Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 09:46 PM

So, I'm in the process of installing a set of 3" drop spindles and I'm running into an issue that I need some suggestions on, guys. I removed the caliper, rotor, all the nuts and cotter pins and I'm at the point where I put the floor jack under the lower control arm to lower it....BUT IT'S FREAKIN STUCK!!! I went and bought a pickle fork and beat the hell out of it and STILL nothing. I used a crowbar and jumped on it, pounded it on all sides with a 4lb mallet, and even tried to put the jack under the factor spindle to jack that up while pushing down on the lower control arm (dangerous, I know, but I ran out of options) and no still dice. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

The good thing is that after taking it all apart I realized I needed to change out all the busings and ball joints. So, I just ordered a complete front end kit from Performance Online (it's like $80 cheaper on ebay, by they way, from the same company). I also realized how 30 yrs of dirt, grime, and grease have caked up, so I took a drill and wire brush adapter to it and it's looking much better. I'll post some pics up in a bit.

Anyway, I'm out of ideas on how to get the lower control arm to finally let go...maybe it just knows it will never see that spindle again and has a separation disorder or something...

chrismoore701 · 03-28-2010, 09:55 PM

OK dumb question first. did you loosen the ball joint nut? maybe try removing the jack and lossening the nut about 75% of the way. and maybe try a pickle fork you can put on an air chisel. that might help. good luck

87chevy.com · 03-28-2010, 09:56 PM

your going to destroy the ball joints boot anyway, so you can count on buying a new one. that being said, when I did the spindle swap, mine were stuck too... the upper came off pretty easy, the bottom, not so much. i flipped the crown nut upside down and screwed it onto the ball joint untill flush. placed the jack under the control arm but not to where its touching the control arm.. say 1'2 inch or more. Just went to town with a 3 or 5lb sledge hammer and eventually it broke loose. Went down to harbor freight and picked up a ball joint service kit for like 30 bucks... made installing the ball joint a piece of cake.
clint

tommie · 03-28-2010, 10:04 PM

loosen the ball joint nuts and smack the spindle with a 5lb sledge,

or use a pickle fork

if you can't get it let me know, i'm in huffman, i can try to help sometime....

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:09 PM

Here are some of my pics:

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:17 PM

chrismoore701 - Yeah, I even went as far as removing the nut completely and jumping on a crowbar WITHOUT the jack and still nothing.

87chevy.com - I'm not too worried about the ball joints. I'm getting a new set when the front end replacement bushing kit comes in. I think I'm gonna try a bigger hammer next.

tommie - Thanks for the offer, bro. I really appreciate that. I went to Autozone and bought a pickle fork and that still didn't work. So, you're saying to smack the spindle? I haven't tried that. If I still can't get it loose by next weekend, I may hit you up to see when we can meet up...I'll pay for your gas, since we know how expensive it is these days and will even throw in some cold ones while we get it all loose.

Right now I've got it on jack stands, so I'm sure my HOA will send me a letter or two about that...hehehe

tommie · 03-28-2010, 10:18 PM

where are you in humble?

kind of looks like walden?

do you have an air compressor? i have a air hammer and pickle forks for ball joints and tie rod ends....

nice truck...

and yes, loosen the ball joint nuts and smack the spindle right where the ball joint attaches... wait for a loud pop, then apply pressure with the jack and completely remove the nut....

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:23 PM

I'm at Park Lakes (non-gated side) off of the Beltway & Wilson (behind the Walmart). I just got a brand new 33 gallon Craftsman upright that I just christened for this project. This is barely the first side that I'm working on, so I still have the other side and the flip kit out back. It will be the first time I ever do a flip-kit, so let's see how that goes.

Again, bro, I'd appreciate any help or suggestions from anyone. Thanks, guys.

Kmart2352 · 03-28-2010, 10:24 PM

I went to town with a sledge and a couple of pickle forks and it finally broke loose. It took a little bit to get it but it came out.

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:30 PM

By the way, here are the rims that are waiting to be slapped on once I get done with the drop and the bushing replacement:

tommie · 03-28-2010, 10:31 PM

well, try it again with the pickle and the sledge (5lb works pretty good)

if not, send me a pm with your # and I could prob help sometime this coming weekend.. I'm off thurs-sunday, and i'm not that far from wilson / bw8

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:33 PM

Man, that is a CLEAN lookin truck you got, Tommie! I love that grill!

tommie · 03-28-2010, 10:36 PM

Thanks,

I just got it, and will get some better pics when I get done with the engine swap and get it out of the garage...

Yours should look sweet with those rims and the drop!!!

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-28-2010, 10:41 PM

Thanks...I'm saving up for a 420hp 383 stroker, myself. For now it's a L6 that gets me from A to B.

I've got a 3/5 lowering kit right now, but I wanted to see how low it was going to be with those wheels so I know how much further I have to go. I'm thinking probably another 2" in the front with some drop springs and maybe another 2" in the rear with a shackle replacement.

I'll keep you posted, bro. Thanks again!

