Lowering Question

[John39671]

I am wanting to lower my 84 C10 and have never done it before. I want to go either 2 or 3 inches but not sure yet. My only question is if I lower it with 3" drop spindels am I going to have to make modifications to my tie rod ends or any other steering or suspension components?

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by John39671

I am wanting to lower my 84 C10 and have never done it before. I want to go either 2 or 3 inches but not sure yet. My only question is if I lower it with 3" drop spindels am I going to have to make modifications to my tie rod ends or any other steering or suspension components?

I dropped mine 2.5 inches using Western Chassis spindles. The only changes necessary was to slightly bend the brake lines.

Slonaker

[boxrodz]

It depends on the size of your wheels and the BS. If you run 15" wheels, you're more than likely going to have to grind a bit of the lip on the LCA. The rest of the suspension parts should clear. With a bigger wheel, you may get away without modding the LCA. If you go with a drop spindle, you may also have to slightly 'adjust' the end portion of the brake hoses near the caliper.

[tpjb57]

I used 3" dropped spindles and 2" dropped coils on my 85SWB and run 15x8 cragers. had to grind the brke caliper to keep the wheel from rubbing and the brake hose would hit the spindle so I ground off the "ears" on the caliper so I could swivel the hose about 40 degrees.

[bodydropped]

yea 3 inch spindles u have to grind the lca i had to do it to mine but since im goin to run 20s i dont have to worry about them and i didnt have to mess with the brakes or tie rods ends at all

[John39671]

Yes I am going to run a 15" wheel. Sounds like I am going to want to try and find 2" spindles since I am limited on what I can do and what I can afford to have done.

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by John39671

Yes I am going to run a 15" wheel. Sounds like I am going to want to try and find 2" spindles since I am limited on what I can do and what I can afford to have done.

I am running my 2.5 inch Western Chassis spindles with 15X8 rally wheels. I did no grinding, and there is no interference. I don't think anyone makes a 2 inch spindle.

Slonaker

[bluex]

I'm also running 2.5" WC spindles with a 15x8. Had them for around 4 yrs now with no problems.

I think belltech makes a 2" spindle?? :dunno:

[bodydropped]

or u can buy drop lca

[John39671]

I checked on lower control arms and they are more than spindles. For now I am going to look for a set of 2 or 2 /12" spindels. If anyone comes across a set let me know. I thank everyone for their input.

[SCOTI]

I ran stock size van ralleys (15x6.5") w/3" Bell Tech dropped spindles on my 74 & only had to slightly 'tweak' the brake hardline @ the calipers. With that mild backspacing there wasn't any clearance issues as far as the wheel was concerned.

When I put the 18x8's on, I had to clearance the lip on the lower a-arms because they have much more back spacing. They still rub if I turn too far.

[454HO]

I ran Belltech 3" drop spindles with stock 8" ralley wheels for a while on the '87 I used to have. I used some Mr Gasket 5/16" wheel spacers to gain a little clearance, along with some very minor grinding on the lower control arms. Worked fine as long as I used the stick on wheel balancing weights instead of the typical kind that are clamped to the edge of the rim.

[John39671]

I have wheel spacers on now and a friend of mine that ownes his own shop said thet you are taking your life into your own hands running those. 454HO have you ever had any trouble with your wheel spacers coming loose or anything else? I have TransDapt 1" spacers with a 5 on 5 to 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern so I can run my camaro ralleys.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by John39671

454HO have you ever had any trouble with your wheel spacers coming loose or anything else?

I never had any problems with them, but I only used them for a year or so. Just make sure the wheel studs are long enough. I eventually bought a set of aluminum wheels with 4" backspacing and didn't need the spacers anymore.

Originally Posted by John39671

I have TransDapt 1" spacers with a 5 on 5 to 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern so I can run my camaro ralleys.

What you are talking about are adapters, not simple spacers like I was using. Those TransDapt adapters are cast aluminum and have wheel studs pressed into them. That is not the same thing as a flat spacer that still uses the existing wheels studs to bolt the wheel on. And I think your mechanic freind is correct that they are dangerous. If you are going to do that, I would suggest having some adapters made out of billet steel, or at least 6061 billet aluminum.

[bodydropped]

ive seen the aluminum ones brake and its not pretty it happend to ekstensives dodge dually last year on the way to heatwave it killed the rt frt fender

[John39671]

I work in a machine shop and had the rear axels and drums re-drilled for pass car bolt pattern. I have been looking for a set with the dual pattern but the ones I found are $200 from a member here, but he has 4 and I only need 2. I also found a company that sells camaro ralleys for trucks they just want about $150 for 2. I can buy rotors and have them re-drilled for about $133. The only problem is if I am on a trip and need a rotor it is going to be more than I paid for 2 just to have 1 done. Same with the rear axle.

[86 Red_Bowtie]

We have dropped two trucks (84 GMC 1/2 ton and an 86 Chevy 1/2 ton) with Bell Tech spindles and springs. Both trucks were dropped using the 3" spindles in the front and the 4" spring mounts and shackles in the back. The 84 also had a dropped coil spring put on it. The lower A frame on each truck was honed a little on the bottom to keep the 15" wheels from dragging, but it was NOT required. These trucks have been on the road for quite some time and has had no problems with the wheels or ball joints. They have had many miles put on them and they handle quite well. U
sing quality products makes a job simple.