84 with a Dropmember

[1LoC10]

looks awesome man... i really got to move out there by you...lol

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by boxrodz

The Dropmember is a nice piece (like everyone says).
Thanks for showcasing it here.

I've followed your thread (http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201898) in the Suspension forum as well as some of the other's Dropmember threads. Most of the information provided centers around the 67-72 crowd. If I may, would you field a few questions about the Dropmember in the 73-87 trucks?

1) I understand that the Dropmember is designed with the use of the Strong Arms LCA, although it will also work with the stock LCA with no modifications necessary. Is it correct to assume that the air bag mounting plates are parallel to each other at ride height? Is this also the case if one uses the stock LCA with, say, a plate (or cup) for the lower air mount? What would the distance between the two parallel mounting surfaces be? I'm wondering if a 224C (instead of a RE7) would maintain the parallel mounting surfaces of the bag's ride height at ~5 1/4".

The air bag mounting plates are parallel at ride height. Stock arms work great,and I also can supply a bolt-on plate to be used for the lower bag mount. An ART lower arm will allow the truck to set approx. 1 inch lower than the factory lower arm and PB plate combo (when using a Slam bag). The Firestone bag will bolt-up and work just fine... and allows the truck to rest approx. .5" lower when deflated.

2) Although the Dropmember relocates the engine a ‘couple of inches’ forward and upward, no modifications are needed to the firewall and tunnel for clearance. Would this be accurate for a SBC as well as a Gen III?

This is accurate with a SBC and as for the GenIII... I have not installedone in the square body, but Hill's Hot Rods' has and did not mention any firewall clearance issues... they're even running the coil-pack covers on the motor (it's in Jason's Hard-top Blazer).

3) Is it possible to retain the geometry of the R&P steering, if the stock outer tie rod ends are shortened and re-threaded? You mentioned in your thread, that both the outer tie rod ends and the R&P, had to be shortened. I'm wondering for these trucks, if only the outer tie rod ends can be shortened without shortening the R&P.

The outer tie-rod end of the rack needs to be shortened... the actual outer tie-rod end used on the kit is a chromoly heim joint with associated hardware. Factory C-10 outer tie-rod end will not work.

BTW, you mentioned that the tracking of the Dropmember setup is narrower where the rotor face to rotor face width on the regular Dropmember is 60". From my measurements, the stock width is ~ 61 5/8” from outer surface of the rotors.

Well... one issue I have found when measuring trac-width is that different numbers can be derived by measuring at different spots, and different height of the suspension travel...these trucks do have some scrub built into the factory design that can skew measurements if not taken from the same place at the same height etc. What I have since done to correct this and give an accurate measurement of trac-width difference is to measure the distance between the inner pivot centers of the lower control arm (bushings) and then compare. The Dropmember is narrower by approx. 3"give or take.

Finally, one last request:

At ride height, do you know how high the front fender lip is from the ground on the 84? What is the size of the front wheels, drop spindles and front bags?

The front wheel is a 20x8.5 and has a 5.25" backspacing.The tire is a 255 35 20... I willhave to measure the wheel lip height when the front end gets reassembled... everything is at the powdercoaters.

Any information you may provide is appreciated.

Thank you.

Nate

[boxrodz]

Nate,
Thank you taking time out to address my questions.

I haven't quite graduated 'down' to the 'worm digger' stance, yet. Right now, I'm more interested in low stance and drivability at ride height. I've been pushing some numbers around on paper and have a possible drop combination in mind for the front. It'll required more than the typical drop spindle and dropped springs (or bags). It seems like one benefit of the Dropmember is that it'll maintain the suspension geometry of the front end. A much lower ride height with more ground clearance over the stock is a plus. And, a lower drop (in the future) using the Dropmember is possible.

I was just wondering 'bout an alternative to the heim joint for the outer tie rod end. I was curious to see if there is a stock outer tie rod that would mate between the R&P unit and the spindle... I've seen some of the other aftermarkets front members with R&P use what looks like a stock tie rod ends for some of the 60s Chevies and rods. I don't know if the length and size is comparable... My guess is probably not.

I hadn't considered the scrub, but I understand what you're saying. I'm curious now on what specs a good alignment shop will use to set up the front at ride height. Hmmm...
Given a narrower track in front with the Dropmember, now have me wondering what the minimum BS one can go with and still avoid rubbing the inner fender lipp with a couple of inches tucked (at ride height).

I'll stay tune for the wheel lip height (and, of course mo' pics) when you start reassembling everything. Should look purrrty.

Thanks again.

[PBFAB.COM]

Got the thing back on the ground and snapped a few teaser pics...

