$999 for a Dropmember

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Mello Mel

thank you for the answer

Just sent you a PM!

The rear portion of the blazer chassis is different than the trucks. It has different spring hanger locations and a couple other minor differences. The kits for the c10 won't just bolt right up in the rear. Were you looking for bolt-in, or weld-in stuff?

The front portion of the chassis and suspension is the same as the C-10 trucks.

[Mello Mel]

Nate sent me a PM, and i thank him for that, also thank you to all of you for your answers also. Nate said he would work with me to come up with something. I'm so excited i'm calling all my friends now.

[Bazooka]

Nate, I would like to know how many different versions of the dropmember you have? Meaning do you have different versions for different years? If so can you list those here? Im curious what years interchange... I have a 63 with a stock 85 crossmember/suspension

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Bazooka

Nate, I would like to know how many different versions of the dropmember you have? Meaning do you have different versions for different years? If so can you list those here? Im curious what years interchange... I have a 63 with a stock 85 crossmember/suspension

Bazooka-

The Dropmember is available for the C10 from 1960-1987 (that is as detailed as I will be). Factory control arms from 1963-1987 can be used, I also sell a bag plate for these factory arms.

Other Dropmembers available:

Dropmember C4
Dropmember Weld-in (for square tube frame-rails)

Dropmembers Coming Soon:

Dropmember C5
Dropmember C10 coil-over

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Dropmembers Coming Soon:

Dropmember C5

What are the advantages of this over the C4? Coil-over/Shockwave, I assume? Mono-leaf possible? Price point comparable to the other designs?

Pics?

Thanks again -Chris

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

What are the advantages of this over the C4? Coil-over/Shockwave, I assume? Mono-leaf possible? Price point comparable to the other designs?

Pics?

Thanks again -Chris

I know some of the C4 stuff is getting harder to find, and the C5 can be purchased brand new from the dealer. Performance brakes are very plentiful, and often times more affordable. The appeal of the C5 is also a big factor.

It will be suspended by either a coil-over or Shockwave, just as the C4 design. The mono-leaf sounds appealing, but its load capacity and spring rate make it a bad fit for these trucks.

As for price, I plan on hanging around the $1200 like the Dropmember C4 is now priced at. This could vary a little either way, depending on how much it costs me to produce.

[babyblueoval]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

I know some of the C4 stuff is getting harder to find, and the C5 can be purchased brand new from the dealer. Performance brakes are very plentiful, and often times more affordable. The appeal of the C5 is also a big factor.

It will be suspended by either a coil-over or Shockwave, just as the C4 design. The mono-leaf sounds appealing, but its load capacity and spring rate make it a bad fit for these trucks.

As for price, I plan on hanging around the $1200 like the Dropmember C4 is now priced at. This could vary a little either way, depending on how much it costs me to produce.

Just as an observation, isn't it pretty easy to upgrade from C4 brakes to C5? It seems like I've seen C4 guys do that pretty regularly......but I may be wrong???
I was actully told by the guys at Coys wheels that the C5 calipers wouldn't fit with their wheels. I'm not sure if that was backspacing specific.

[spr85gmc]

i pretty dure this has been answered already the what is the round-ebout cost for the complete drop member with arms bags and everthing else? and how long does it usually take to ship? I am in no rush just some info im wondering about

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by spr85gmc

i pretty dure this has been answered already the what is the round-ebout cost for the complete drop member with arms bags and everthing else? and how long does it usually take to ship? I am in no rush just some info im wondering about

I have posted up a parts list with average pricing in post# 33. The average cost without the arms would be around $1800. Add the Strong Arms and your up to the $2500 mark.

Lee-time from order placed until Dropmember recieved is currently between 2 and 3 weeks.

[dragalac]

does the dropmember narrow the track of the front wheels and can it work with 30 inch tires? or is 29 the max?

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by dragalac

does the dropmember narrow the track of the front wheels and can it work with 30 inch tires? or is 29 the max?

As others have mentioned, the Dropmember narrows the trac-width 1.5" per side. Also, the Dropmember in its un-modified form will lay frame with a 29" diameter tire, 3" spindle, and Firestone bag. Anything taller will need a few mods to the Dropmember. I do offer custom Dropmember mods at NO additional price. I build them all per order to ensure they fit the application as desired by the customer.

[Custom 68]

it does narrow the track width about 1.5 inches per side. I dont know about the tires tho...
Dave

[RunninLo]

I'm pretty sure the rear can accomodate up to a 32" wheel tire overall diameter if it is ordered to do so as there are different size notches. The front was designed to lay-out on a 29" wheel tire overall diameter with 3" spindles. My guess is you can run as large a wheel tire combo as you can stuff in the wells but your min dropped height goes up unless you talk to Nate about custom upper bag mounts.
Josh

[scotts62]

Very cool dragalac!!

