How low can you go without drop spindles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

5150 · 01-11-2005, 07:12 PM

I want to get a 4/6 drop out of my truck. Do I need drop spindles. Also what if I decide to go 3/5.

thanks

bagged72blaz · 01-11-2005, 07:45 PM

Depends on if your bagging or not. If not than you can go with dropped a-arms. But spindles are better. But just with springs only about 2" I'd say.

grnddwn · 01-11-2005, 08:02 PM

Spindles are the best. They allow you to keep most of your ride on a 4-6 drop

5150 · 01-11-2005, 08:06 PM

but what about a 3-5 drop?

72BLAZERDUDE · 01-11-2005, 09:12 PM

I have seen trucks with 4 inch front spring drop and man those lower control arm bushings are just asking to get hit. I would think 3 inch would be the max and that might be pushing it.

Peregrine · 01-11-2005, 11:20 PM

my PO cut the springs and on top of that didn't cut them even, so my drivers side RIDES on the bump stop. And it looks like a 4 inch drop. 3 is risking it. God I can't wait for my ECE parts.

Tx Firefighter · 01-12-2005, 12:34 AM

3 inch spring drop is okay. I've done it plenty of times by whacking one coil off the spring. Never had any bumpstop trouble though. There may be something else going on there.

5150 · 01-12-2005, 03:31 AM

Txfirefighter-so in other words it not even worth getting 3 inch drop springs if you can just cut one coil off?

Tx Firefighter · 01-12-2005, 08:58 AM

In my opinion yes. I cut coil springs and am always real happy with them. Some folks don't recomend it, but many times, they have no experience, just read it somewhere.

SCOTI · 01-12-2005, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

In my opinion yes. I cut coil springs and am always real happy with them. Some folks don't recomend it, but many times, they have no experience, just read it somewhere.

I agree 100%. I've always cut coils if/when possible as long as it's done moderately (usually just 1 coil or 2-3" of drop). Of all the vehicles I've lowered the only one that I swapped the cut coils out were my old 78 camino. I didn't want the tires buzzing the fenderwell tops up front so I used some Suspension Techniques sport springs in conjunction w/drop spindles for a 3" drop but w/a 600# spring-rate instead of the stock 350# (est) rate. This eliminated the buzzing but did increase the ride harshness equal to that of an Iroc Z/Trans Am.

On these old trucks, when you cut off 2 or more coils, if the front suspension extends enough, the spring will fall out of place unless you have some limiters. My buddy learned the hard way how much fun that can be when exiting the hi-way one night.

**Captkaos** · 01-12-2005, 02:27 PM

I agree 100% with SCOTI and Tx Firefighter. Don't cut more than a coil off though.

dave2953 · 01-12-2005, 02:58 PM

I too, agree. Like an idiot, I cut 1.5 coils out of my front coils on my 68 short bed. My lower control arms are nearly scraping the ground, so like they said, no more than a coil and you'll be fine.

grnddwn · 01-12-2005, 04:03 PM

I had an 80 blazer I cut two coils outta. It road alright, but you had to watch for shyt on the road and if you jacked it up the coils fell over.

skahide · 01-12-2005, 05:23 PM

I have an 81 High Sierra and i want to cut one coil off the springs, but how do you know how much of a drop there will be if they are older springs? What would you do first? measure the current height? Should i buy new ones first?

**Captkaos** · 01-12-2005, 05:49 PM

The best way is to cut some and put it back in drive it and then cut some more if you want more drop. I used to cut about 1/2 coil off and then drive it. If you want it to be exact, measuring wouldn't be a bad idea. New springs will sit taller than the ones you currently have even if they are factory replacements. Springs "relax" over time.

crazy longhorn · 01-12-2005, 08:02 PM

if you cut em, take 1 full ring......they will seat right . both top and bottom that way.....mine showed me a 3" drop

crazyL

skahide · 01-13-2005, 12:16 AM

I thought you were supposed to only cut from the top of the spring, does it matter in the long run? What is the prefered method of cutting?

Tx Firefighter · 01-13-2005, 07:43 AM

You have to cut off the bottom only. The top of the spring tapers to a smaller size. If you cut the top, it will no longer have any way to correctly index with the upper pocket.

skahide · 01-13-2005, 01:35 PM

ok thanks i had it backwards, What do you recomend to use cutting it? Im very limited on tools

grnddwn · 01-13-2005, 01:36 PM

Grinder and a zip disc. Do not, do not use a torch.

skahide · 01-13-2005, 04:04 PM

thanks guys

crazy longhorn · 01-13-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnddwn

Grinder and a zip disc. Do not, do not use a torch.

You can use a torch on those springs.....turn em upside down , in a 5 gal bucket of water,& cut the exposed end

crazyL

moodybo · 01-16-2005, 07:53 PM

My friend bottomed out the other day with 3 inch dropped coils! Killed his bumper! He says it bounced too easily! He could also drop his lower control arm with the spindle still attached and the drop coils would just drop out!(:0) not enough preload if you ask me!

70chevc10 · 01-23-2005, 07:17 PM

i dont want tojack the thread but i have a question that has to do with this. if you put bags in teh front without spindles would thsi same problem occur with lower control arms?

