Question about Dropped Spindles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

smbrouss70 · 10-19-2003, 11:54 PM

I'm getting ready to order dropped spindles and disc brakes for my 70 C-10 pickup. I was wondering who made the best spindle for this. I am currently considering ECE or McGaughy's. I want a spindle that will use the original ball joints and tie-rod ends, since I just rebuilt the front suspension about 8 months ago. Also, will I be able to use my factory wheels for now with the 6 lug disc brakes, or will I have caliper clearance issues? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tx Firefighter · 10-20-2003, 09:52 AM

Either ECE or McGaughys spindles will suit you fine. Both are true bolt on spindles. That said, I just put a set on my 70 and I went with ECE. Several years ago, when I built my 69, ECE was the only name in town for the drop spindles, so I bought a set (about 5 years ago). McGaughys spindles are new on the market, they actually copied ECE's idea. I ordered the ECE spindles again because I know they give great customer service. Plus ECE has the spindles on sale for 220 pr, which is comparable to the McGaughys units.

You will be fine with the stock wheels. They'll fit over the caliper fine.

Kevin

smbrouss70 · 10-20-2003, 11:13 AM

Thanks, that's just what I needed to know

wdz28ss · 10-20-2003, 11:49 PM

One vote for ECE for me too. I like 'em.

smbrouss70 · 10-21-2003, 12:23 AM

I have talked to Dave at ECE and am completely impressed, he is sincere, knowledgable and just a generally nice guy... not pushy for a sale or anything. I've decided to go with their 4 1/2 - 6 drop (w/ 2" front springs instead of 1 1/2") and will be ordering tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendations.

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2003, 06:13 AM

I just lowered my truck 4.5/6 last week using ECE stuff. It works perfect!

GMC JUNKIE TOO · 10-21-2003, 01:58 PM

If you have stock 15x7 wheels they wont work! I put McGaughys drop spindles and 6-lug disc brake kit the stock wheels hit the calipers and wouldent turn. I got a set of 15x8 wheels off an 80's 4x4 they work and look good

Frank_Zeller · 10-21-2003, 05:09 PM

Have McGaughys on mine. No problems. Only complaint would be they did not break the sharp edges after machining. I have the stock steel 5x5 15x6 rims. But I have the the ECE rear 6 drop and sway bar mount and their harware is first class.

smbrouss70 · 10-21-2003, 07:22 PM

Quote:

the stock wheels hit the calipers and wouldent turn

According to Dave at ECE there were 2 different suppliers of wheels to GM. one fits over the disc brakes and the other one doesn't, I drew this picture to show how the wheels are different on the inside (brake side) the one that steps down will clear and the one that goes up to the wheel center at an angle will not clear. Please excuse the crude drawing, but it gets the point across. I have 2 sets of factory wheels one set should clear and the other shouldn't accrording to Dave. Once my parts come in I'll try them both on to be sure that he is correct.

GMC JUNKIE TOO · 10-22-2003, 12:29 AM

I had the wheels on the left. I wonder why there was a difference in the wheels?

cheyenne10 · 10-22-2003, 06:07 PM

I have noticed 2 styles of 6 lug wheels. One I identified by having rivets on inside face and ones that did not. I think I had the ones with rivets interfere with stock disc brakes. Anyone else observed this?

smbrouss70 · 10-23-2003, 10:41 PM

I have one set of each type of wheels (that I drew), and neither one had rivets... Maybe there was a 3rd type???

ZOOMY · 11-08-2003, 10:45 PM

ECE all the way Tried & true.

Hotrod70C10 · 11-09-2003, 01:13 AM

I have McGaughy's spindles and love them! Either one will put a smile on your face, BTW The rest of my components are from ECE.

**GMCPaul** · 11-10-2003, 07:20 AM

We stock the Classic Drop Spindles manufactured by McGaughy's and all the disc brake and drop components. Since were located in the Central USA you will most likely save a considerable amount in shipping charges on these kits over buying from a west coast supplier as all of these parts are extremely heavy with a set of spindles weighing 52lbs a pair, and rotors weighing 55lbs a pair.
GMCPaul

smbrouss70 · 01-02-2004, 04:12 AM

Neither one of the types of original steel wheels would clear the calipers... REALLY ticked me off, but ticked the wife off even more. So in a pinch to be able to drive my truck to work I had to buy the "cheapest" wheels that I could find. Really goofy looking though.

