Anybody Cut the Front Bumpstop Brackets to Get a Little Lower?

[terd ferguson]

I'm down in the front as far as I can go with cut coils, drop spindles, short shocks and everything else stock. I notice the front bumpstops sit on 2" or so high "bumps" on the lower A-arm. Has anybody cut out this "bump" that the bumpstop sits on to get a little more lower/supsension travel? It would seem I could gain another two inches of lowering/travel by cutting these "bumps" out and remounting some shorter (non factory) bumpstops.

If you've done this, some pics and descriptions would be most helpful.

So what say you? As always, thanks for any and all help and/or suggestions. And thanks for this great forum.

[Reyals Bemus]

Like I mentioned on the HAMB, my friend is thinking about doing that. We're trying to think of why they're there from the factory...? Maybe its cause with stock wheels/tires, they might hit the inner fender at full compression? Dunno, but it seems like cutting those brackets out would be helpful...

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by Reyals Bemus

Like I mentioned on the HAMB, my friend is thinking about doing that. We're trying to think of why they're there from the factory...? Maybe its cause with stock wheels/tires, they might hit the inner fender at full compression? Dunno, but it seems like cutting those brackets out would be helpful...

With the drop spindles, short shocks, and cut coils, the tire would rub on the battery box when turning left to full lock. I had to cut out part of the battery box. If I go lower, I'll more thanlikely have to relocate the battery and cut the box out entirely. With that said, I'd still like another couple of inches lower in the front. I figured I'd ask here about cutting the bumpstop brackets as there would be a higher probability of someone having done it (vs. the hamb).

I don't think fender clearance would be an issue with just a couple more inches. At least in my case, it looks like I'd be fine fender clearance wise.

I found some bolt in bumpstops that are stepped so you can trim them to the desired length at the local Andvance Auto for pretty cheap. It seems like I could just cut that "bump", drill a hole, and bolt in the new bumpstops and gain two inches. But, I'd like to see if anybody else has done it first. :tito:

[protrash64]

I cut them out on both my trucks....do it.

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by protrash64

I cut them out on both my trucks....do it.

Details? Got any pics? Did you reuse the factory bumpstops or something else? Any issues with tire/fender clearance, etc.? Thanks.

[protrash64]

Well.....no pics. Just pop the a-arms down and drill the whole assembly off the LCA. I used a spotweld cutter. I did it for the same reason you mentioned and then I bought the appropriate sized tire so as not to have interference problems. I dont have any bumpstop in either of my trucks. The pick-up has 2.5'' spindles and 3'' coils and 26.5 '' diameter tires. I dont rub and have bottomed out only once when I hit a speedbump a little fast. Airbag guys remove it all the time.

[protrash64]

If you're bottoming out it will free up the space. Just too bad you didnt do it when you had it apart before....but still worth the effort now. You could add a bumpstop on the edge of the coil pocket, I suppose???

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by protrash64

If you're bottoming out it will free up the space. Just too bad you didnt do it when you had it apart before....but still worth the effort now. You could add a bumpstop on the edge of the coil pocket, I suppose???

I don't think I'll have to take it back apart to get at it. I think I can just remove the tire, jack up the front end to let the control arms droop and cut the bump from there.

The bumpstops I saw at the parts place had an integral bolt and would only need a small hole drilled in the LCA and thightening the nut.

[protrash64]

I didnt think of that...probably work and if you have a righthand drill you should be able to get it done. Mite be able to grind them down, too.

[daverod]

Can you leave the a arms in place and cut the coils? I'll answer myself. No, take the time to clean the 50 years of crap off the u bolt nuts. Put a jack under the arms, jack it up alittle , undo the the u bolt nuts, remove and cut springs. Cut the springs with a grinder and cutting wheel. Replace in reverse order. Easy. Worse part was the cleaning.

[1stseries55]

good timing on this one... I am almost finished with my front end conversion. All the parts are from an 87 burb. It has 2.5" drop spindles and 3" coils. I know I will have to trim the bumpstops but do you think I will have issues with the bumpstop mount itself? I am running a 15" wheel. Here is a pic..


nothing hits now but obviously there is a lot of weight that is yet to be put back on the front. What do you guys think?

[ChiefRocka]

Yeap...those are the first things to go if you want any 'travel' at all.

My truck uses stock spindles, cut springs and short shocks and it rides good.

[sams60gmc]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Yeap...those are the first things to go if you want any 'travel' at all.

My truck uses stock spindles, cut springs and short shocks and it rides good.

Hey Chief how much did you cut off your springs, I really like the ride height of you truck.

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by 1stseries55

good timing on this one... I am almost finished with my front end conversion. All the parts are from an 87 burb. It has 2.5" drop spindles and 3" coils. I know I will have to trim the bumpstops but do you think I will have issues with the bumpstop mount itself? I am running a 15" wheel. Here is a pic..
Attachment 478028

nothing hits now but obviously there is a lot of weight that is yet to be put back on the front. What do you guys think?

You'll probably want to shave those brackets. With drop spindles and two ut coils, mine rides on the brackets. I've had some shaved control arms for a while. I'm finally getting around to installing them this week. My kidneys can't wait.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by 1stseries55

good timing on this one... I am almost finished with my front end conversion. All the parts are from an 87 burb. It has 2.5" drop spindles and 3" coils. I know I will have to trim the bumpstops but do you think I will have issues with the bumpstop mount itself? I am running a 15" wheel. Here is a pic..

nothing hits now but obviously there is a lot of weight that is yet to be put back on the front. What do you guys think?

yeah you are gonna want to remove those...from the pic you only seem to have a couple of inches of clearance, and like you said you have a lot more weight to go on the front

[Frizzle Fry]

I cut mine but left the steering stop portion in place. It may not look like it from this angle but it clears the upper plate to full bag compression:

[protrash64]

I took mine totally off so its more aerodynamic and I can manuver drive thru's better, let alone the fuel savings

[Frizzle Fry]

Mine also serve as vertical stabilizers and bottle openers when aired out

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I cut mine after I got it all together. Not by choice, just dumb. I used a sawzall. Not pretty, but it works.

[1stseries55]

thanks... fortunatley at this stage it will be easy to drop the lca's and remove them.... thanks fellas