Dropmember in a 69 C10

[blazntn]

Does anyone know what the ride hieght will be on the dropmember. I am trying to decide to run a cantilever setup in the rear or just a bog aver axle.

thanks
Brad Walker
www.gaugemagazine.com

[babyblueoval]

Brad,

Nathan designed the dropmember to run at a 5" ride height.
2wd will need drop spindles and will put the frame rails on the ground.
4wd with stock spindles will do the same.

On Kyle's blazer in the 69-72 Blazer forum, the rear has been c-notched so the bottom of the "c" is the same height as the top of the rest of the rail.

[dan468]

Originally Posted by babyblueoval

Brad,

Nathan designed the dropmember to run at a 5" ride height.
2wd will need drop spindles and will put the frame rails on the ground.
4wd with stock spindles will do the same.

On Kyle's blazer in the 69-72 Blazer forum, the rear has been c-notched so the bottom of the "c" is the same height as the top of the rest of the rail.

these figures are also based on a 29'' tire (right Nathan?) I think if you used a 27'' I'm pretty sure a 2wd can still lay frame with stock spindles.

[babyblueoval]

Oops!
Sorry, I forgot about the tire height.
It is based on a 29" tire height.
That's what I'll be using so I forgot about that part.

[dan468]

Don't forget your spindle will also determine ride quality. Assuming both setups are riding at the same ride height, the setup with the drop spindles will require more air pressure to achieve the same height, thus making a stiffer ride.

[blazntn]

Cool thanks I actualy in the process of installing my dropmember. I am just looking for a 4 link. If it is setup for 5" I will be able to run a standard 4 link instead of buying a SD Cantilever. Hopefully I will have the full install up on www.gaugemagazine.com in the next few wonths!!

[babyblueoval]

OK. I don't have a dropmember yet so I haven't installed or seen one in person BUT I have talked to Nathan quite a bit about it and asked the same questions.

This is how I understand it:
With drop spindles your ride height will be 5" - he decided on this height because that's how high it needed to be to clear some monster speed bump in his parking lot.
With a 2wd frame and stock spindles, the ride height (half way inflated) will be about 7"-7 1/2".
If any of this is wrong, I'm sure Nathan will chime in and tell you but I'm pretty sure this info is correct.

I'm sorry, I forgot about tire size again!!
All the above assumes a 29" tall tire. I'm planning on using a 275/45x20 which is 29.7", so my frame would be 3/4" off the ground. A shorter tire would theoretically be "in the ground" - that's how Nathan expalined it anyway.

[blazntn]

Cool thanks, well for now I will be running steelies and wide whites. But I am setting it up for 265-35-22's in the front and bigger in the rear.

[babyblueoval]

Depending on the exact tire, a 265/35x22 is 29.3" so all the specs should be right on.

I sent Nathan an email to have him check my info so if I stated anything incorrectly he'll correct me when he gets a chance.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by dan468

these figures are also based on a 29'' tire (right Nathan?) I think if you used a 27'' I'm pretty sure a 2wd can still lay frame with stock spindles.

Just to clarify some of the questions... 29" tall tire vs. a 27" tall tire will yield only one inch of difference in ride height. The 29" tall tire would put the frame 3" off the ground with a stock spindle, a 27" tall tire would put the frame 2" off the ground with a stock spindle, and so on and so forth. For every two inches of difference in tire diameter it only equates to one inch difference in ride height.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by dan468

Don't forget your spindle will also determine ride quality. Assuming both setups are riding at the same ride height, the setup with the drop spindles will require more air pressure to achieve the same height, thus making a stiffer ride.

This is incorrect... the drop spinldes do not effect the geometry and do not effect the height or inflated pressure of the air bag. All that is happening with the drop spindle is that the spindle spud is moving up in the casting of the spindle. Unlike a drop-spring, a drop-spindle compensates for ride height without compensating geometry of the control arms and steering (some aspects of the suspension geometry are effectced such as scrub radius).

Dan- I just re-read your post and think I misread it the first time! I now understand what you're saying! Looks like I just clarified your comments!

[PBFAB.COM]

Let me give the breakdown one more time on the Dropmember and what its designed specs are....

The Dropmember was designed to achieve greater ground clearance, eliminate the stock steering box and linkage and replace with a rack and pinion steering gear, and afford the option of getting these trucks a slow as possible when combined with certain spindle, tire diameter, and air spring selection.

With a 29" tall tire, a 2.5" drop-spindle, Air Ride Tech. Strong Arms, and a slam specialties RE7 air spring the frame will rest 1/2" off the ground and yield a 5-6" ride height. Switch the bag to a Firestone and it's on the ground. It is recommended to run a bumpstop to limit the frame from actually resting on the ground in case of component failure.