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-29-2010, 10:42 AM

I finally got it loose with a little 1/1 Dr. Phil time about her separation disorder...and a 5lb sledge. Thanks, guys! I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress and post up some pics as soon as I'm all done.

tommie · 03-29-2010, 11:24 AM

glad you got it seperated

**N2TRUX** · 03-29-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleChevyBuddy

By the way, here are the rims that are waiting to be slapped on once I get done with the drop and the bushing replacement:

Those will look awesome on there. What size did you go with?

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-29-2010, 11:49 AM

20X8.5's with 245/40's. I have a buddy that works at Discount Tire and he hooked me up with a price I couldn't refuse.

staggerd86c-10 · 03-29-2010, 12:14 PM

while you have it taken apart cut a coil off the front springs so it can sit nice and low. and i would suggest to get a flip kit out back and do it once, the 4" outback isnt going to cut it if your going where i think your going with this truck. just my .02 though.

tommie · 03-29-2010, 12:26 PM

I agree, I would do the flip kit and spindles and springs...

**nlped** · 03-29-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommie

I agree, I would do the flip kit and spindles and springs...

Especially with that super short 20" tire. It will have a monster fender gap with that little bitty tire. It's only 27.7" tall, which is really short. I was running a 28.4" tall tire with a spindle, drop spring with a 1/2 a coil cut off of it, and a flip kit in the rear, and it fit the fender really well. Just my .02.

Good job on getting the spindle seperated...now you get to do it again on the other side

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-29-2010, 12:33 PM

Yeah, I got a flip-kit for the rear (the kit said 5", but you never know). I'm thinking about getting a shackle replacement for the extra couple of inches I'm gonna be looking for. I'm sure a c-notch is in order, as well. As far as the front, I was thinking about getting a set of 2" lower springs, but do you think cutting off a coil will do the same thing?

HumbleChevyBuddy · 03-29-2010, 12:35 PM

My buddy said that as long as I don't mount the rims/tires I can exchange them. What size tire do you guys recommend? I'm new to this, so any help you guys can provide will be greatly appreciated...as always.

tommie · 03-29-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleChevyBuddy

Yeah, I got a flip-kit for the rear (the kit said 5", but you never know). I'm thinking about getting a shackle replacement for the extra couple of inches I'm gonna be looking for. I'm sure a c-notch is in order, as well. As far as the front, I was thinking about getting a set of 2" lower springs, but do you think cutting off a coil will do the same thing?

i would buy the springs if you have the money...

some people just cut the springs...

**nlped** · 03-29-2010, 12:49 PM

I am going to be putting drop spindles on my '76 Blazer this weekend and am replacing the coil springs that are on it now with new Moog coil springs. But, I will be starting out by cutting a round off of the coil spring before I install them

. It's cheaper to do it this way than to pay the additional $50+ for a drop spring, in my opinion.

03-28-2010, 09:46 PM	#1
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed So, I'm in the process of installing a set of 3" drop spindles and I'm running into an issue that I need some suggestions on, guys. I removed the caliper, rotor, all the nuts and cotter pins and I'm at the point where I put the floor jack under the lower control arm to lower it....BUT IT'S FREAKIN STUCK!!! I went and bought a pickle fork and beat the hell out of it and STILL nothing. I used a crowbar and jumped on it, pounded it on all sides with a 4lb mallet, and even tried to put the jack under the factor spindle to jack that up while pushing down on the lower control arm (dangerous, I know, but I ran out of options) and no still dice. Does anyone have any other suggestions? The good thing is that after taking it all apart I realized I needed to change out all the busings and ball joints. So, I just ordered a complete front end kit from Performance Online (it's like $80 cheaper on ebay, by they way, from the same company). I also realized how 30 yrs of dirt, grime, and grease have caked up, so I took a drill and wire brush adapter to it and it's looking much better. I'll post some pics up in a bit. Anyway, I'm out of ideas on how to get the lower control arm to finally let go...maybe it just knows it will never see that spindle again and has a separation disorder or something...

03-28-2010, 09:55 PM	#2
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,319	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed OK dumb question first. did you loosen the ball joint nut? maybe try removing the jack and lossening the nut about 75% of the way. and maybe try a pickle fork you can put on an air chisel. that might help. good luck __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

03-28-2010, 09:56 PM	#3
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,261	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed your going to destroy the ball joints boot anyway, so you can count on buying a new one. that being said, when I did the spindle swap, mine were stuck too... the upper came off pretty easy, the bottom, not so much. i flipped the crown nut upside down and screwed it onto the ball joint untill flush. placed the jack under the control arm but not to where its touching the control arm.. say 1'2 inch or more. Just went to town with a 3 or 5lb sledge hammer and eventually it broke loose. Went down to harbor freight and picked up a ball joint service kit for like 30 bucks... made installing the ball joint a piece of cake. clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress

03-28-2010, 10:04 PM	#4
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed loosen the ball joint nuts and smack the spindle with a 5lb sledge, or use a pickle fork if you can't get it let me know, i'm in huffman, i can try to help sometime....

