Drop spindle installation problem! Help! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**68 Stepside** · 05-27-2007, 07:39 PM

Hey all,

Several years ago I ordered a 2 1/2" drop spindle/disc brake conversion kit from GMC Paul. I finally got around to putting it on, and after checking my ball joints which, to my surprise, are in great shape, I decided to reuse them for the time being. I got everything seperated, put on the new drop spindle, bolted it all up tight, and now can't turn the spindle without an act of congress. The top mounting point of the drop spindle is squared off, and it's catching on the top a-arm. Is this a problem that's common? This is a McGaughy's Classic Drop kit, I would guess the part number is 6370DS. When I ordered the kit, I made sure it was the kit that used the stock front end parts (ball joints, tie rods).

It's rubbing where my finger is in one picture, right at the front, on the bottom lip of the upper a-arm. It's really a difficult problem to describe, I'll include a few pictures to try and clear it up. I hope it makes sense, I was hoping to have this thing back on the ground by tomorrow evening.

I would appreciate any information that I can get. I'd just call GMC Paul, but I work 4:30am-6:00pm.

Thanks in advance for anything.

SCOTI · 05-27-2007, 08:14 PM

Sounds like the upper BJ 'shaft' isn't the correct length for the spindle.

I would call & dbl check the part #'s to make sure they sent you the correct stuff to work w/your stock BJ's. You could also compare the shaft length on the BJ's included in the kit vs. the ones currently installed.

royo · 05-27-2007, 08:20 PM

I cant see it good can you grind some of the metal off to make some more clearance

*Shane* · 05-27-2007, 10:12 PM

maybe it's just my piss-poor eyes, but something looks weird with the end of that upper control arm ... it looks real short (from the radius on the end to the balljoint).

**N2TRUX** · 05-27-2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

maybe it's just my piss-poor eyes, but something looks weird with the end of that upper control arm ... it looks real short (from the radius on the end to the balljoint).

Although it's hard to tell with the cat fur in the way, I think your right. That still wouldn't have an affect on the ball joints though.

Somethings wrong for sure.

SCOTI · 05-28-2007, 02:10 AM

If the taper in the spindle does not match the BJ, the BJ could sit closer to the a-arm. Since he's using the factory BJ's, that would be the first item I would consider.

Compare the BJ shafts/tapers & see if there's a difference.

**68 Stepside** · 05-28-2007, 07:12 AM

I wasn't very clear in my original post. The kit did not come with ball joints, I am supposed to be able to use all my stock front end components. The parts stores did not have upper ball joints in stock, so I didn't get any yesterday. Should I get a new set, install them, and see if that makes a difference? This kit is a good 4 1/2 years old now, and has just been sitting. The original box is long gone, lost it when the basement flooded some time ago. Getting the part numbers could prove to be a challenge.

I should have just swapped the entire front end out with one from a later model, this truck has fought me from day one, exactly 7 years ago now.

**68 Stepside** · 05-28-2007, 07:33 AM

Well, I did some investigating, and GMC Paul still carries the spindles that I have. Classic Drop PN 6072R/L.

1963-70 2 1/2" drop spindles, these use all your original equipment ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.. These spindles are Made In The USA on State of The Art CNC machines. All spindle pins are made of 4140 Chromoly steel and machined on CNC turning machines for the ultimate in precision tooling. These require the use of our disc brake kits and will not work with drum brakes. Lifetime Warranty.

Now I really don't get it. Could my upper ball joint be so screwed up that it's causing the problem? I was going to replace the uppers anyway, but as I stated before, they're on order.

royo · 05-28-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by royo

I cant see it good can you grind some of the metal off to make some more clearance

on the lip of the a frame grind some of it

*Billla* · 05-28-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

maybe it's just my piss-poor eyes, but something looks weird with the end of that upper control arm ... it looks real short (from the radius on the end to the balljoint).

I agree - it looks like the end has been bent over. There should be a flat lip there...?

