck (with the engine out-I'm swaping it anyway) for $675. He said another $200 or so if I wanted all the steering stuff done. I might do the steering myself so for 675 and 2-3 inches of drop (or clearance) isnt bad.

[xabichin67]

Originally Posted by blazins10

raised steering box and idler up 3/4 inch
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Wouldn't it be better to raise the steering up the same distance as the section. Just curious as I have a 2" sectioned cross member and getting ready to put it in and raise the steering.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by xabichin67

Wouldn't it be better to raise the steering up the same distance as the section. Just curious as I have a 2" sectioned cross member and getting ready to put it in and raise the steering.

It would be but I'm betting clearance plays a BIG part in how much things can be raised.

[blazins10]

yes it would 3/4 is max without notching into frame and will still need to mod the tops of the control arms at the bushings and weld a ear into the frame for the upper box bolt and notch the upper control a for steering shaft clearance
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