Drop lower control arms vs spindles?

[PRattenbury]

So, after crushing and otherwise damaging my control arms that I spent so much time and effort in, I was put in a position where I needed some replacements. Instead of getting some other stockers I decided to go with tubular ones. And since I was needing to replace the arms anyway I decided to get drop arms instead of using drop spindles. So it looks like 3" drop arms and 2" drop springs. Will this cause me any massive problems? I have the stock spindles all cleaned up nice and freshly painted...

[rare86]

Shouldnt be a problem. I have the uppers and lower arms on my truck with springs and the alignment shop I took it too said that it was the best setup they had seen. It didnt require the massive amount of shims some do. I have 18s on my truck so Im not really sure if stock wheels fit, but I think I have heard that they will.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by PRattenbury

So, after crushing and otherwise damaging my control arms that I spent so much time and effort in, I was put in a position where I needed some replacements. Instead of getting some other stockers I decided to go with tubular ones. And since I was needing to replace the arms anyway I decided to get drop arms instead of using drop spindles. So it looks like 3" drop arms and 2" drop springs. Will this cause me any massive problems? I have the stock spindles all cleaned up nice and freshly painted...

How were your 'original' control arms damaged?

[PRattenbury]

I put them in my 12 ton shop press and things went wrong.

[PRattenbury]

My control arms have arrived. I will have front suspension done this weekend for sure. If I'm lucky I'll even have an engine installed. I'll be taking some pics, of course.

[TIM86]

Curious what the price is for the control arms? Didnt realize this option was out there.

[PRattenbury]

500 for lowers, 250 for uppers, roughly. includes the bushings and ball joints

[PRattenbury]

Any other drop experts have input? N2TRUX? Muthstryker? Lilpoindexter?

[SCOTI]

The number one concern w/dropped a-arms is the spring pocket will be lower than the lowest point of typical contact (the lower a-arm shaft bushings/hardware). It can snag anything sticking up from the road surface.

My old roomates 65 was destroyed because of the a-arm pocket on his 'So-Low' brand dropped arms hanging up on a manhole cover (he used a dropped arm/dropped coil kit).

[PRattenbury]

Well, that is certainly something to watch out for! Thanks!

[PRattenbury]

Originally Posted by PRattenbury

Any other drop experts have input? N2TRUX? Muthstryker? Lilpoindexter?

Nobody else huh?

[85X3]

I'm running DJM upper and lower arms with no problem other than a slight bumpsteer issue. I plan on correcting this by doing a tie-rod flip or a T-bird R&P. I noticed that Rare86 eliminated the sway bar. I eliminated the sway bar brackets @ the frame horns. Makes for a cleaner install. I also set the caster @ 4½° positive (DS) and 5° (PS). Really handles well. I have a rear sway bar from 2nd generation camaro to install also, but that upgrade is on the back burner for now.