lowering a arms? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-04-2005, 07:18 PM

Has anyone here used lowering a arms to drop there truck. I been told by one vendor they arent very good. Any one? And is it true that I wont be able to get the front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only ,

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-04-2005, 08:31 PM

I have a pair.. THey are not very good. These things costs a few hundred bucks and the pirch that the spring sits in is too wide. The welds are sloppy... They have a big square base that bolts up where the other a arm went but you can't get full headers in there very good after you put it in. I actually had to bend my ceramic coated headers a little and it was a *****. Your better off with either drop spindles and springs or bags.. there are too many choices to go with other than the tube a arms like I got. It only drops her about 2 1/2 anyway and they are not very attractive. Unless you know of several brands.. The one I got is from LMC. let me know if you guys know of another set .. I'm gettn rid of mine.

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-04-2005, 08:48 PM

The one vendor I spoke with about them says I wont be able to get my front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only Do you think thats true. He said I need to use spndles and springs or a arms and springs . What do you think?

GreyHoundSteve · 05-05-2005, 10:01 AM

I think you should do like the vendor says. I have never even seen 3" drop springs for the front. Who sells those? None of the vendors ive seen here sell more than a 2.5 drop spring and most of the vendors only sell 2" for the front. Spindles are an easy install and will drop you 2.5" right there and you can get a set of quality ones for the same price you would risk on a set of a-arms of questionable quality. Unless your just hell bent on new a-arms for some reason i would do like everyone says and use a drop spindle and no more than a 2" drop spring or bags.

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 01:53 PM

i think it is all in who makes them. i have a set that hasnt been put on yet, but they are made from factory a arms.

sneakysnake · 05-05-2005, 02:45 PM

You can align a 3" spring drop. the problem lies with jacking it up a short spring will fall out of its holder.

67chevemall · 05-05-2005, 02:53 PM

^ what he said

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 03:25 PM

If you want to go really low. just go with drop spindles and bags or a lowered pring. I don't think that you will be happy with the a-arms

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-05-2005, 07:18 PM

Greyhound steve ,GMC Pauls , Mother truckers and brothers all sell 3in front drop springs. Thats just to name a few. 68w/sbc406 Where did you get the lowering a arms and how much. They look way better than what I looked at ( tubes) Mistershotgun , I want to use spindels but I am married ,lol , I have to go the cheapest route. Thanks everyone for the help, Allso , With a 2/4 drop can I use stock shocks?

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 08:49 PM

i got them from a local place called charlies drop shop. he said that his internet site is like solo suspension or something like that. they were a present so i dont know the price

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 09:06 PM

Yeah.. tubes.. Tubular A arms from LMC. I think they were around 400 for the set. But I would trade them for some drop spindles any day.

68w/sbc406 · 05-05-2005, 09:09 PM

mine were less than 400 i think around 275-300

*screamin_c102* · 05-05-2005, 09:11 PM

Charlie's drop shop: http://www.dropitnow.net/parts.htm

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-05-2005, 09:14 PM

here is a picture of the fron end with the drop A arms. I don't have anything of the arms thenselves but I could get some and you guys would see what I mean.

*screamin_c102* · 05-05-2005, 09:18 PM

I'm baggin' Screamin' as soon as this term is over. I'll be running 2.5 drop spindles up front instead of the dropped A-arms and 2" blocks in the rear. I thought the LMC arms looked pretty weak myself.

68C15 · 05-05-2005, 11:11 PM

I made my own drop arms. just used some 3" long sections of 6" heavy wall tube to recess where the spring sits. then re-configured the ball joint angles on uppers & lowers to get them back in the middle of the travel arc. if needed I can get some pretty good pics since the body is off the frame in pieces. it netted me about a 5 inch drop. now for some 2 1/2 spindles & some bags & I will be set.