03-28-2010, 10:09 PM	#5
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed Here are some of my pics: Attached Images

03-28-2010, 10:17 PM	#6
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed chrismoore701 - Yeah, I even went as far as removing the nut completely and jumping on a crowbar WITHOUT the jack and still nothing. 87chevy.com - I'm not too worried about the ball joints. I'm getting a new set when the front end replacement bushing kit comes in. I think I'm gonna try a bigger hammer next. tommie - Thanks for the offer, bro. I really appreciate that. I went to Autozone and bought a pickle fork and that still didn't work. So, you're saying to smack the spindle? I haven't tried that. If I still can't get it loose by next weekend, I may hit you up to see when we can meet up...I'll pay for your gas, since we know how expensive it is these days and will even throw in some cold ones while we get it all loose. Right now I've got it on jack stands, so I'm sure my HOA will send me a letter or two about that...hehehe

03-28-2010, 10:18 PM	#7
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed where are you in humble? kind of looks like walden? do you have an air compressor? i have a air hammer and pickle forks for ball joints and tie rod ends.... nice truck... and yes, loosen the ball joint nuts and smack the spindle right where the ball joint attaches... wait for a loud pop, then apply pressure with the jack and completely remove the nut.... Last edited by tommie; 03-28-2010 at 10:20 PM.

03-28-2010, 10:23 PM	#8
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed I'm at Park Lakes (non-gated side) off of the Beltway & Wilson (behind the Walmart). I just got a brand new 33 gallon Craftsman upright that I just christened for this project. This is barely the first side that I'm working on, so I still have the other side and the flip kit out back. It will be the first time I ever do a flip-kit, so let's see how that goes. Again, bro, I'd appreciate any help or suggestions from anyone. Thanks, guys.

03-28-2010, 10:24 PM	#9
Kmart2352 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Saco, Maine Posts: 151	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed I went to town with a sledge and a couple of pickle forks and it finally broke loose. It took a little bit to get it but it came out. __________________ 87 2wd GMC Sierra Classic. 86 4wd GMC Sierra Classic. 95 2wd GMC Sierra. 96 2wd Chevrolet S-10.

03-28-2010, 10:30 PM	#10
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed By the way, here are the rims that are waiting to be slapped on once I get done with the drop and the bushing replacement: Attached Images

03-28-2010, 10:31 PM	#11
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed well, try it again with the pickle and the sledge (5lb works pretty good) if not, send me a pm with your # and I could prob help sometime this coming weekend.. I'm off thurs-sunday, and i'm not that far from wilson / bw8

03-28-2010, 10:33 PM	#12
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed Man, that is a CLEAN lookin truck you got, Tommie! I love that grill!

03-28-2010, 10:36 PM	#13
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed Thanks, I just got it, and will get some better pics when I get done with the engine swap and get it out of the garage... Yours should look sweet with those rims and the drop!!!

03-28-2010, 10:41 PM	#14
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed Thanks...I'm saving up for a 420hp 383 stroker, myself. For now it's a L6 that gets me from A to B. I've got a 3/5 lowering kit right now, but I wanted to see how low it was going to be with those wheels so I know how much further I have to go. I'm thinking probably another 2" in the front with some drop springs and maybe another 2" in the rear with a shackle replacement. I'll keep you posted, bro. Thanks again!

03-29-2010, 10:42 AM	#15
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed I finally got it loose with a little 1/1 Dr. Phil time about her separation disorder...and a 5lb sledge. Thanks, guys! I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress and post up some pics as soon as I'm all done. Attached Images



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-29-2010, 11:24 AM	#16
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed glad you got it seperated

03-29-2010, 11:49 AM	#18
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed 20X8.5's with 245/40's. I have a buddy that works at Discount Tire and he hooked me up with a price I couldn't refuse.

03-29-2010, 12:14 PM	#19
staggerd86c-10 Squarebody Aficionado Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 713	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed while you have it taken apart cut a coil off the front springs so it can sit nice and low. and i would suggest to get a flip kit out back and do it once, the 4" outback isnt going to cut it if your going where i think your going with this truck. just my .02 though.

03-29-2010, 12:26 PM	#20
tommie 97' Tahoe 2dr/2wd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Huffman,TX Posts: 1,168	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed I agree, I would do the flip kit and spindles and springs...

03-29-2010, 12:33 PM	#22
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed Yeah, I got a flip-kit for the rear (the kit said 5", but you never know). I'm thinking about getting a shackle replacement for the extra couple of inches I'm gonna be looking for. I'm sure a c-notch is in order, as well. As far as the front, I was thinking about getting a set of 2" lower springs, but do you think cutting off a coil will do the same thing?

03-29-2010, 12:35 PM	#23
HumbleChevyBuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 184	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed My buddy said that as long as I don't mount the rims/tires I can exchange them. What size tire do you guys recommend? I'm new to this, so any help you guys can provide will be greatly appreciated...as always.

03-29-2010, 12:49 PM	#25
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: Drop Spindle install issue...suggestions needed I am going to be putting drop spindles on my '76 Blazer this weekend and am replacing the coil springs that are on it now with new Moog coil springs. But, I will be starting out by cutting a round off of the coil spring before I install them . It's cheaper to do it this way than to pay the additional $50+ for a drop spring, in my opinion. __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.