Drop Springs or Spindles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bluec10 · 01-25-2003, 07:28 PM

I'm continuing to do front-end work on my '68. I've put in a front crossmember from an '84 to give me disc brakes. Now I'm wondering about lowering. I want to go about 2/4. I know that drop spindles are available, but they cost. I also know that there are drop springs available. They are cheaper, but what are the drawbacks? Should I go with drop spindles or springs? I need some advice so I can get back to the catalogues and the dreamin...

Hotrod70C10 · 01-25-2003, 07:50 PM

If you don't want to go any lower than 2 inches I would say go with the drop springs.

ChevLoRay · 01-25-2003, 09:34 PM

I say, do both. Drop spindles for 2.5-inches AND another inch off the height with a set of springs. In the rear, consider notching the fraome, and going down a full 6-inches lower than stock.

Riles72 · 01-25-2003, 11:03 PM

I went with an early classic 2.5/4...i used spindles. My friend lowered his '76 with springs. Now, after numerous allignments, he's getting some weird tire wear.

Since your front end is from an '84, you can get spindles pretty cheap. Look in Truckin or something like that for good deals.

Also, If you do the 4/6 drop, you'll need to get the adjustable panard bar. I didn't have to use one of those with my 4" rear drop...Early Classic told us to install it and see if the centerline moved...and it didn't. They said the adjustable bar was mainly designed for drops greater than 4"...

basically, I just babbled to in a nutshell say, USE SPINDLES...you'll be glad you did down the road...figureatively speaking...

Riley

PanelDeland · 01-26-2003, 02:58 PM

McGaughy(sp) has spindles for $229.00.I think the spindles are a vetter plan because you have basically the same control arm adjustments as with the stock peices.The lowering springs require a lot more shims to alighn them and can cause the problems described above.

crazy longhorn · 01-26-2003, 04:55 PM

I would spend the cash on the 2 1/2" drop spindle if you can. The 2" drop spring will work, but should have an aftermarket shock(a bit shorter), or a top relocator bracket to keep the shock centered in its travel. Chances are by the time you get there.....you could have almost bought the spindle. Good luck.....crazyL

01-25-2003, 07:28 PM	#1
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	Drop Springs or Spindles? I'm continuing to do front-end work on my '68. I've put in a front crossmember from an '84 to give me disc brakes. Now I'm wondering about lowering. I want to go about 2/4. I know that drop spindles are available, but they cost. I also know that there are drop springs available. They are cheaper, but what are the drawbacks? Should I go with drop spindles or springs? I need some advice so I can get back to the catalogues and the dreamin... __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

01-25-2003, 07:50 PM	#2
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	If you don't want to go any lower than 2 inches I would say go with the drop springs. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

01-25-2003, 09:34 PM	#3
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I say, do both. Drop spindles for 2.5-inches AND another inch off the height with a set of springs. In the rear, consider notching the fraome, and going down a full 6-inches lower than stock. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

01-25-2003, 11:03 PM	#4
Riles72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Chickasha, Oklahoma Posts: 117	I went with an early classic 2.5/4...i used spindles. My friend lowered his '76 with springs. Now, after numerous allignments, he's getting some weird tire wear. Since your front end is from an '84, you can get spindles pretty cheap. Look in Truckin or something like that for good deals. Also, If you do the 4/6 drop, you'll need to get the adjustable panard bar. I didn't have to use one of those with my 4" rear drop...Early Classic told us to install it and see if the centerline moved...and it didn't. They said the adjustable bar was mainly designed for drops greater than 4"... basically, I just babbled to in a nutshell say, USE SPINDLES...you'll be glad you did down the road...figureatively speaking... Riley __________________ 72 Chevy short stepside 350/350 tilt, vintage air a/c sunset Orange Metallic paint Early Classic 2.5/4 drop eagle series 211 wheels

01-26-2003, 02:58 PM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	McGaughy(sp) has spindles for $229.00.I think the spindles are a vetter plan because you have basically the same control arm adjustments as with the stock peices.The lowering springs require a lot more shims to alighn them and can cause the problems described above. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-26-2003, 04:55 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I would spend the cash on the 2 1/2" drop spindle if you can. The 2" drop spring will work, but should have an aftermarket shock(a bit shorter), or a top relocator bracket to keep the shock centered in its travel. Chances are by the time you get there.....you could have almost bought the spindle. Good luck.....crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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