Mcgauhys 4.5/6 drop issues

[Scott76]

The drop went pretty much straight forward, but I have noticed a couple things. The most concerning is that the angle of the stock brake hard line section were it bolts to the caliper has it contacting the new Mcgaughy's spindle right at the upper ball joint. I managed to bend it somewhat so there is a little clearance, but it's still not acceptable in my eyes. I'm guessing I'll have to go to custom lines. Wouldn't have made a difference in my purchase, but it would have been nice to know beforehand.

The other issue may just be with my setup. I'm running 285/40/18 tires up front (27" diameter) and there is around 2" of clearance from the top of the tire to the inner fender. Removing them and making something different is no big deal, but I was of the understanding that a lot of guys were running this drop with this wheel/tire combo or even bigger without issues. Any ideas?

[BB72CHEVKT]

I am considering this drop package and would love to see pics.

[ultrahd4me]

Bending the brake line away is common with most drop spindles, just bend them slowly with even pressure just to the point of kinking and they should clear just fine. As far as tires go, I think the 27" height will be OK but the 285 (11.25") width may be the problem. I've run this drop on several trucks, I myself and most other guys run a 245 or 255 on the front. Several other factors play into that like wheel offset, so I would try what you have first. I hope that helps.

[lolife99]

X2
Bending the steel line is part of the process.
I've done it on all the spindles I've installed.
Belltech, ECE, and McGaughys

[Tom]

I have a 5" drop in front on my 78 and have run both 255/60/15's and 275/60/15's without issues so width shouldn't be a problem. No idea about 18's though. I also bent the brake lines. Any amount of clearance is acceptable, they don't move so they won't rub anything.

[Scott76]

Okay, sounds good on the brake lines.

Wheels have a 5.25" backspace. It's about all the tire you could possibly get in there. My buddy works at a shop with a fender lip rolling tool, if I have to he has said he'll roll them for me.

That said, next time I will buy 275s.

[bbbc10]

U might wana try a 255

[cheap]

I ground down the edge of my calipers around where they brake lines connect so i could rotate them for clearance..not sure if it's better than bending, but my .02$

[Gregski]

pics please

[Scott76]

Pics of what, the drop or the brake line issue? I took the good advice here and already bent them. I'd love to share pics of the drop but the truck is on stands right now while I fix the exhaust and the floors.

[coats04]

Just put it on my 86 and it came out like a 5.5/6 drop

[Scott76]

Yeah it's definetely lower than advertised, but to me that's a good thing. The front fender covers about 1" of the tire (27" tire, 285/40/18) and that was exactly the look I was going for. Very happy with it.

I will say this, removing the rear bump stop bracket rivets is not fun, AT ALL.