[LowSmoothCool]

I know Im late but the new piece looks awesome nate.......

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by LowSmoothCool

I know Im late but the new piece looks awesome nate.......

Thanks Jon... better late than never!

[kizer]

If I missed this question I apologize.

Ok, imgine if you will if somebody used factory coils and arms. What kind of drop would sombody get just bolting on the new drop member? I know its designed to work with bags, but for planning purposes what would the amount of drop be?

I know it was said that if somebody had 29-inch tires it would stand 6-inches above laying frame. Well I have some tiny wheels that came with the truck and I'm sure they are not 29-inches. I'm sure I could do some math and try and figure it out, but I figured somebody must have already done it.

I'm at the stages where my truck can go anywhere since I just started it and figured why not start laying out the path now and if I can get something completely streetable and update my 65 suspension why not.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by kizer

If I missed this question I apologize.

Ok, imgine if you will if somebody used factory coils and arms. What kind of drop would sombody get just bolting on the new drop member? I know its designed to work with bags, but for planning purposes what would the amount of drop be?

I know it was said that if somebody had 29-inch tires it would stand 6-inches above laying frame. Well I have some tiny wheels that came with the truck and I'm sure they are not 29-inches. I'm sure I could do some math and try and figure it out, but I figured somebody must have already done it.

I'm at the stages where my truck can go anywhere since I just started it and figured why not start laying out the path now and if I can get something completely streetable and update my 65 suspension why not.

Like you stated, the DM is designed for bags so I don't think you'll get any certain answers regarding possible heights w/coil springs.

If you could fabricate the coil specific mounts & get it to work, I would add the amount of spindle drop plus 3" (the amount the pivot points of the a-arms are raised) to get an estimate. The amount of total drop (or ride height)will be directly linked to the height of the upper mount in relation to the frame rails plus the overall height of the coils.

It would seem if a guy is intent on running coils, he would gravitate toward a 'Z' vs. an aftermarket crossmember regardless if it's Porters or SD's.

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by kizer

I know it was said that if somebody had 29-inch tires it would stand 6-inches above laying frame. Well I have some tiny wheels that came with the truck and I'm sure they are not 29-inches. I'm sure I could do some math and try and figure it out, but I figured somebody must have already done it.

Just so you know here is an EXCELLENT tire size calculator. I have used it tons of times and thought i would pass it on.

http://www.wickedbodies.net/Tire-Size-Calculator.htm

Josh

ps. Nate that was a very well explained differences between yours and SD's IFS kits. It made me want to buy another dropmember but my wife has my wallet so maybe later.

[kizer]

No I wasn't truely implying that I wanted to run coils I was just trying to get a base for how much drop would be gained by just bolting on the new cross member.

So just from your reply it would stand to say that by adding the new drop spindles if they are 2-inch drop and moving the pivot points up 3 inches you could be looking at roughly 5 inches of drop.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by kizer

So just from your reply it would stand to say that by adding the new drop spindles if they are 2-inch drop and moving the pivot points up 3 inches you could be looking at roughly 5 inches of drop.

Yes.

[kizer]

Thanks thats what I was sorta trying to ask.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by kizer

No I wasn't truely implying that I wanted to run coils I was just trying to get a base for how much drop would be gained by just bolting on the new cross member.

So just from your reply it would stand to say that by adding the new drop spindles if they are 2-inch drop and moving the pivot points up 3 inches you could be looking at roughly 5 inches of drop.

Kizer-

As SCOTI mentioned it's gonna drop you right between the 2-3 inch mark by doing a direct bolt-in. There's a few factors that make it difficult to get an exact measurement on this, but that should be close enough.

I can get you measurements of where it will sit at ride height and dump height once installed... just let me know the tire size, and I can tell you where the bottom edge of the frame (under the cab) will sit in reference to the ground. If it's a short tire, you might not need to purchase drop-spindles.

Nate

[texastrendz]

porter,
which three inch drop spindle do you recommend, i was going to buy an ece, but it is only a 2.5 inch drop. i want something that is dot approved and has been tested. really i just want to know who use. if you want to know the truth. thanks man.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

porter,
which three inch drop spindle do you recommend, i was going to buy an ece, but it is only a 2.5 inch drop. i want something that is dot approved and has been tested. really i just want to know who use. if you want to know the truth. thanks man.

Belltech makes a quality spindle, and has been around since the beginning. I would recommend them, even though they are a bit higher priced. Remember, the 3" spindle is only available for the 73-87, so if you are running earlier year arms you will need to swap the ball joints and rotors/calipers. The nice thing about the 73-87 replacements parts (i.e. ball joints/rotors/bearings etc.) is that it is a little less expensive than the 63-72 parts.