Narrowing front track width - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

a1953mdl · 11-18-2008, 06:47 PM

Has anybody modified there front suspension to tuck the wheels in more for rolling low ?

Like maybe cutting the control arms down in length to bring the whole spindle & wheel inward ?

I know the PB-DM narrows it a few inches, but Im not looking to spend that kinda money

Just a thought that I had & wondered if it had been done, or if its just not worth it

Lee

PBFAB.COM · 11-18-2008, 07:43 PM

The "easiest" and less involved way would be to narrow up the control arms, and outer tie-rods. The only drawback to this is the increased camber and caster changes resulting in shorter control arms.

protrash64 · 11-18-2008, 10:07 PM

I saw this done in Truckin' to a suburban to tuck 22's. It was a few years ago and they cut 1" out of the upper and lower control arms.

May have been Steet trucks...cant remember. Was a 63-66 'burb.

a1953mdl · 11-19-2008, 12:50 AM

Thanks for the replies. I just wanted to make sure i was thinking correctly.
I understand the increase changes in the caster/camber. And may decide to live with it for the lower stance and dump ability.
Wish I had the money right now for a "PORTER BUILT" drop member. You have some great prices going on those right now. Maybe i need to sell a few things and do it right.
Can't look thru the old magazines right now, built think I have the ability to mod the arms and tie rod ends.
Lee

**N2TRUX** · 11-19-2008, 09:57 AM

I have seen this done as a method of lowering too. Since you have to add a plate to weld the sections of the A-arm to you can raise the balljoint area and gain some drop from it. Just be sure to gusset everything...twice.

nuke1 · 11-21-2008, 02:03 AM

or you could section a few inches out of your crossmember and narrow it and your frame rails at the same time, i would prefer that over the control arms....

James

**N2TRUX** · 11-21-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuke1

or you could section a few inches out of your crossmember and narrow it and your frame rails at the same time....

James

That seems like a lot more work to me. Why would you prefer this method?

*Shane* · 11-21-2008, 10:57 AM

I had a '78 2wd blazer that was lowered and narrowed using this method in the front. Worked marvelous!

SCOTI · 11-21-2008, 12:24 PM

I have some 6X-72 lower arms that have 1" sections removed between the BJ & spring pocket to keep the track width as narrow as possible.

lotik · 11-22-2008, 12:18 AM

i think IF Customs has some pics of some a-arms for these trucks that they shortened. www.ifcustom.com

Dustin07 · 11-22-2008, 01:03 AM

on gmfs a guy shortened the trackwidth by shortening the lca and recessing the uca mounts if IIRC. I heard it created some new problems but I can't verify. he raised his UCA's too to fix camber when laid out. I only heard good things bout it. It's a newer chevy though, like 05.

lowestsixty7 · 11-22-2008, 05:42 PM

I narrowed the upper and lower control arms on my 67' C10.

lowestsixty7 · 11-22-2008, 05:47 PM

You have to do a little work once you cut them and tack them back together to make them look like factory. Sorry couldnt find any pics of them welded back together.

11-18-2008, 06:47 PM	#1
a1953mdl Rusty but Trusty Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 228	Narrowing front track width Has anybody modified there front suspension to tuck the wheels in more for rolling low ? Like maybe cutting the control arms down in length to bring the whole spindle & wheel inward ? I know the PB-DM narrows it a few inches, but Im not looking to spend that kinda money Just a thought that I had & wondered if it had been done, or if its just not worth it Lee __________________ 72 SWB, 454 / th400... hoping the kids don't get all the parts before it gets built

11-18-2008, 07:43 PM	#2
PBFAB.COM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,981	Re: Narrowing front track width The "easiest" and less involved way would be to narrow up the control arms, and outer tie-rods. The only drawback to this is the increased camber and caster changes resulting in shorter control arms. __________________ www.PorterbuiltFabrication.com Phone: 480-297-2621 E-mail: sales@pbfab.com Find us on FaceBook under Porterbuilt Fabrication Specializing in Chassis and Suspension Components for your Classic Chevrolet Truck. We offer components from the following manufacturers: Porterbuilt Accuair Ridetech (Air Ride Technologies) Air Lift Wilwood Intro Unisteer ECE Gotta Show Air Lift Borgeson CPP Supporting this forum since 2003!

11-18-2008, 10:07 PM	#3
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: Narrowing front track width I saw this done in Truckin' to a suburban to tuck 22's. It was a few years ago and they cut 1" out of the upper and lower control arms. May have been Steet trucks...cant remember. Was a 63-66 'burb. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

11-19-2008, 12:50 AM	#4
a1953mdl Rusty but Trusty Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 228	Re: Narrowing front track width Thanks for the replies. I just wanted to make sure i was thinking correctly. I understand the increase changes in the caster/camber. And may decide to live with it for the lower stance and dump ability. Wish I had the money right now for a "PORTER BUILT" drop member. You have some great prices going on those right now. Maybe i need to sell a few things and do it right. Can't look thru the old magazines right now, built think I have the ability to mod the arms and tie rod ends. Lee __________________ 72 SWB, 454 / th400... hoping the kids don't get all the parts before it gets built

11-19-2008, 09:57 AM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Narrowing front track width I have seen this done as a method of lowering too. Since you have to add a plate to weld the sections of the A-arm to you can raise the balljoint area and gain some drop from it. Just be sure to gusset everything...twice. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-21-2008, 02:03 AM	#6
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: Narrowing front track width or you could section a few inches out of your crossmember and narrow it and your frame rails at the same time, i would prefer that over the control arms.... James __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

11-21-2008, 10:57 AM	#8
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Narrowing front track width I had a '78 2wd blazer that was lowered and narrowed using this method in the front. Worked marvelous!

11-21-2008, 12:24 PM	#9
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Narrowing front track width I have some 6X-72 lower arms that have 1" sections removed between the BJ & spring pocket to keep the track width as narrow as possible. __________________ 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.*

11-22-2008, 12:18 AM	#10
lotik drag it like you stole it Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 542	Re: Narrowing front track width i think IF Customs has some pics of some a-arms for these trucks that they shortened. www.ifcustom.com __________________ negative camber //LA\\

11-22-2008, 01:03 AM	#11
Dustin07 Stirrer of the Pot Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: washington Posts: 477	Re: Narrowing front track width on gmfs a guy shortened the trackwidth by shortening the lca and recessing the uca mounts if IIRC. I heard it created some new problems but I can't verify. he raised his UCA's too to fix camber when laid out. I only heard good things bout it. It's a newer chevy though, like 05.

11-22-2008, 05:42 PM	#12
lowestsixty7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: So. Cal Posts: 61	Re: Narrowing front track width I narrowed the upper and lower control arms on my 67' C10. Attached Images

11-22-2008, 05:47 PM	#13
lowestsixty7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: So. Cal Posts: 61	Re: Narrowing front track width You have to do a little work once you cut them and tack them back together to make them look like factory. Sorry couldnt find any pics of them welded back together.



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