The truck is not completely aired out in the pics... about an inch to go. I need to remove a couple brackets on the frame that hang down below the frame's scrub line. Also, don't know why, but every single one of these square bodies has a funky frame bend (looks like it's tweaked) on the driver's side below the cab. A little heat and a special dolly I made flatten it right out... just haven't gotten there yet!

[PBFAB.COM]

few more...

[lolife99]

Let me know when you get prices together for the rear kit. Also what are the wheel specs that will work on the rear? Looks like a 22/20 combo. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[1LoC10]

sweet

[ElGracho]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

...Also, don't know why, but every single one of these square bodies has a funky frame bend (looks like it's tweaked) on the driver's side below the cab. A little heat and a special dolly I made flatten it right out...

That tweak is to get the frame away from the catalytic converter. Most people panic when they first see it. I did! At least all the 1/2 and 3/4 tons have it...

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by ElGracho

That tweak is to get the frame away from the catalytic converter. Most people panic when they first see it. I did! At least all the 1/2 and 3/4 tons have it...

First time I saw it... I thought that maybe the truck had been pulled out of a ditch with a hook there or something!

After seeing a few more... I realized it had to be a factory deal. Never paid attention to seeif it was for cat clearance! Thanks for the input.

[copperchevy]

Any underhood pics????

[Dinos63]

nate looks killer, i love the back half ,i will have to stop by and check it out.nice job as usual and those are 22 on the front right.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Dinos63

nate looks killer, i love the back half ,i will have to stop by and check it out.nice job as usual and those are 22 on the front right.

20's up front... same size as your 78.

[Dinos63]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

20's up front... same size as your 78.

are those his wheels? or the west coast trucks

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Dinos63

are those his wheels? or the west coast trucks

These are his... same style wheel though. West Coast has 22's all the way around.

[chevyrestoguy]

I love the way that thing sits. It's refreshing to see one slammed and not have the camber all whacked out.

[SCOTI]

Nate,
I can't believe I missed this thread. Is that the same truck we pushed in/out of the shop when Keith & I were out there?

What's the rear suspension going to be?

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Nate,
I can't believe I missed this thread. Is that the same truck we pushed in/out of the shop when Keith & I were out there?

What's the rear suspension going to be?

That's the truck... but it didn't feel like you "helped" push it!
At least you didn't try to sever the fingers off my left hand!

The rear features a bolt-on notch that'll lay the frame on a 30" tire, bolt-on parallel four-link with panhard, sleeved bags, and some pretty blue Monroe shocks. I will get some more pics up of the rear over the next couple/few weeks. I have to take it apart and finish weld a couple spots, have it powdercoated, and then reinstall everything.

I will also include some engine compartment pics... good news for you guys wanting to keep the factory A/C and heater box... it fits with a 27" tall tire. You can slide a piece of paper between the tire and the blower motor when it's fully deflated. I would recommend a new blower motor that is a bit shorter than the factory one, or one can always section the box a little... not much.

[n2billet]

I'll never live down the "finger incident" will I?

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

That's the truck... but it didn't feel like you "helped" push it!
At least you didn't try to sever the fingers off my left hand!

The rear features a bolt-on notch that'll lay the frame on a 30" tire, bolt-on parallel four-link with panhard, sleeved bags, and some pretty blue Monroe shocks. I will get some more pics up of the rear over the next couple/few weeks. I have to take it apart and finish weld a couple spots, have it powdercoated, and then reinstall everything.

I will also include some engine compartment pics... good news for you guys wanting to keep the factory A/C and heater box... it fits with a 27" tall tire. You can slide a piece of paper between the tire and the blower motor when it's fully deflated. I would recommend a new blower motor that is a bit shorter than the factory one, or one can always section the box a little... not much.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by n2billet

I'll never live down the "finger incident" will I?

Maybe once the scars go away!

and not just the physical ones!

[GMBowtie79]

Are there any clearance issues on the drivers side with the power brakes, brake lines and such?

[mrenj23]

Those dropmembers are crazy. I'm not even finished with my truck yet and I'm thinking about redoing it...First I need to save up my lunch money so I can get one.

[baggedcten]

are you running a parallel four link on the rear?

[VROD383]

Nate,
whats the price for the dm, ART a-arms and slam airbags.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by GMBowtie79

Are there any clearance issues on the drivers side with the power brakes, brake lines and such?

The brake lines for the front calipers need to be moved a little bit for the rack and pinion c-notch... but as far as the booster/master cylinder clearance, there are no issues...with a 27" tall tire. I don't think a 29" will have any issues either, I will check and get some good pics for reference.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by baggedcten

are you running a parallel four link on the rear?

Yep...its a parallel four-link (the whole thing bolts in... even the notch) and it's running a panhard bar. Through 7.5" of travel the axle shifts a total of 1/4 inch laterally.