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Old 06-21-2012, 01:28 PM   #1
BlueEK9
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How low is too low? (Static Drop)

I recently did a 5.5" static drop on the front of my 67. I used CPP 2.5" spindles, 3" DJM springs, Porterbuilt shock relocators and 235/60/15 tires up front. My control arms are aproximately 2" off the ground. I had to trim them a little to accommodate the 15" rims and CPP drop spindles. I love the way it looks but I am constantly bottoming out. Should be concerned about damaging my control arms or some other suspension components? The sway bar brackets on the control arms are only an 1.5" away from hitting the upper spring cups.








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Old 06-21-2012, 01:45 PM   #2
Cole Trickle
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Too low for me with that wheel/tire package.

Looks really good but I would be afraid I would destroy the truck on every bump/driveway or rail road track.

With my 4.5" front drop and 20" wheels I never rub and my x member is nowhere near that close to the ground.

you can buy shorter/low profile sway bar frame mounts
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Old 06-21-2012, 01:49 PM   #3
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

It shouldn't be an issue, but it all depends on your driving style. Watch for bumps and avoid them, go slowly when needed, and you'll be ok.
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Old 06-21-2012, 02:11 PM   #4
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

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It shouldn't be an issue, but it all depends on your driving style. Watch for bumps and avoid them, go slowly when needed, and you'll be ok.
lol.... he lives in WA and is parked on gravel
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Old 06-21-2012, 02:19 PM   #5
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Buy some control arms as spares and enjoy it.
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Old 06-21-2012, 02:30 PM   #6
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Cole, what size tires are you running up front with your 20's? I have a set that I'm getting ready to buy tires for.
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Old 06-21-2012, 03:03 PM   #7
Cole Trickle
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

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Cole, what size tires are you running up front with your 20's? I have a set that I'm getting ready to buy tires for.
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20x8.5 255/40/20 (F)

20x10 295/40/20 (R)
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Old 06-21-2012, 04:22 PM   #8
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

WOW.. I got CPP 3in drop springs on mine and it no ware near that drop.. And mine still have the Factory bump stops just without the rubber stop. What Brand are those just for curiosity sake.
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Old 06-21-2012, 05:38 PM   #9
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

3" DJM springs, CPP 2.5" drop spindles and 26" tall tires.
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Old 06-21-2012, 06:36 PM   #10
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

I agree with the comments above re: drive it, enjoy it.
I ride lower than that daily.
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Old 06-21-2012, 07:08 PM   #11
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Your truck looks Sweet!

Adding a Porterbuilt Mild Dropmember or Pro Touring Dropmember will give you more ground clearance, at the same ride height.
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Old 06-21-2012, 08:17 PM   #12
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

I like it!!
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Old 06-21-2012, 09:12 PM   #13
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Would just adding porter built control arms with stock cross member give it anymore ground clearance.
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Old 06-22-2012, 07:39 AM   #14
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

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Would just adding porter built control arms with stock cross member give it anymore ground clearance.
Not really.
The "pivot point" of the lower a-arm is still the closest thing to the ground.
It will make contact first.
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Old 06-21-2012, 10:44 PM   #15
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Screw it, drive the crap out of it. Ull be okay.
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Old 06-22-2012, 12:51 AM   #16
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Your truck looks good! I like how it sits!
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Old 06-22-2012, 12:58 AM   #17
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Tube arms and a taller tire- or do the PBDM, if you have the $. Truck looks sweet, but if you catch one of those arms on something, you might/will destroy it. I've seen frames folded like origami...
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Old 06-22-2012, 01:30 AM   #18
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

the truck looks great. i think it might really help if you baged the front, you look like you would sheve the heads of the bolts on I5
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Old 06-22-2012, 02:06 AM   #19
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

I appreciate all the feedback. Is anyone else running the same/similar set up? I'll most likely just leave it the way it is and take it easy. Porterbuilt stuff is great but I don't want to invest that much money into this truck. I'm also working on a short box that already has a complete Porterbuilt setup.
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Old 06-22-2012, 07:41 AM   #20
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueEK9 View Post
I appreciate all the feedback. Is anyone else running the same/similar set up? I'll most likely just leave it the way it is and take it easy. Porterbuilt stuff is great but I don't want to invest that much money into this truck. I'm also working on a short box that already has a complete Porterbuilt setup.
I am.
My red '69 has a 5.5/7.5 drop.
My a-arms are 2.5" off the ground at the lowest spot on the lower a-arms.
(I have a 7" wheel with a 215/70-15 tire)

Swapping the front coils would be the easiest answer,... but then you won't be "driving" at this low height anymore.
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Old 06-22-2012, 10:13 AM   #21
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

If it were me, I would try changing to a different coil. I have never had good luck with 3" coils. I would go with a stock coil cut, or a 2" drop instead.
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Old 06-22-2012, 11:15 AM   #22
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Mine is a similar drop (3" spindles, 1" coils with a round cut), but I'm running a 28" tall tire to keep the arms up off of the ground and I still would like some more clearance. Seeing the devastation that is caused by hanging an arm, even at low speed, worries me...
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Old 06-28-2012, 01:53 PM   #23
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

I'm with everyone that it looks great at that stance...but I'm also with the guys below. I don't know anyone personally that's had this happen, but I've seen the devastation that happens from online pics when an arm catches a man hole cover/ridge in the road and it would worry me too much to drive it. Not only for the sake of the truck being totalled, but also for my own safety and my passengers...

Quote:
Originally Posted by gringoloco View Post
Tube arms and a taller tire- or do the PBDM, if you have the $. Truck looks sweet, but if you catch one of those arms on something, you might/will destroy it. I've seen frames folded like origami...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N2TRUX View Post
If it were me, I would try changing to a different coil. I have never had good luck with 3" coils. I would go with a stock coil cut, or a 2" drop instead.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gringoloco View Post
Mine is a similar drop (3" spindles, 1" coils with a round cut), but I'm running a 28" tall tire to keep the arms up off of the ground and I still would like some more clearance. Seeing the devastation that is caused by hanging an arm, even at low speed, worries me...
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Old 06-22-2012, 12:08 PM   #24
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

where I live with pot holes and rough pavement I could not do that I might go 16" tires or just taller tires and enjoy it and DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!!!!
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Old 06-22-2012, 07:10 PM   #25
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Re: How low is too low? (Static Drop)

Take the springs out and get some 3/4 ton or one ton springs cut for the same drop stiffer springs will keep the front from dropping so low when you hit a Gregoire hole
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