Air Ride - Control Arms

[Android04]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I swapped to PB 1" Forward lowers for my dually. I noted the same concern as you after building some pocketed stock arms for it. There was >.500" clearance around the bag @ 30+ psi when I validated dimensions during their build phase. But once the weight of the all iron BBC & those chunky hubs were resting on things the bags (Firestones) had less than a yardstick clearance sitting still. That would yield a failure in the field @ some point so I ordered a pair of PB's arms & never looked back.

I wound up removing some RideTech arms (from the 1st batch they ever made) and getting PB's narrowed arms for my 64 as well. I wanted to pull the track width in a little more & his quality/customer service has always been excellent.

Are you running stock upper arms? I had nearly identical clearance with Firestone bags that you had so I went with a smaller SS7 bags (7" diameter). After seeing that minimal scaring I constantly have the fear of one rubbing.

I've read and heard nothing but great things from the PB arms. I also read on a thread with someone using ChoppinBlock arms that they had rubbing issues with Firestone 2600.

I'm leaning to going the same route. I know it's not cheap but my safety and peace of mind is worth it. HAHA

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Android04

Are you running stock upper arms? I had nearly identical clearance with Firestone bags that you had so I went with a smaller SS7 bags (7" diameter). After seeing that minimal scaring I constantly have the fear of one rubbing.

I've read and heard nothing but great things from the PB arms. I also read on a thread with someone using ChoppinBlock arms that they had rubbing issues with Firestone 2600.

I'm leaning to going the same route. I know it's not cheap but my safety and peace of mind is worth it. HAHA

Yes.... I have to. I can't run tubular uppers w/o adding complexity to my column-to-box steering shaft.

Tubular upper a-arms (& stock 73-87 OE arms) have large/larger bushing barrels where the arm shaft pivots which can interfere w/the OE placement straight steering shaft. With the 1.5" pancaked/raised x-member under the dually, the front driver side bushing barrel is 1.5" closer to the steering shaft & can make contact when the suspension cycles.

Others opt to run a multi u-joint/shaft set-up as the solution but I feel they add clutter where I was trying to reduce it. The fix for me was using the old style OE upper arm w/the smaller bushing footprint (HD arms have the same style bushings as 63-72 C10 arms) & notching it so there's clearance when air'd out.

Keep it stupid simple and Dummy Low.

[Android04]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Yes.... I have to. I can't run tubular uppers w/o adding complexity to my column-to-box steering shaft.

Tubular upper a-arms (& stock 73-87 OE arms) have large/larger bushing barrels where the arm shaft pivots which can interfere w/the OE placement straight steering shaft. With the 1.5" pancaked/raised x-member under the dually, the front driver side bushing barrel is 1.5" closer to the steering shaft & can make contact when the suspension cycles.

Others opt to run a multi u-joint/shaft set-up as the solution but I feel they add clutter where I was trying to reduce it. The fix for me was using the old style OE upper arm w/the smaller bushing footprint (HD arms have the same style bushings as 63-72 C10 arms) & notching it so there's clearance when air'd out.

Keep it stupid simple and Dummy Low.

Thank you sir for always educating. I plan to bag my dually as well in the next couple of years.

[Android04]

Originally Posted by vin63

No issues on my end. I run a pair of Slam Specialties 6" dia. SS air springs. I had the CCP lower control arms on my truck before the last build up, so about 15 years.

Thanks for the update. 15 years is beyond impressive!

Originally Posted by lolife99

Yes I have Porterbuilt 1” forward arms on my ‘69.
I’ve never dealt with Choppinblock.
I know PBfab will talk to you before building anything for your truck.
They want to make sure you are satisfied with their product and know all your options.
They have great customer service.

Thank you for your input.