But the suspension is great, can't say enough good things about it.

10-19-2003, 11:54 PM	#1
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	Question about Dropped Spindles I'm getting ready to order dropped spindles and disc brakes for my 70 C-10 pickup. I was wondering who made the best spindle for this. I am currently considering ECE or McGaughy's. I want a spindle that will use the original ball joints and tie-rod ends, since I just rebuilt the front suspension about 8 months ago. Also, will I be able to use my factory wheels for now with the 6 lug disc brakes, or will I have caliper clearance issues? Any help will be greatly appreciated. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

10-20-2003, 09:52 AM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Either ECE or McGaughys spindles will suit you fine. Both are true bolt on spindles. That said, I just put a set on my 70 and I went with ECE. Several years ago, when I built my 69, ECE was the only name in town for the drop spindles, so I bought a set (about 5 years ago). McGaughys spindles are new on the market, they actually copied ECE's idea. I ordered the ECE spindles again because I know they give great customer service. Plus ECE has the spindles on sale for 220 pr, which is comparable to the McGaughys units. You will be fine with the stock wheels. They'll fit over the caliper fine. Kevin __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-20-2003, 11:13 AM	#3
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	Thanks, that's just what I needed to know __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

10-20-2003, 11:49 PM	#4
wdz28ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Clinton, Ut Posts: 230	One vote for ECE for me too. I like 'em. __________________ '72 Cheyenne super, short-fleet, air-tilt-tach, fuel injected LT1, 700r4, 3.08 posi, 4WDB, step notched and bagged. "the one i wish i still had"

10-21-2003, 12:23 AM	#5
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	I have talked to Dave at ECE and am completely impressed, he is sincere, knowledgable and just a generally nice guy... not pushy for a sale or anything. I've decided to go with their 4 1/2 - 6 drop (w/ 2" front springs instead of 1 1/2") and will be ordering tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendations. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

10-21-2003, 06:13 AM	#6
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I just lowered my truck 4.5/6 last week using ECE stuff. It works perfect! __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-21-2003, 01:58 PM	#7
GMC JUNKIE TOO THE QUICKER FIXERUPER Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ok Posts: 615	If you have stock 15x7 wheels they wont work! I put McGaughys drop spindles and 6-lug disc brake kit the stock wheels hit the calipers and wouldent turn. I got a set of 15x8 wheels off an 80's 4x4 they work and look good

10-21-2003, 05:09 PM	#8
Frank_Zeller Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 796	Have McGaughys on mine. No problems. Only complaint would be they did not break the sharp edges after machining. I have the stock steel 5x5 15x6 rims. But I have the the ECE rear 6 drop and sway bar mount and their harware is first class. __________________ 69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas Last edited by Frank_Zeller; 10-22-2003 at 08:59 AM.

10-22-2003, 12:29 AM	#10
GMC JUNKIE TOO THE QUICKER FIXERUPER Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ok Posts: 615	I had the wheels on the left. I wonder why there was a difference in the wheels?

10-22-2003, 06:07 PM	#11
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	6 lug wheels I have noticed 2 styles of 6 lug wheels. One I identified by having rivets on inside face and ones that did not. I think I had the ones with rivets interfere with stock disc brakes. Anyone else observed this? __________________ Bob

10-23-2003, 10:41 PM	#12
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	I have one set of each type of wheels (that I drew), and neither one had rivets... Maybe there was a 3rd type??? __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

11-08-2003, 10:45 PM	#13
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	spindles ECE all the way Tried & true.

11-09-2003, 01:13 AM	#14
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	I have McGaughy's spindles and love them! Either one will put a smile on your face, BTW The rest of my components are from ECE. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

11-10-2003, 07:20 AM	#15
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,719	We stock the Classic Drop Spindles manufactured by McGaughy's and all the disc brake and drop components. Since were located in the Central USA you will most likely save a considerable amount in shipping charges on these kits over buying from a west coast supplier as all of these parts are extremely heavy with a set of spindles weighing 52lbs a pair, and rotors weighing 55lbs a pair. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

01-02-2004, 04:12 AM	#16
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	BAD NEWS!! Neither one of the types of original steel wheels would clear the calipers... REALLY ticked me off, but ticked the wife off even more. So in a pinch to be able to drive my truck to work I had to buy the "cheapest" wheels that I could find. Really goofy looking though. But the suspension is great, can't say enough good things about it. Attached Images __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build



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