BTW, my alignemt took onle 1/16 worth of shims on the rears to get it perfect

**GMCPaul** · 05-06-2005, 07:14 AM

3" front drop springs often max out the studs where you shim upper a-arm for alignment and when maxed out they require off-set ball joints then to complete alignment properly( Off-set ball joints are Extremely Expensive ) and it is true that if you jack truck up anywhere in front other than under lower a-arm your springs will fall out as suspension sags when you raise the truck. Lowering springs of 3" in the front also make a vehicle more prone to bump steer problems not found when front is lowered using spindles.
GMCPaul

Bustedup · 05-06-2005, 01:30 PM

Charlies stuff works great and is very stout. I just took mine off to go with some lowered spindles for my C20. I also had two inch shorter springs and my truck aligment was fine. After I clean up the dropped lowers I'll have them for sale.

Orence1 · 05-06-2005, 02:43 PM

There is a lot of resistance to the lowered A-arms. I did a lot of investigation before doing the drop on my 72 LWB. I had two conversations with Charlie at Charlies Drop Shop/SoLow Suspension. I asked him about the concerns regarding alignment and excessive wear. He indicated that they have been doing lowered A-arms on chevy trucks for almost 20 years with no problems. All this being said, I chose to go with spindles and springs as my mechanic was more familiar with that modification. My thought would be that if the A-arms were a bad system he probably would have discontinued their use long ago. Again, just my opinion.

MISTERSHOTGUN · 05-06-2005, 05:13 PM

I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

68w/sbc406 · 05-06-2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MISTERSHOTGUN

I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-06-2005, 08:52 PM

My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL

*screamin_c102* · 05-06-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARIOS68PANEL

My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL

Mario, you can get the 67-70 spindles and retain your current drum brake setup. Its all bolt-on or plug-and-play if you will.

MARIOS68PANEL · 05-06-2005, 09:10 PM

Where can I get spindles that work with drums? That is the way I should go.

68w/sbc406 · 05-06-2005, 09:17 PM

ECE should have them or CPP too

05-04-2005, 07:18 PM	#1
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	lowering a arms? front end Q. Has anyone here used lowering a arms to drop there truck. I been told by one vendor they arent very good. Any one? And is it true that I wont be able to get the front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only , __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom Last edited by MARIOS68PANEL; 05-04-2005 at 08:50 PM.

05-04-2005, 08:48 PM	#3
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	The one vendor I spoke with about them says I wont be able to get my front end alined if I go with 3in lowering springs only Do you think thats true. He said I need to use spndles and springs or a arms and springs . What do you think? __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-05-2005, 01:53 PM	#5
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	i think it is all in who makes them. i have a set that hasnt been put on yet, but they are made from factory a arms. Attached Images __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-05-2005, 07:18 PM	#9
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	Greyhound steve ,GMC Pauls , Mother truckers and brothers all sell 3in front drop springs. Thats just to name a few. 68w/sbc406 Where did you get the lowering a arms and how much. They look way better than what I looked at ( tubes) Mistershotgun , I want to use spindels but I am married ,lol , I have to go the cheapest route. Thanks everyone for the help, Allso , With a 2/4 drop can I use stock shocks? __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-05-2005, 08:49 PM	#10
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	i got them from a local place called charlies drop shop. he said that his internet site is like solo suspension or something like that. they were a present so i dont know the price __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-04-2005, 08:31 PM	#2
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	I have a pair.. THey are not very good. These things costs a few hundred bucks and the pirch that the spring sits in is too wide. The welds are sloppy... They have a big square base that bolts up where the other a arm went but you can't get full headers in there very good after you put it in. I actually had to bend my ceramic coated headers a little and it was a *****. Your better off with either drop spindles and springs or bags.. there are too many choices to go with other than the tube a arms like I got. It only drops her about 2 1/2 anyway and they are not very attractive. Unless you know of several brands.. The one I got is from LMC. let me know if you guys know of another set .. I'm gettn rid of mine.

05-05-2005, 10:01 AM	#4
GreyHoundSteve Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DFW TX Posts: 769	I think you should do like the vendor says. I have never even seen 3" drop springs for the front. Who sells those? None of the vendors ive seen here sell more than a 2.5 drop spring and most of the vendors only sell 2" for the front. Spindles are an easy install and will drop you 2.5" right there and you can get a set of quality ones for the same price you would risk on a set of a-arms of questionable quality. Unless your just hell bent on new a-arms for some reason i would do like everyone says and use a drop spindle and no more than a 2" drop spring or bags.

