Drop Spindles or Dropped Lower Control Arms

[ECU PIRATE]

Just as the title says............. drop spindles or dropped lower control arms. Just like a dummy, I sold all of the Bell Tech stuff when I got rid of my last project (3" drop spindles, Nitro Drop Shocks, C notch and Axle Flip Kit). No I am trying to build up my stash again. I have recently acquired (couretsy of Craigslist) a rear spring hanger / shackle kit along with a McGaughy's C notch kit. All brand new in the box for $ 50. I am going to save all of this and pick up a Bell Tech # 6852 Rear Axle Flip kit.

I am trying to weight my options of using factory 15" steelies or 20's that I just picked up on the cheap. What is the best drop spindle that will cause the least amount of problems on the installation side (lower control arm / spindle clearance issues with 15" wheel). I know any issue that I may have using a 15" wheel on a drop spindle, will disappear if I use 20's.

Mike

[lolife99]

ALWAYS use drop spindles over any kind of "drop pocket" designed a-arm.
(aka DJM a-arms)
Just my opinion,... but DJM "drop pocket" lower a-arms should never be used, due to the scrubline issues with the "pocket" of the a-arm hanging so low.

[camshaftgsxr]

use spindles, the drop arms dont make much sense to me being that they are so close to the ground, i scrape my subframe the time and it sits about as high as the picture above. but be careful, 3 inch spindles usually require larger wheels or less than 4 inches of backspacing to clear the knuckle with the front wheels.

[scottybaccus]

Spindles preserve steering and suspension geometry. All other methods compromise geometry. It's that simple.

[bbbc10]

go with spindles and are you gona use the spring and hangers with the flip kit?? that's gona be like 9"-10" drop in the rear if u use both the spring and hangers with the flip kit

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by lolife99

ALWAYS use drop spindles over any kind of "drop pocket" designed a-arm.
(aka DJM a-arms)
Just my opinion,... but DJM "drop pocket" lower a-arms should never be used, due to the scrubline issues with the "pocket" of the a-arm hanging so low.

I don't like these either, looks like it might need a skid plate so not to hang up on obstacles.

[ECU PIRATE]

All good comments men. I am going use spindles and springs (2.5" spindles / 1"-2" springs) and a flip kit (no notch). The truck is going to be a garage queen next to my Camaro so, I doubt there will be any heavy loads or towing with the Ol' Girl. Which spindles would be the best with a 15" wheel. DJM , Western Chassis , CPP? What are you running?

[lolife99]

Belltech

[bbbc10]

western chassis

[ECU PIRATE]

Seems I managed to pull together some free money so the drop is going forward. Let's hear about some of you personal recommendations on the following (going with 15x6 factory steel wheels and painted dog dish hubcaps):

2.5" drop spindles
Rear flip kit (no notch)
Drop shocks

Mike

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by scottybaccus

Spindles preserve steering and suspension geometry. All other methods compromise geometry. It's that simple.

As well as they dont alter your ride. My rule is spindles first, then springs or bags.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

3" spindles with 3" drop springs and a half turn cut off.tear is a 6" flip kit with 2" drop hangers....only issue i ran into using the rallys is the lower control arm hits the rim when turning lock to lock(tubulars or cutting off some of the control will solve that) and the tierod arm was hitting the rim..nothing my trusty ginder couldnt take care of..as a result i had to run my weights on the outside but the beauty ring covers that up...but still able to run my rallys..

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Dont know what happened with the bottom pic...lol..

[c-man405]

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

Dont know what happened with the bottom pic...lol..

Hey sweet truck! What is the tire size on that? With that much drop did you notch the back or any other frame/body modifications? Also what kind of drop shocks do you have? That look is sweet man!
Thanks Carter

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

Dont know what happened with the bottom pic...lol..

You had your phone rotated wrong side up when you snapped the pic.

[Tom]

I've used belltech and DJM 3" drop spindles for 73-87's with 15" rims and no issues. Wouldn't do DJM again though as their quality isn't good. Western chassie, if they make a 3", would be my go to now. I always use them for flip kits and springs.

[ECU PIRATE]

Thanks guys. I am a big Bell Tech fan after acquiring all of my drop parts for my last truck. What sucks is selling all of it to pay some bills....... I guess that is the sign of a stand up guy who will sell his toys to take care of his family. I just can see my self paying $645 for 3" spindles, a 6" flip kit, and the 8005/8511 drop shock combo from Bell Tech, at one time.

[ECU PIRATE]

Originally Posted by Tom

I've used belltech and DJM 3" drop spindles for 73-87's with 15" rims and no issues. Wouldn't do DJM again though as their quality isn't good. Western chassie, if they make a 3", would be my go to now. I always use them for flip kits and springs.

Let me see pictures of that 78' short bed ...... I will be swapping a big block / Muncie combo in mine when the money is right

[ECU PIRATE]

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

3" spindles with 3" drop springs and a half turn cut off.tear is a 6" flip kit with 2" drop hangers....only issue i ran into using the rallys is the lower control arm hits the rim when turning lock to lock(tubulars or cutting off some of the control will solve that) and the tierod arm was hitting the rim..nothing my trusty ginder couldnt take care of..as a result i had to run my weights on the outside but the beauty ring covers that up...but still able to run my rallys..Attachment 1485107

I love the stance!!!!!

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Originally Posted by c-man405

Hey sweet truck! What is the tire size on that? With that much drop did you notch the back or any other frame/body modifications? Also what kind of drop shocks do you have? That look is sweet man!
Thanks Carter

Thx brother... im running 215/75 front and 235/75 rear. .ya i had to do a cnotch if not i would bottom out all the time..im using some shortened shocks for now..i just got some shock extenders and im goin to get some belltech dropshocks soon..

[ECU PIRATE]

Looking at (2) separate complete kits (spindles,shackles,spring hangers, shocks) from The Suspension Source:

Opt. # 1

Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles
4" Shackle / Spring Hanger Kit
Bell Tech Nitro 2 front shocks
Bell Tec Nitro 2 rear shocks

$ 564.98 shipped

Opt. # 2

Bell Tech 3" drop spindle
4" Shackle / Spring Hanger Kit
Bell Tech Nitro 2 Rear Shocks
Bell Tech Nitro 2 Front Shocks

$ 659.96 shipped

I am leaning towards Bell Tech since I have had their products before. What do you guys think? $100 more for a 1/2" on paper???

[lolife99]

Forget the shackle hanger kit.
Do a flip kit.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

I agree with Keith

[gasmn1620]

nothing wrong with DJM spindles. They are a lot cheaper. I had to grind out a little bit where the caliper slides across it, but once I figured that out, piece of cake.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by ECU PIRATE

I am leaning towards Bell Tech since I have had their products before. What do you guys think? $100 more for a 1/2" on paper???

The 1/2" is worth it, but remember you cant run stock 15' wheels, your calipers will rub.

Originally Posted by lolife99

Forget the shackle hanger kit.
Do a flip kit.

Do this and save money.