6" front drop question

[bigblock73]

OK, getting ready to install my 3" drop coils (in place of my 1" drop coils), to go with the 3" drop spindles I already have. Do I need to do anything with the factory bump stops? I assume I do, but can I buy shorter ones somewhere, modify my stockers, or remove them all together?

If anyone has a similar drop, I would appreciate your feedback! Thanks.

[ocbaud]

i would remove the stock ones completely and just bolt in some of those little snub bump stops

and get pics up asap! it will help me decide if if i'm buying 2" or 3" drop springs

[bb1979]

i removed the entire lower bump stop mount complete down to the a-arm except the steering stop when i first took 2 coils out of my front springs (rode like **** but looked good hugging the tyres lol). I've acutally got 140 series volvo lower front bump stops bolted in, they have been reduced in height too. I've got 3" drop spindles and 1 cut coil off memory ( I think that equates to 5" over stock?? Not to sure on that tho). I would say however that you could totally remove the mount due to the stops located in the steering box I only left mine in to be on the safe side. Will try and take a few photos to explain better

[lolife99]

Where are you guys buying your 3" drop springs?

[bigblock73]

Sport Truck Direct, mfr is Western Chassis

[knightlife]

or, stylinconcepts

[solidaxel]

With that much drop will your tires come in contact with the top of the inner fenders when you hit a little BUMP!!!

[dubdeuce80]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

With that much drop will your tires come in contact with the top of the inner fenders when you hit a little BUMP!!!

that's what i was thinking...what're you doing as far as inner fenders? i used to have a 5", mightve even been 6" (they were installed when i inherited it, so i don't know what drop they were) for quite some time, i hit the fenders well before even hitting the bumpstops. i had about 1.5" of clearance between the wheels and inner fenders

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

With that much drop will your tires come in contact with the top of the inner fenders when you hit a little BUMP!!!

Can you confirm this through experience, or is this just what you believe?

Not being a smart ass, but would like to know this is indeed a fact based on experience and not hear say.

I am hoping this is not the case, if it is, then I guess the inner fenders will need to get reworked.

Anyone here run or running a 6" drop in front?

[swervin ervin]

Jeff,
Greg had a 6/8 drop. I don't remember him ever saying anything about them hitting.

[Rc 415]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Can you confirm this through experience, or is this just what you believe?

Not being a smart ass, but would like to know this is indeed a fact based on experience and not hear say.

I am hoping this is not the case, if it is, then I guess the inner fenders will need to get reworked.

Anyone here run or running a 6" drop in front?

I think he was asking you if that would happen, he says " With that much drop will your tires come in contact with the top of the inner fenders"

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by Rc 415

I think he was asking you if that would happen, he says " With that much drop will your tires come in contact with the top of the inner fenders"

Ahhh, I missed the "will" word...and the absense of a question mark made me think it was a statement, not a question.

[Rc 415]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Ahhh, I missed the "will" word...and the absense of a question mark made me think it was a statement, not a question.

yeah i had to read it a few times myself

[Captkaos]

I had 4/6 on mine with 275/60/15's and with large bumps/dips, mine would rub occationally. With 6" in front, you are probably going to hit them occationally.

[solidaxel]

My 255-60- 17" will rub on the outside of the inner fender when I go through a dip at speeds. the springs are stock and I have 3" Bell droped spindles, I have shored up the spring with some rubber spacers between a coil and it has improved a gerat deal at the "SAME" speed with Bilstine shocks all around and the stock Big ten rear springs with the hanger and shackles installed, my 2 paseos worth!

[bb1979]

I can tell you that mine definity hits the inner guard hence why its gone, granted I've got 30" tall tyres, looking to install about a 28" tall and some stiffer shocks to componsate. But now that the inner guard is gone it currently hits guard on big bumps, but not that often tho. Have to sort it all out after I drop my new 454 in that I just brought. The other thing you may have in your favour is if you have installed new body mounts?? As mine are seriously sagged. What size tyres are you running?? And just out of curiosity won't 3" drop springs cause your ball joints to work at an odd angle??