**68 Stepside** · 05-28-2007, 10:14 AM

I guess I should pull the other wheel and check out the other a-arm huh? I thought about grinding it, but wasn't sure. I'm a newbie when it comes to suspension, I'll go have a look and see what I can figure out. Thanks for all your replies.

**N2TRUX** · 05-28-2007, 10:24 AM

You shouldn't have to grind anything to make them work. Like Scoti said you either have a different BJ on there with a smaller taper or the BJ is worn out.

royo · 05-28-2007, 11:28 AM

yea you shouldnt have to grind but you might have too also how about knocking some of that crud off there while your at it

royo · 05-28-2007, 11:34 AM

heres a pic of what it looks like hope it helps it truely was r-r

this is sitting on the ground

bkg1986 · 05-28-2007, 02:41 PM

hey maybe i can help i just put the same spindles on my truck about ten mins ago i had same problem but you probably don't have your top control arm bump stop in correct?....which is part of it and i you will notice if you stick jack under the lower control arm and jack up it lifts off spot were its rubbing.....so when you get wheel back on it and let it down it will raise it off of it....try that cause i put new ball joints on also i'm going try that before i star cutting stuff....

**68 Stepside** · 05-28-2007, 03:33 PM

I'm sure it's the ball joints being worn. I'm going to replace them anyway, they're just on back order, thought I'd throw it together anyway. I got the drivers side on, but the passenger side is seized to the lower ball joint. Should be fun to seperate considering I have basic tools....

Actually yes, I do have the bump stop in, scared me when I noticed the upper control arm moving upwards while I was loosening the nut.

70c10 · 05-28-2007, 05:30 PM

68stepside- I just went thru this problem with the same kit. Look at the top of your spindle. The raised pad is squared! Your upper control arm has a rounded radius. You have to trim a little arc on the corners of the pad to match the turning radius to clear it. It takes a few seconds to do each spindle. I think McGaugheys should have fixed this but they didn't. Look at this pic of an Early Classics spindle and notice the there is no pad at the top! Hope this helps

jjk3 · 05-28-2007, 10:00 PM

I had the exact same problem with my McGaughy's spindles (should be the exact same set). I also installed new balljoints at the same time, so that's not the problem. Like 70c10 said, it seems to be a machining error. I painted mine before I installed them, so my only option is to grind a little on the spindle.

Also, like bkg1986 said, the problem is worse when the suspension is unloaded. Good luck. John

gringoloco · 05-28-2007, 11:28 PM

Just ran into this on a buddy's '66 using McGaughy's and brand new balljoints.

I agree with everyone above. Once you set the weight of the truck down, it's not a problem. Only thing we were worried about was if the front suspension unloaded while driving, you may run into a steering lock issue. Not good.

Either grind the spindle a little and take the corners off of the 'pad' or buzz a 1/4" or so from the control arm lip.

Inverter · 06-03-2007, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Just ran into this on a buddy's '66 using McGaughy's and brand new balljoints.

I agree with everyone above. Once you set the weight of the truck down, it's not a problem. Only thing we were worried about was if the front suspension unloaded while driving, you may run into a steering lock issue. Not good.

Either grind the spindle a little and take the corners off of the 'pad' or buzz a 1/4" or so from the control arm lip.

+1,,,Buzz the lip on the arms.

SCOTI · 06-03-2007, 03:27 AM

If the McGaughy's spindles have this issue..... I would 'round-out' the corners of that 'pad' (after consulting w/one of their reps) before I would grind the lip of my a-arm.

70c10 · 06-03-2007, 11:11 AM

. No need to grind anything but the new spindle pad corners. If you spray paint the spindles and rotate them by hand on the truck it will scribe the arc you need to trim

lowdowndirtyshame67 · 06-15-2007, 01:07 AM

Undo the upper ball joint and move spindle out of the way. Take a crescent wrench and tighten it on the lip of the control arm and bend the control arm upward slightly. You will prob have to do it little by little, working your way around the outer edge. Then remove some material from the spindle where there are clearance issues...Worn ball joints would actually pull the spindle away from the upper control arm because of how the spring loads it! But O'Rielly's has the upper ball joints in stock for $16.99, so why not replace them while your down there...