Start switching around the tire diameter, air spring, and spindle heights and multiple variations of ride-height and dumped-height can be achieved. The overall recommendation of which spindle height to use will be determined by what tire diameter run, what air bag is being used, and of course what YOUR desired end result is.

I discuss all these aspects with you guys before your orders are placed to make sure we are setting it up to achieve your desired end result. I am more than happy to answer any and all questions so don't hsitate to ask!

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by babyblueoval

OK. I don't have a dropmember yet so I haven't installed or seen one in person BUT I have talked to Nathan quite a bit about it and asked the same questions.

This is how I understand it:
With drop spindles your ride height will be 5" - he decided on this height because that's how high it needed to be to clear some monster speed bump in his parking lot.
With a 2wd frame and stock spindles, the ride height (half way inflated) will be about 7"-7 1/2".
If any of this is wrong, I'm sure Nathan will chime in and tell you but I'm pretty sure this info is correct.

I'm sorry, I forgot about tire size again!!
All the above assumes a 29" tall tire. I'm planning on using a 275/45x20 which is 29.7", so my frame would be 3/4" off the ground. A shorter tire would theoretically be "in the ground" - that's how Nathan expalined it anyway.

"Mr. Holly" has retained all the info. I have given him! Looks like it was time well spent!

[PBFAB.COM]

I will have pics of the Big Block installed hopefully tomorrow. It all worked out quite well, the motor mounts had to be raised 3/4".

[royo]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

I will have pics of the Big Block installed hopefully tomorrow. It all worked out quite well, the motor mounts had to be raised 3/4".

ttt

[PBFAB.COM]

Time for an update....

The back-half is nearing completion... should have some 'finished pics' up the end of the week. These 'teaser pics' will have to do for now.

The BBC mounts are done. I had to raise the mounting tabs 3/4" for oil pan to rack clearance. I am hoping to roll a frame into the shop and mock it up with a cab in place for clearance pics. Clearance at the fire-wall should be OK... I will know for sure this week... worst case, the trans tunnel will need some mods at the firewall.

[IvelDesigns]

i can only wish my welds looked that clean

what year trucks is this for again?

[jimmydean]

Looking great Nate. I look forward to seeing the whole deal.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

i can only wish my welds looked that clean

what year trucks is this for again?

This one will be for 63-72 (both long and short wheel base), there will be one coming shortly after this, for the 73-87 chassis.

[IvelDesigns]

will you be starting a new thread with the details and cost? I don't think i'll be using it on my current build, but may consider it for a future build.

are there any accommodations for a narrowed rear end?

[lvscott]

Nathan you need to stop posting pictures like that. It makes me want to cut out the backhalf that I just finished and order one of yours. I really like the trailing arm crossmember that you built with the open top and exaust holes in it looks sweet. Makes me wish I hadn't ordered the early classics model.

[watahyahknow]

hmmmm made me get an idea : if you make the backhalf out of boxsection you could use it to dump the exaustgasses behind the rearaxle without the usual problems getting pipes over the rearaxle and past the gastank (just an idea prolly not possible because of vibrations and stuff )

[XXL]

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

hmmmm made me get an idea : if you make the backhalf out of boxsection you could use it to dump the exaustgasses behind the rearaxle without the usual problems getting pipes over the rearaxle and past the gastank (just an idea prolly not possible because of vibrations and stuff )

I wouldn't be concerned with vibration. However, from a practical standpoint, I wouldn't want to run exhaust through the frame channels because of the condensation inherent in exhaust systems. That condensation is what eats through exhaust systems... which is not something you want happening to your frame.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

will you be starting a new thread with the details and cost? I don't think i'll be using it on my current build, but may consider it for a future build.

are there any accommodations for a narrowed rear end?

I figured I would open up a new thread when I have it all completed and have all the "details" on it. It can accomodate a wider wheel and narrowed rear end housing. We will be doing a C4 backhalf (nearly identicle to this back-half... only doesn't have to step as high) on a 62 in a few months and be running a 20X12 with a Micky Thompson.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by lvscott

Nathan you need to stop posting pictures like that. It makes me want to cut out the backhalf that I just finished and order one of yours. I really like the trailing arm crossmember that you built with the open top and exaust holes in it looks sweet. Makes me wish I hadn't ordered the early classics model.

The crossmember in the pic is not yet completed... it will have a hoop that closes up the top as well. It however is not for trailing arms... this back-half will incorporate a four-link. This crossmember will be integrated into the back-half and bolt into the chassis... eliminating the factory trailing arm crossmember.