how can i tell if i have lowered spindles?

[lotus]

I bought a 63 chevy truck that has disc in the front. supossidly it has lowered springs on it but the previous owner does not know about the spindles. I am heading down to get some different front wheels put on in a little bit and when they have the tires off what can i look for to determine if I have lowered spindles.

I don't think it does. the front is not very low. front tires are 235x75x15.


I eventually want to move the 235x75x15 to the back and put 215x75x15 in the front and bring it down a little bit.

[lolife99]

Regular spindles will have a "straight" arm that connects to the tie rod end.
Drop spindles have a "curved" arm that connects to the tie rod end.

[lotus]

thanks Keith, mine are straight so it looks like i have stock front spindles.

[lotus]

just found out my fronts are 5x5 bolt pattern with disc brake. I wonder if it is as simple as putting on a 5x4 3/4 rotor to convert?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by lotus

just found out my fronts are 5x5 bolt pattern with disc brake. I wonder if it is as simple as putting on a 5x4 3/4 rotor to convert?

www.performanceonline.com sells a "conversion" 5x4-3/4 rotor for the truck spindles, that originally had 1.25 wide rotors. Look them up online under the 63-87 truck section.
(I would find you a link, but my "dial-up" service is terrible today)


If your truck is equipped with 1" wide rotors,... that will be more complicated.
You would have to swap spindles, and calipers also.

[Warrens69GMC]

Are you trying to convet to camaro style bolt circle? Is the rear 5 on 4 3/4?

[lotus]

i should be ok then. I am going to be buying lowered spindles anyways. I was just curious how much new disc brake stuff i will have to buy with them.

The rear is still six lug.

I have no problem staying wide five bolt pattern. It just seems to limit the wheel choices i have.

It will be a couple weeks before i can afford anything so i have some time to research it.

[lolife99]

I would stay 5x5.
Remember 5x4-3/4 is a car pattern.
Most of the wheels have a smaller center bore to match the car rotor.
There are actually alot of choices in the 5x5 pattern.

Another option would be to use an aftermarket 6-lug rotor.
They are a bolt-on rotor to what you have also.
That way you wouldn't have to do anything with the 6-lug rear axles.