Tx Firefighter · 01-23-2005, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70chevc10

i dont want tojack the thread but i have a question that has to do with this. if you put bags in teh front without spindles would thsi same problem occur with lower control arms?

Yes, the control arms would still be very low and risk damage with the air bags, just like the coils.

01-11-2005, 07:12 PM	#1
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,281	How low can you go without drop spindles? I want to get a 4/6 drop out of my truck. Do I need drop spindles. Also what if I decide to go 3/5. thanks __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

01-11-2005, 07:45 PM	#2
bagged72blaz Got L.E.D.s Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Craig Co. Posts: 195	Depends on if your bagging or not. If not than you can go with dropped a-arms. But spindles are better. But just with springs only about 2" I'd say. __________________ Bagged 1972 2wd Blazer http://www.earlyclassic.com/home.aspx

01-11-2005, 08:06 PM	#4
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,281	but what about a 3-5 drop? __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

01-11-2005, 09:12 PM	#5
72BLAZERDUDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: WATAUGA,TX Posts: 675	I have seen trucks with 4 inch front spring drop and man those lower control arm bushings are just asking to get hit. I would think 3 inch would be the max and that might be pushing it. __________________ 72 2wd 307/AT/AC/TILT WHEEL 78 JIMMY HIGH SIERRA

01-11-2005, 11:20 PM	#6
Peregrine Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 329	my PO cut the springs and on top of that didn't cut them even, so my drivers side RIDES on the bump stop. And it looks like a 4 inch drop. 3 is risking it. God I can't wait for my ECE parts. __________________ Brian 72 C10 longbed 350/th400 Let the world change you and you will change the world.

01-11-2005, 08:02 PM	#3
grnddwn belly dragger Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: sherwood park AB. Canada Posts: 694	Spindles are the best. They allow you to keep most of your ride on a 4-6 drop

01-12-2005, 12:34 AM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	3 inch spring drop is okay. I've done it plenty of times by whacking one coil off the spring. Never had any bumpstop trouble though. There may be something else going on there. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-12-2005, 03:31 AM	#8
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,281	Txfirefighter-so in other words it not even worth getting 3 inch drop springs if you can just cut one coil off? __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

01-12-2005, 08:58 AM	#9
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	In my opinion yes. I cut coil springs and am always real happy with them. Some folks don't recomend it, but many times, they have no experience, just read it somewhere. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-12-2005, 02:27 PM	#11
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	I agree 100% with SCOTI and Tx Firefighter. Don't cut more than a coil off though. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

01-12-2005, 02:58 PM	#12
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	I too, agree. Like an idiot, I cut 1.5 coils out of my front coils on my 68 short bed. My lower control arms are nearly scraping the ground, so like they said, no more than a coil and you'll be fine.

01-12-2005, 04:03 PM	#13
grnddwn belly dragger Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: sherwood park AB. Canada Posts: 694	I had an 80 blazer I cut two coils outta. It road alright, but you had to watch for shyt on the road and if you jacked it up the coils fell over.

01-12-2005, 05:23 PM	#14
skahide Looking @ 67 Chevy Short Step Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Near Tyler, Texas Posts: 136	I have an 81 High Sierra and i want to cut one coil off the springs, but how do you know how much of a drop there will be if they are older springs? What would you do first? measure the current height? Should i buy new ones first?

01-12-2005, 05:49 PM	#15
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	The best way is to cut some and put it back in drive it and then cut some more if you want more drop. I used to cut about 1/2 coil off and then drive it. If you want it to be exact, measuring wouldn't be a bad idea. New springs will sit taller than the ones you currently have even if they are factory replacements. Springs "relax" over time. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

01-12-2005, 08:02 PM	#16
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	if you cut em, take 1 full ring......they will seat right . both top and bottom that way.....mine showed me a 3" drop crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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01-13-2005, 12:16 AM	#17
skahide Looking @ 67 Chevy Short Step Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Near Tyler, Texas Posts: 136	I thought you were supposed to only cut from the top of the spring, does it matter in the long run? What is the prefered method of cutting?

01-13-2005, 07:43 AM	#18
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	You have to cut off the bottom only. The top of the spring tapers to a smaller size. If you cut the top, it will no longer have any way to correctly index with the upper pocket. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-13-2005, 01:35 PM	#19
skahide Looking @ 67 Chevy Short Step Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Near Tyler, Texas Posts: 136	ok thanks i had it backwards, What do you recomend to use cutting it? Im very limited on tools

01-13-2005, 01:36 PM	#20
grnddwn belly dragger Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: sherwood park AB. Canada Posts: 694	Grinder and a zip disc. Do not, do not use a torch.

01-13-2005, 04:04 PM	#21
skahide Looking @ 67 Chevy Short Step Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Near Tyler, Texas Posts: 136	thanks guys

01-16-2005, 07:53 PM	#23
moodybo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 261	My friend bottomed out the other day with 3 inch dropped coils! Killed his bumper! He says it bounced too easily! He could also drop his lower control arm with the spindle still attached and the drop coils would just drop out!(:0) not enough preload if you ask me! Last edited by moodybo; 01-16-2005 at 07:55 PM.

01-23-2005, 07:17 PM	#24
70chevc10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 535	i dont want tojack the thread but i have a question that has to do with this. if you put bags in teh front without spindles would thsi same problem occur with lower control arms?

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