Spindles or control arms?

[502ss]

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
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[454HO]

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.

[lolife99]

Drop spindles,... without a doubt.
I've heard of bushing and balljoint issues with DJM control arms.

[Trey765]

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.

[lilpoindexter]

2.5 summit racing (ground force) spindles + 2" DJM springs

[454HO]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Drop spindles,... without a doubt.
I've heard of bushing and balljoint issues with DJM control arms.

Yes, (sung to the tune of that little kids song) the urethane bushings go squeek, squeek, squeek, all through the town.

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.

[Da88burban]

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.

[twisted Noodle]

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

[502ss]

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!

[502ss]

Originally Posted by twisted Noodle

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

Dude I feel your pain! Belltech's website sucks!!

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

[twisted Noodle]

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

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 502ss

Dude I feel your pain! Belltech's website sucks!!

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

FYI . . . ... I was going to use Bell Tech spindles on my 89 dually. Cheapest price is could find was $400+. I purchased Western Chassis 3" spindles through 'Hunters' for $295.

502ss, defintely spindles over dropped a-arms.

[twisted Noodle]

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.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by twisted Noodle

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.

Minimum cutting is ok.... 1-coil max. Cut w/a saw vs. heat (cut-off wheel vs. torch).

[502ss]

I plan to just buy the belltech lowered spring and eliminate the worry of having to cut mine.
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[502ss]

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
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