spindles over springs?

[devildog214]

i own an 87 monte carlo ss, i was looking to lower it with 2" opgi springs all around. But people say if you use front drop spindles with rear springs, it handles better. Does that mean with 4 springs it will handle like crap? or just better than having springs. Its a dd, will rarely see a track if at all, so is it really worth the extra time and money? Also my 25 year old springs are most likely worn out and id rather replace all 4.

thanks.

[alowerlevel]

Im not sure about the answer to your question, but if you decide to go with spindles Ive got a set of used 2" drop belltechs Ill sell you.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Bell+Tech/146/2100/10002/-1

[mc84_zz4]

Several people that use the 2" drop spindles report the car bottoming out on hard dips.
Changing the bump-stops for the S-10 bumpstops is a popular solution for that.
A higher rate spring (stock height) with the drop spindle would be another way of avoiding the bottoming out, however, now you are spending more than you were thinking of when deciding for the spindles.
With drop spindles, if you are planning on going with larger wheels, 17x8 will fit, but the backspacing of 4.5" is the deepest you can run (that is the optimal anyway) before the tie-rod meets the wheel lip. If you go with 18" it could be less of a problem.

If you use drop springs only, depending on how much drop, you 'could' notice some bump-steer, since the tie-rods are at an angle, and as the suspension articulates, it pulls on the steering arms.
There are bump-steer solutions also, www.scandc.com has some from Baer ($160, IIRC)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Baer+Brake/136/3301001/10002/-1

There is also a 3rd method, a little more expensive, but is improves the geometry of the Gbody front end.
It would be drop springs and swap for the tall ball joint, you get about .75 - 1.5" drop with the ball joint, and can get 1" drop springs, or chop the stock springs. If you cut the stock springs a 1/2 coil = 1" drop. when you cut the spring, it increases the spring rate slightly.
http://www.scandc.com/suspensions.htm#streetcomp2
HTH

[alowerlevel]

Several people that use the 2" drop spindles report the car bottoming out on hard dips.
Changing the bump-stops for the S-10 bumpstops is a popular solution for that.
A higher rate spring (stock height) with the drop spindle would be another way of avoiding the bottoming out, however, now you are spending more than you were thinking of when deciding for the spindles.


Im having a hard time believing that only putting the drop spindles on will make the car bottom out more than it did stock. (assuming you mean bottom the suspension out, not bottom the frame out on the road)

[PhillipM]

I read that as bottom the frame out on the road but man, that would be a huge dip!

[mc84_zz4]

Sorry for mislead, it was not intended, that is how they described it.
They were referring to tire scrubbing on the inner fenders (Nitto 555s 245/45/17 on 17x8 4.5" bs)
If you took a poll, prob 50/50% go spindles versus springs....
Those that went with the spindles love them.

[alowerlevel]

Ahhhh, ok that makes sense now. But even then no matter how you lower the car (2" spindles or 2" springs) the wheel & tire will be in the same spot. So I dont see how it would rub with spindles and not springs, a 2" drop is a 2" drop no matter how you accomplish it.

[mc84_zz4]

The spring rate would be the key there. If you use the drop spindles with the softer stock coils, you could bottom out easier.
If you get a higher rate springs (stock height) on the front with the drop spindles, you could also better match the rear drop springs increased spring rate, and get a more balanced feel.

[devildog214]

thanks, but i may have to go with the 4 springs, i dont like to cheap out on parts but, i dont wanna buy, rear lowering springs, spindles, then stock front springs. Its gonna be on stock ss mags with the same 215-65-15 on it. im 18 and im going to a 4 year college in 3 weeks and my income is a cashier at a grocery store lol.:nopity: Ill ask around to get a few more opinions though.

[mc84_zz4]

If you want to save ca$h, cut 3/4 coil to 1 full coil on the front (approx 1.5"-2" drop).
(When you reduce the number of coils of a spring, the spring rate increases, so a cut spring will actually ride a little firmer.)

Then buy some rear drop springs to match. (beehive type).
You can get many springs for under $150 a pair.

Congrats on college! save your bucks for books.

[alowerlevel]

If you want to save ca$h, cut 3/4 coil to 1 full coil on the front (approx 1.5"-2" drop).
(When you reduce the number of coils of a spring, the spring rate increases, so a cut spring will actually ride a little firmer.)

Then buy some rear drop springs to match. (beehive type).
You can get many springs for under $150 a pair.

Congrats on college! save your bucks for books.

Good advice here ^^^ :cheers:
In case you change your mind Ill sell you my used spindles for $100+sh :smoke:

[devildog214]

thanks, ill definitly think about what to do. but i wont regret it either way its gonna look great.

[T-CHRGD]

Most people I know prefer lowering springs to drop spindles. Drop spindles without stiffer springs can cause tire clearance issues. Lots of good info at:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/brakes-suspensions-tires-wheels/268785-how-make-gbody-handle.html

:)