Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
11-28-2010, 07:28 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 419
|
Spindles or control arms?
Hi all,
I am ramping up for my winter project which will be to lower my 84' crew cab dually. My plan is to shoot for a 4/5 drop. The front will be either DJM control arms and a 1" drop spring or belltech spindles and a 1" drop spring. The rear will be your standard shackle and hanger + spring pack mods. The question is regarding the front. Any reason I should pick control arms over spindles or the opposite? If there are advantages to a particular path please list them. Thanks Jim Posted via Mobile Device |
11-28-2010, 09:34 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,223
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
I have DJM 3" drop control arms on my truck. One issue I have with them is that to get the camber in spec requires shimming the upper control arm almost all the way out on the studs. If you plan to add another 1" drop with springs, you may find you do not have enough adjustment to get the camber within spec. I have heard there are longer studs available for the upper control arms, but nobody seems to know where to get them.
Bottom line is the DJM drop control arms jack with your alignment and suspension geometry much more than drop spindles do.
__________________
- Greg |
11-28-2010, 09:41 PM | #3 |
67-72 parts collector,…
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,700
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Drop spindles,... without a doubt.
I've heard of bushing and balljoint issues with DJM control arms.
__________________
Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
11-28-2010, 11:34 PM | #4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,223
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Quote:
And the ball joints are some cheap noname brand. The rubber boots on my lowers are already split and they have only been on the truck a few years. Another issue I have heard about, but not experienced yet, is cracked welds. I sure hope that doesn't happen. Go with the spindles. You'll be glad you did.
__________________
- Greg |
|
11-28-2010, 11:48 PM | #5 |
GM's 4 Life
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Greenwood, SC
Posts: 363
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
I don't know about the control arms but my dad put some drop spindles on his s10 and it did not change the ride at all really.
__________________
Jack '54 Chevy 3100 "Just a Mess" '74 Chevy Super 10 468BB "One Fast Rust Bucket" '86 Pontiac Fiero GT '88 Chevy burb "Tha Big Turd" '93 GMC Safari "Bone Crusher" .................____________ .............../______l___|___\____ ;,;,;,;,;,;,;|__(O)_| __l___l__(O) | |
11-28-2010, 10:44 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Posts: 9
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Spindles if your going that low. I had a some drop a-arms in a 92 and it was very difficult to get it aligned. I think the ride is better with the spindles. I have only used DJM products and I have never have any issues, I think for the price they are spot on. The only issues I know about going with 3" spindles could be some clearance issues on the wheels but that all depends on the back spacing and size of wheel. I don't know if that will be an issue with a 1 ton.
__________________
1985 scottsdale LS 408 stroker (eventually) |
11-28-2010, 10:52 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: los angeles
Posts: 1,134
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
2.5 summit racing (ground force) spindles + 2" DJM springs
|
11-29-2010, 02:59 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Newfane, NY
Posts: 12
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Do you have the part number for the belltech spindles? I have an '81 C30 and can not find any parts except a sway bar adapter.. Its for a C10 though
__________________
1981 Chevy Crew 454 2006 G6 GTP 2001 Impala |
11-29-2010, 09:39 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 419
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Thank you all for the comments. Thats the kind of information I was looking for! To fix the alignment problems with the control arms I planned to purchase the upper control arm also. I was told this fixes any alignment issues but I think you guys have helped me decide to go with spindles. I really dont want to have to worry about cracked welds, bad ball joints, etc. I do plan to tow with this truck and really dont need to front wheels falling off when towing my 30' speed boat!
|
11-29-2010, 09:42 AM | #10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 419
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Quote:
If you goto http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.asp...0&partid=19402 This is the correct Spindle. If you want to find it on belltechs website, you need to perform a part number search on the site and put in "3500" for the part number. Thanks Jim |
|
11-29-2010, 12:49 PM | #11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Quote:
502ss, defintely spindles over dropped a-arms.
__________________
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. Last edited by SCOTI; 11-29-2010 at 12:50 PM. |
|
11-29-2010, 10:09 AM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Newfane, NY
Posts: 12
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Yeah it seems a lot of people do the 1/2 ton suspension swap before they lower the 1 ton trucks. I (probably just like you) would like to keep my 1 ton set-up to haul heavy **** if needed.. you know? It shouldn't mean I should have to sacrifice cool though right?? lol
__________________
1981 Chevy Crew 454 2006 G6 GTP 2001 Impala |
11-29-2010, 01:04 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Newfane, NY
Posts: 12
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
I forgot to add my 2 cents. I agree with all the above. Spindles... Always, Always lean towards less geometry mis-alignment when ever possible.
Also, I'm not to familiar with the Chevy springs but cutting (or heating) the springs isn't ever recommended. Especially if they are "progressive rate". Unless you know, it's the cheaper way to go.. lol I lowered an 87' Monte SS by heating the springs and almost was layin' frame.. I was "The coolest kid in town" (in my mind) until a rear spring fell out of the perch (pigtailed) and stuffed the wheel into the wheel well... lol Luckily I had AAA.
__________________
1981 Chevy Crew 454 2006 G6 GTP 2001 Impala |
11-29-2010, 01:07 PM | #14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Quote:
__________________
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. |
|
11-29-2010, 01:34 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 419
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
I plan to just buy the belltech lowered spring and eliminate the worry of having to cut mine.
Posted via Mobile Device |
12-06-2010, 08:39 PM | #16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 419
|
Re: Spindles or control arms?
Well, I pulled the trigger!
3" belltech spindles 1" beltech drop springs 4" belltech shackle/hanger kit Beltech drop shocks Hopefully will lower it during my vacation over Xmas! Stay tuned for plenty of pics Posted via Mobile Device |
Bookmarks |
|
|