Drop Spindles vs Drop springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

olred68 · 11-20-2009, 03:58 PM

I want to convert my 68 to 5 lug and I have donor truck thats 5lug and should I just use the spindles thats on my donor truck and buy drop springs or should I just buy drop spindles? I am looking to go 2 1/2 in the front and 4 in the rear just not sure what would be my best bet Thanks Brandon

72BlckButy · 11-20-2009, 04:04 PM

Brandon, I would recommend the drop spindles because in my opinion anything over a 2" front drop spring will affect the front suspensions geometry. Just my opinion....

I know the spindles will cost you more, but in the end it will be worth it. Besides, after you get to 2.5/4 you will always want to go lower and then you'll need spindles anyway.

I'd highly recommend checking with ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) as they are one of the best companies on the market today for products for the 63-72 suspensions. www.earlyclassic.com

*vegaschevy* · 11-20-2009, 04:25 PM

I second the purchase of drop spindles. THen if you decide to go lower a quick spring change and you are ready to go.

I got my drop spindles from Nate at Porterbilt. THey were McGaughy drop spindles and less then 240 shipped to my door. They also use the OEM year steering components as I purchased new Moog steering stuff and they mounted right up

olred68 · 11-20-2009, 08:51 PM

ok guys thanks for the help I guess I need to do some shopping

OARNGESI · 11-20-2009, 09:54 PM

Also with drop spindles you wont have to get shorter shocks

big mike71 · 11-20-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Brandon, I would recommend the drop spindles because in my opinion anything over a 2" front drop spring will affect the front suspensions geometry. Just my opinion....

I know the spindles will cost you more, but in the end it will be worth it. Besides, after you get to 2.5/4 you will always want to go lower and then you'll need spindles anyway.

I'd highly recommend checking with ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) as they are one of the best companies on the market today for products for the 63-72 suspensions. www.earlyclassic.com

Hey Nate how much drop do you have and how wide are your front wheels.

unclewatts · 11-21-2009, 12:16 AM

As long as you're gonna switch to 5 lug, why not get some drop spindles for a 71-72 and convert to disk brakes at the same time?

OARNGESI · 11-21-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclewatts

as long as you're gonna switch to 5 lug, why not get some drop spindles for a 71-72 and convert to disk brakes at the same time?

wasnt that his plan

68custom396 · 11-21-2009, 03:58 AM

Just a thought but in most cases a 15in wheel wont work with a spindle you need a 17 or bigger. Just something to think about, that will also raise the cost of your project

Tx Firefighter · 11-21-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclewatts

As long as you're gonna switch to 5 lug, why not get some drop spindles for a 71-72 and convert to disk brakes at the same time?

He already has a donor truck for disc brakes. He needs to buy spindles for his donor truck year. 71-72 has nothing to do with it in this case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68custom396

Just a thought but in most cases a 15in wheel wont work with a spindle you need a 17 or bigger. Just something to think about, that will also raise the cost of your project

Flat wrong. 15 inch wheels work fine with drop spindles. The only issue can be if he chooses 3 inch drop spindles, they require slight clearancing of the control arms if the back space is too great. I've lost count of how many trucks I've owned with drop spindles and 15 inch wheels.

**lolife99** · 11-21-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68custom396

Just a thought but in most cases a 15in wheel wont work with a spindle you need a 17 or bigger. Just something to think about, that will also raise the cost of your project

That might be true on some of the '99-up trucks,... but it's not the case with any spindle made for the trucks from '63-'98.

olred68 · 11-21-2009, 11:09 PM

Whats the best company to deal with for the spindles or does anyone have any for sale I am also looking for 4" drop in the back

**lolife99** · 11-21-2009, 11:15 PM

Hands down,... ECE. (Early Classic Enterprises).

Tx Firefighter · 11-22-2009, 07:41 AM

Yep, ECE is your place.

72BlckButy · 11-23-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big mike71

Hey Nate how much drop do you have and how wide are your front wheels.

Mike, on my truck I'm running 4.5/6" (2.5" drop spindles w/ 2" front drop springs, and 6" rear drop springs - all ECE), and I'm running 15x7 6-lug ralleys with 235 75R15's on the front and the same tire setup on the rear on a 15x8.

Quote:

Originally Posted by olred68

Whats the best company to deal with for the spindles or does anyone have any for sale I am also looking for 4" drop in the back

Just continuing what Keith and Kevin each stated... ECE all the way!

slimneverdies · 12-02-2009, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

He already has a donor truck for disc brakes. He needs to buy spindles for his donor truck year. 71-72 has nothing to do with it in this case.

Flat wrong. 15 inch wheels work fine with drop spindles. The only issue can be if he chooses 3 inch drop spindles, they require slight clearancing of the control arms if the back space is too great. I've lost count of how many trucks I've owned with drop spindles and 15 inch wheels.

How is this clearance issue resolved? I plan on running 3" spins on my 15x10 corvette rally wheels. By the way its a 86 1/2 ton

11-20-2009, 03:58 PM	#1
olred68 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 207	Drop Spindles vs Drop springs I want to convert my 68 to 5 lug and I have donor truck thats 5lug and should I just use the spindles thats on my donor truck and buy drop springs or should I just buy drop spindles? I am looking to go 2 1/2 in the front and 4 in the rear just not sure what would be my best bet Thanks Brandon __________________ Brandon

11-20-2009, 04:04 PM	#2
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Brandon, I would recommend the drop spindles because in my opinion anything over a 2" front drop spring will affect the front suspensions geometry. Just my opinion.... I know the spindles will cost you more, but in the end it will be worth it. Besides, after you get to 2.5/4 you will always want to go lower and then you'll need spindles anyway. I'd highly recommend checking with ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) as they are one of the best companies on the market today for products for the 63-72 suspensions. www.earlyclassic.com __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 11-20-2009 at 04:05 PM.

11-20-2009, 04:25 PM	#3
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs I second the purchase of drop spindles. THen if you decide to go lower a quick spring change and you are ready to go. I got my drop spindles from Nate at Porterbilt. THey were McGaughy drop spindles and less then 240 shipped to my door. They also use the OEM year steering components as I purchased new Moog steering stuff and they mounted right up

11-20-2009, 08:51 PM	#4
olred68 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 207	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs ok guys thanks for the help I guess I need to do some shopping __________________ Brandon

11-20-2009, 09:54 PM	#5
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Also with drop spindles you wont have to get shorter shocks __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

11-21-2009, 12:16 AM	#7
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs As long as you're gonna switch to 5 lug, why not get some drop spindles for a 71-72 and convert to disk brakes at the same time? __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

11-21-2009, 03:58 AM	#9
68custom396 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lubbock Tx Posts: 21	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Just a thought but in most cases a 15in wheel wont work with a spindle you need a 17 or bigger. Just something to think about, that will also raise the cost of your project Last edited by 68custom396; 11-21-2009 at 03:59 AM. Reason: cant spell

11-21-2009, 11:09 PM	#12
olred68 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 207	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Whats the best company to deal with for the spindles or does anyone have any for sale I am also looking for 4" drop in the back __________________ Brandon

11-21-2009, 11:15 PM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,702	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Hands down,... ECE. (Early Classic Enterprises). __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-22-2009, 07:41 AM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Drop Spindles vs Drop springs Yep, ECE is your place. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



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