05-05-2005, 02:45 PM	#6
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	You can align a 3" spring drop. the problem lies with jacking it up a short spring will fall out of its holder.

05-05-2005, 02:53 PM	#7
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	^ what he said

05-05-2005, 03:25 PM	#8
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	If you want to go really low. just go with drop spindles and bags or a lowered pring. I don't think that you will be happy with the a-arms

05-05-2005, 09:06 PM	#11
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	Yeah.. tubes.. Tubular A arms from LMC. I think they were around 400 for the set. But I would trade them for some drop spindles any day.

05-05-2005, 09:09 PM	#12
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	mine were less than 400 i think around 275-300 __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

05-05-2005, 09:11 PM	#13
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Charlie's drop shop: http://www.dropitnow.net/parts.htm Last edited by screamin_c102; 05-05-2005 at 09:13 PM.

05-05-2005, 09:14 PM	#14
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	here is a picture of the fron end with the drop A arms. I don't have anything of the arms thenselves but I could get some and you guys would see what I mean. Attached Images

05-05-2005, 09:18 PM	#15
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	I'm baggin' Screamin' as soon as this term is over. I'll be running 2.5 drop spindles up front instead of the dropped A-arms and 2" blocks in the rear. I thought the LMC arms looked pretty weak myself.



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05-05-2005, 11:11 PM	#16
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	I made my own drop arms. just used some 3" long sections of 6" heavy wall tube to recess where the spring sits. then re-configured the ball joint angles on uppers & lowers to get them back in the middle of the travel arc. if needed I can get some pretty good pics since the body is off the frame in pieces. it netted me about a 5 inch drop. now for some 2 1/2 spindles & some bags & I will be set. BTW, my alignemt took onle 1/16 worth of shims on the rears to get it perfect __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card Last edited by 68C15; 05-05-2005 at 11:14 PM.

05-06-2005, 07:14 AM	#17
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	3" front drop springs often max out the studs where you shim upper a-arm for alignment and when maxed out they require off-set ball joints then to complete alignment properly( Off-set ball joints are Extremely Expensive ) and it is true that if you jack truck up anywhere in front other than under lower a-arm your springs will fall out as suspension sags when you raise the truck. Lowering springs of 3" in the front also make a vehicle more prone to bump steer problems not found when front is lowered using spindles. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

05-06-2005, 01:30 PM	#18
Bustedup Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Kent, Wash Posts: 53	Charlies stuff works great and is very stout. I just took mine off to go with some lowered spindles for my C20. I also had two inch shorter springs and my truck aligment was fine. After I clean up the dropped lowers I'll have them for sale.

05-06-2005, 02:43 PM	#19
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	There is a lot of resistance to the lowered A-arms. I did a lot of investigation before doing the drop on my 72 LWB. I had two conversations with Charlie at Charlies Drop Shop/SoLow Suspension. I asked him about the concerns regarding alignment and excessive wear. He indicated that they have been doing lowered A-arms on chevy trucks for almost 20 years with no problems. All this being said, I chose to go with spindles and springs as my mechanic was more familiar with that modification. My thought would be that if the A-arms were a bad system he probably would have discontinued their use long ago. Again, just my opinion.

05-06-2005, 05:13 PM	#20
MISTERSHOTGUN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 95	I believe that there are good a arms out there.. Just don't get the ones from LMC

05-06-2005, 08:52 PM	#22
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	My problem with the spindles is then you have to buy rotors and calipers and lines and prop valve and and and . I want to go as low as possible and stay married too. LOL __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-06-2005, 09:10 PM	#24
MARIOS68PANEL Active Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Highlands. California Posts: 449	Where can I get spindles that work with drums? That is the way I should go. __________________ 67 short step 71 Custom

05-06-2005, 09:17 PM	#25
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	ECE should have them or CPP too __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler Last edited by 68w/sbc406; 05-06-2005 at 09:17 PM.

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