Western 2.5" or Bell Tech 3.0" Drop Spindles????

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 68 C-10 KID

lolife99
Were did you score those Tie rod sleeves at. Did you have to convert tie rod sizes?

Yes I converted tie rods.
I cheaped out and used a set of new swap meet McGaughy's 71-72 spindles on my '69.
If I had it to do over,... I would have bought 65-70 conversion spindles.

I had to use 71-72 outer tie rods to fit my spindles and 65-70 inners to fit the center link.
They are too different thread sizes. 71-72 are 11/16".
The 65-70's are 5/8",... and the wrong thread direction.
So I had to put 65-70 outers in the inner location.

To answer your question,... the tie rod sleeves are call "conversion" sleeves from POL (www.performanceonline.com) $49.99.

They also make standard sleeves for connecting the same size tie rods.
Edelbrock and CPP actually make a lot better looking sleeves.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by lolife99

My rule of thumb for spring cutting is:
1/2 coil = 1" of drop.

How low do you want the front?
Which rear springs? 4, 5. or 6 inch drop?
What is the "spacer for the diff.", that you are talking about?

Diagonal measuring is all I have ever done.
A laser alignment frame machine (or whatever the body shops use now) I'm sure is more accurate. I'd cross check it and see how close it is.

What's the total drop you are looking for?
Also what size wheels?

I am thinking 4" lower total up front and 6" in back to level it. I have seen guys running like 3" blocks under the differential and 3" shorter type springs. I didn't know you could get 6" drop from springs only.

I'm pretty sure I will be buying some 18" wheels.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I am thinking 4" lower total up front and 6" in back to level it. I have seen guys running like 3" blocks under the differential and 3" shorter type springs. I didn't know you could get 6" drop from springs only.

I'm pretty sure I will be buying some 18" wheels.

Most comapnies sell rear springs up to 5" drop.
ECE sells a 6" drop rear spring.
(That's all I've ever bought)

Drop blocks are fine in moderation.
Up to 1.5" drop block is the max with 15" wheels.
2" drop block can be used with bigger wheels.
Since the springs are all about the same price,... I try to do it all with springs.

Although, you will need shorter rear shocks, shock relocators, and an adjustable panhard bar to re-center the rearend.

I use 72BlckButy's "Blank Slate" thread as a good reference for this drop.
(4.5"/6" from ECE)
Nate has 2.5" spindles and 2" springs up front.
There are good pictures with ralleys (before and after),... and good pics with his nice set of 20's.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Drop blocks are fine in moderation.
Up to 1.5" drop block is the max with 15" wheels.
2" drop block can be used with bigger wheels.
Since the springs are all about the same price,... I try to do it all with springs.

Although, you will need shorter rear shocks, shock relocators, and an adjustable panhard bar to re-center the rearend.

I use 72BlckButy's "Blank Slate" thread as a good reference for this drop.
(4.5"/6" from ECE)
Nate has 2.5" spindles and 2" springs up front.
There are good pictures with ralleys (before and after),... and good pics with his nice set of 20's.

I remember this conversation from my shock mount crossmember (I still need!)
thread.

That stuff in bold sound like some major$$$ I guess I need to pony up and sell some more stuff...arrg

[68 C-10 KID]

Thanks. I looked at CCP's. I just need to figure out if mine is 5/8" and left or hand right thread.