05-27-2007, 07:39 PM	#1
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Drop spindle installation problem! Help! Hey all, Several years ago I ordered a 2 1/2" drop spindle/disc brake conversion kit from GMC Paul. I finally got around to putting it on, and after checking my ball joints which, to my surprise, are in great shape, I decided to reuse them for the time being. I got everything seperated, put on the new drop spindle, bolted it all up tight, and now can't turn the spindle without an act of congress. The top mounting point of the drop spindle is squared off, and it's catching on the top a-arm. Is this a problem that's common? This is a McGaughy's Classic Drop kit, I would guess the part number is 6370DS. When I ordered the kit, I made sure it was the kit that used the stock front end parts (ball joints, tie rods). It's rubbing where my finger is in one picture, right at the front, on the bottom lip of the upper a-arm. It's really a difficult problem to describe, I'll include a few pictures to try and clear it up. I hope it makes sense, I was hoping to have this thing back on the ground by tomorrow evening. I would appreciate any information that I can get. I'd just call GMC Paul, but I work 4:30am-6:00pm. Thanks in advance for anything. Attached Images __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

05-27-2007, 08:14 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! Sounds like the upper BJ 'shaft' isn't the correct length for the spindle. I would call & dbl check the part #'s to make sure they sent you the correct stuff to work w/your stock BJ's. You could also compare the shaft length on the BJ's included in the kit vs. the ones currently installed. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-27-2007, 08:20 PM	#3
royo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 1,013	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! I cant see it good can you grind some of the metal off to make some more clearance __________________ nickle and dime

05-27-2007, 10:12 PM	#4
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! maybe it's just my piss-poor eyes, but something looks weird with the end of that upper control arm ... it looks real short (from the radius on the end to the balljoint).

05-28-2007, 02:10 AM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! If the taper in the spindle does not match the BJ, the BJ could sit closer to the a-arm. Since he's using the factory BJ's, that would be the first item I would consider. Compare the BJ shafts/tapers & see if there's a difference. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-28-2007, 07:12 AM	#7
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! I wasn't very clear in my original post. The kit did not come with ball joints, I am supposed to be able to use all my stock front end components. The parts stores did not have upper ball joints in stock, so I didn't get any yesterday. Should I get a new set, install them, and see if that makes a difference? This kit is a good 4 1/2 years old now, and has just been sitting. The original box is long gone, lost it when the basement flooded some time ago. Getting the part numbers could prove to be a challenge. I should have just swapped the entire front end out with one from a later model, this truck has fought me from day one, exactly 7 years ago now. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

05-28-2007, 07:33 AM	#8
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! Well, I did some investigating, and GMC Paul still carries the spindles that I have. Classic Drop PN 6072R/L. 1963-70 2 1/2" drop spindles, these use all your original equipment ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.. These spindles are Made In The USA on State of The Art CNC machines. All spindle pins are made of 4140 Chromoly steel and machined on CNC turning machines for the ultimate in precision tooling. These require the use of our disc brake kits and will not work with drum brakes. Lifetime Warranty. Now I really don't get it. Could my upper ball joint be so screwed up that it's causing the problem? I was going to replace the uppers anyway, but as I stated before, they're on order. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

05-28-2007, 10:14 AM	#11
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! I guess I should pull the other wheel and check out the other a-arm huh? I thought about grinding it, but wasn't sure. I'm a newbie when it comes to suspension, I'll go have a look and see what I can figure out. Thanks for all your replies. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

05-28-2007, 10:24 AM	#12
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! You shouldn't have to grind anything to make them work. Like Scoti said you either have a different BJ on there with a smaller taper or the BJ is worn out. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-28-2007, 11:28 AM	#13
royo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 1,013	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! yea you shouldnt have to grind but you might have too also how about knocking some of that crud off there while your at it __________________ nickle and dime

05-28-2007, 11:34 AM	#14
royo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 1,013	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! heres a pic of what it looks like hope it helps it truely was r-r this is sitting on the ground __________________ nickle and dime Last edited by royo; 07-08-2007 at 06:22 PM.

