Why is my 2.5" spindle drop rubbing?

[Pulse_GTO]

So I finally got the chance to install my 2.5" McGaughys spindles on my 83. I also replaced the shocks with some Monroe Sens-A-Tracs and the idler arm that had some play in it. I'm having an issue where the front tires will rub against the inner fenders if there is a small bump or dip in the road.

I'm wondering what I could do to avoid this?

[bbbc10]

what wheel an tire size are you running and do you have drop springs also

[Pulse_GTO]

I'm running a 255/70/15 tire all the way around and I have factory springs.

[bbbc10]

tire might be a little too tall

[Tx Firefighter]

That's a giant front tire to be under a lowered truck. Most guys run front tires about 2-3 inches shorter than that.

[rudey737]

I'd switch to a smaller tire like Kevin said above. I'm running the same spindle as you, but with 2" drop springs. My tire is a 215/75-15. I still have some tire rubbing issues when I hit big bumps or the front end gets bouncy from several bumps in a row.

Anyway, my tires are 27.70" tall and your tires are 29" tall. If you cut out a few inches on your tire and don't have the drop springs, you should be fine.

[Rich84]

I think that the condition of your shocks and springs comes into play also..Mine are new and I have 3" drop spindles and 1.5" lowering coils with 30" tires. I never have rubbing issues. (once when I was hauling 800lbs. of hardwood flooring and hit a huge pot hole)

[rudey737]

Yeah, the shocks and springs come into play, I'm sure. However, I have brand new shocks and springs and I still have rubbing issues.

If we're getting down to brass tacks, then the ball joints and control arm bushings could affect the tire rubbing as well. Mine are worn out and in need of being replaced. I'm hoping that, which should be done next weekend, and the new Belltech Nitro 2 drop shocks I bought from Summit will handle the tire rubbing issues.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong about the ball joints and control arm bushings. I just figured they are part of the suspension system. System being the key word there. My front suspension seems to work a lot better since I put new rear tires on and my rear shock extenders & new rear shocks.

[Pulse_GTO]

The tires I have on there are the same height as the stock tire size. I was not aware that the stock tire size would not work with this small drop. Would the 31 year old coil springs have anything to do with it? I really do not want to stiffen the ride, so would you suggest new oem front springs, or would Big 10 springs fit if they are any stiffer?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Pulse_GTO

The tires I have on there are the same height as the stock tire size. I was not aware that the stock tire size would not work with this small drop. Would the 31 year old coil springs have anything to do with it? I really do not want to stiffen the ride, so would you suggest new oem front springs, or would Big 10 springs fit if they are any stiffer?

What wheels/back space (it can be a factor)?

[Pulse_GTO]

The wheels are Panther EMR 068 in a 15x8. Not sure about the back spacing, but they have been on the truck for 13 years.

[Kudzupatch]

Not to be a smart aleck, but you lowered and that is why I rubs. The fender wells are closer to the tires than they were so there is less room for the tires.

I bought a lowered suburban and had the same issue. The guy had kept the factory sized tires which were HUGE for its new lower stance. They were fine in the back but just to big for the front. It got to the point I cringed when I saw a big bump coming because the sound was like finger nails on a black board to me. Just barely left a mark and it wasn't hurting the tires but I couldn't stand it.

I loved the stance and didn't want it any lower. So I installed 1" spacers under the coils which raised it 1". Then replaced the front tires with 2" shorter ones. Same stance and no rubbing at all and it keeps the same stance and ride as before.

[Pulse_GTO]

So pretty much eveyody that goes 2.5" has to go with smaller tires?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Pulse_GTO

So pretty much eveyody that goes 2.5" has to go with smaller tires?

Yes & no depending on the wheel size & back spacing. A wheel w/more BS might not have an issue rubbing @ cetain points. Easist fix is slightly shorter front tires.

[Pulse_GTO]

Or I can "clearance" the inner fenders with a BFH.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Pulse_GTO

Or I can "clearance" the inner fenders with a BFH.

If it rubs, banging on the sheetmetal may/may not be enough. Where does it rub? Inside? Outer lip? Top of the fender well?

Post a pic of the front so we can offer possible suggestions....

[nico]

I have 2.5" ECE spindles on my 84 and run 255/70-15 Radial T/A's on all four corners. I had some significant rubbing with my trimmed springs, but recently switched to new Moog springs and KYB shocks and now have plenty of clearance. The tires are big at roughly 29" tall, but to me, fill out the wheel well perfectly and the truck rides way better than my newer crew cab.

[Bigdogg]

i have a 81 chevy short bed need ideas on what kit to get and tire size dont want to slam the truck jus want to lower a little bit in the front and rear not real sure on lowering back just trying to get ideas and the best way to do it without alot of problems lol thx/ my email is tjavery@eastman.com

[gchemist]

I had the same problem. I replaced all the stock rubber bushings with polygraphite bushings. The problem went away! Now, the truck tires give way to squeeling around corners than rubbing.

[Pulse_GTO]

Sorry about the late reply, but here are a couple of pictures of the fender and tire:

[Tx Firefighter]

Roll that lip up tight underneath and it shouldn't give you any more trouble. A baseball bat works well.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Roll that lip up tight underneath and it shouldn't give you any more trouble. A baseball bat works well.

Agreed....

That's a wheel w/o much BS & a tall tire so typically the outer lip is where contact will occur.

[Pulse_GTO]

The tire is also contacting the inner fender. I can easily roll the lip. Would a stiffer spring help? Would the Big 10 springs be considered stiffer and would they fit? I'm trying not to screw up the ride too bad.