[CLASSIC87']

Mine will rub the inner fender well when hitting a dip at speeds. It will also rub the fender lip when turning into drive ways/parking lots- if going to quick. The truck has 3 "spindles installed with 1 coil removed. If your not going to drive it everyday and if your careful... don't worry about and just do it! Plus I wanna see it... I'm looking to install a 3" drop spring as well.

Later,
Anthony

[bigblock73]

OK gang, thanks for the replies. I am going to install the coils tonight, will take pics when finished and post them here. I do not have the inner fenders installed, am waiting until after the truck is painted...so we'll have to wait for that.

What surprises me is that some of you had rubbing with a 4" drop. I never had issues with mine, perhaps it is the tire size that makes the difference.

[Slonaker]

I was considering going with 1" drop coils on the front to get 3.5" of drop. It sounds like it would be a bad idea with my 255/70/15 tires. They are pretty new, so I don't want to replace them.

Slonaker

[69BBsuburban]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Can you confirm this through experience, or is this just what you believe?

Not being a smart ass, but would like to know this is indeed a fact based on experience and not hear say.

I am hoping this is not the case, if it is, then I guess the inner fenders will need to get reworked.

Anyone here run or running a 6" drop in front?

Mine will barely rub if hitting a big bump at a sharp turn....@ 5" drop in front.......doesn't hit inner fender, just inside lip of fender......

[CLASSIC87']

Originally Posted by bigblock73

OK gang, thanks for the replies. I am going to install the coils tonight, will take pics when finished and post them here. I do not have the inner fenders installed, am waiting until after the truck is painted...so we'll have to wait for that.

What surprises me is that some of you had rubbing with a 4" drop. I never had issues with mine, perhaps it is the tire size that makes the difference.

The tire height as well as the B/S of the wheel itself.

Anthony

[boatpuller]

i have 3 in drop spindles and 1 inch coils. mines low. i never have trouble with tire rub but will nerf an a arm once in awhile.with 3 and 3, i think it will depend on your overall front tire and wheel diameter, being short enough so you dont rub the top fender wells.in getting a smaller diameter your a arms move closer to ground.correct backspace will keep you from rubbing lips.remember the song lyrics."lowrider drives a little slower".some roads you have too.driveway aprons,speedbumps.small price to pay for looking cool.

[SCOTI]

Jeff, my 74 is dropped between 5~6" up front w/3" BellTechs + 1 coil cut off the original (aged/sagging) coils. I guess that puts me into the 'experienced' category (@ least as far as this is concerned ).

I trimmed my bump stops & w/a 245/45-18 (@ 26.68" tall) I was buzzing the fenderwells alot.... so much so that I went & got some stock height bumpstops from the dealership to put back in. It grew annoying very quickly.

The snubbers do hit the crossmember pretty quick now (1" gap) but I find that more liveable day-to-day vs. the tires hitting constantly. Either way, something is going to hit. IMO, it's better to have the more structurally soild c.member take the hit than the thin fenderwell.

The tires will still occasionally buzz the tops of the fenderwells, but it takes a big hit. For the record, it rode better w/the cut down snubber, but the added suspension travel would allow the a-arms to contact the pavement as well. The taller snubbers cured the a-arms hitting the ground & the tires buzzing the fenders became almost non-existent @ the sacrifice of occasional ride quality.

IIRC, the C/L of my lower control arm bushing is approx 4" off the ground. I can double check that tomorrow if it helps for reference.

[los-lowrider]

Dear bigblock,
I woudn't lower the front 6" because on my experience this a way to low. On my own I lowered the front 5.5" with 2.5" spindles and 3" coils. The result wasn't driveable with 28" tires (275/60-15) even not able to turn right and left completely so I changed over to 235/60-15 which gave me an additionally 1" of drop. Then I could turn right to left but on most streets I scraped with the crossmember so I had to add some helper bags within the coils but that also wasn't the way I thought of.

[N2TRUX]

Jeff, why are you fighting this thing. You want it low, and you don't want to tear up all your hard work making it pretty.

Do your self a favor and bag it. You get the best of both worlds...