05-28-2007, 02:41 PM	#15
bkg1986 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: rbs,tn Posts: 13	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! hey maybe i can help i just put the same spindles on my truck about ten mins ago i had same problem but you probably don't have your top control arm bump stop in correct?....which is part of it and i you will notice if you stick jack under the lower control arm and jack up it lifts off spot were its rubbing.....so when you get wheel back on it and let it down it will raise it off of it....try that cause i put new ball joints on also i'm going try that before i star cutting stuff....

05-28-2007, 03:33 PM	#16
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! I'm sure it's the ball joints being worn. I'm going to replace them anyway, they're just on back order, thought I'd throw it together anyway. I got the drivers side on, but the passenger side is seized to the lower ball joint. Should be fun to seperate considering I have basic tools.... Actually yes, I do have the bump stop in, scared me when I noticed the upper control arm moving upwards while I was loosening the nut. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay Last edited by 68 Stepside; 05-28-2007 at 03:35 PM.

05-28-2007, 05:30 PM	#17
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! 68stepside- I just went thru this problem with the same kit. Look at the top of your spindle. The raised pad is squared! Your upper control arm has a rounded radius. You have to trim a little arc on the corners of the pad to match the turning radius to clear it. It takes a few seconds to do each spindle. I think McGaugheys should have fixed this but they didn't. Look at this pic of an Early Classics spindle and notice the there is no pad at the top! Hope this helps Attached Images __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads Last edited by 70c10; 05-28-2007 at 05:30 PM.

05-28-2007, 10:00 PM	#18
jjk3 It's just a check engine lamp. Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 311	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! I had the exact same problem with my McGaughy's spindles (should be the exact same set). I also installed new balljoints at the same time, so that's not the problem. Like 70c10 said, it seems to be a machining error. I painted mine before I installed them, so my only option is to grind a little on the spindle. Also, like bkg1986 said, the problem is worse when the suspension is unloaded. Good luck. John __________________ Active Inliner---bigchevy66 68 SWB Stepside 250 L6/3 on the floor/ Hedman headers, HEI, MSD 6A box, K&N filter, Offy intake and Edelbrock 600cfm 4 barrel Soon to have: WC T-5 five speed 66 SWB Stepside-undergoing restoration



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05-28-2007, 11:28 PM	#19
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! Just ran into this on a buddy's '66 using McGaughy's and brand new balljoints. I agree with everyone above. Once you set the weight of the truck down, it's not a problem. Only thing we were worried about was if the front suspension unloaded while driving, you may run into a steering lock issue. Not good. Either grind the spindle a little and take the corners off of the 'pad' or buzz a 1/4" or so from the control arm lip. __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

06-03-2007, 03:27 AM	#21
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! If the McGaughy's spindles have this issue..... I would 'round-out' the corners of that 'pad' (after consulting w/one of their reps) before I would grind the lip of my a-arm. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

06-03-2007, 11:11 AM	#22
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! . No need to grind anything but the new spindle pad corners. If you spray paint the spindles and rotate them by hand on the truck it will scribe the arc you need to trim __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

06-15-2007, 01:07 AM	#23
lowdowndirtyshame67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 45	Re: Drop spindle installation problem! Help! Undo the upper ball joint and move spindle out of the way. Take a crescent wrench and tighten it on the lip of the control arm and bend the control arm upward slightly. You will prob have to do it little by little, working your way around the outer edge. Then remove some material from the spindle where there are clearance issues...Worn ball joints would actually pull the spindle away from the upper control arm because of how the spring loads it! But O'Rielly's has the upper ball joints in stock for $16.99, so why not replace them while your down there...

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