NBS Drop spindle confusion...

[emilime75]

OK. I've been reading about drop spindles for my 05 Suburban and I'm completely lost. There seem to be so many varying opinions on the various brands and the pros and cons of them all. I've read how they all either do or don't increase turning radius, how they do or don't push the wheels out a 1/2" and how on some the ballpoints don't seat as far as they should. I can't understand how there can be so many varying conclusions on such a simple product. How can a Belltech spindle increase turn radius on one guy's truck but not on another? How can a spindle push a wheel out on one truck but, again, not on another? And what's the deal with the ball joint not seating properly on the McGaughey's? Is that truly a problem? Is this an issue with other spindles?

 

[alc5m]

i've got belltech 2 in drops and they are fine in every aspect

tony will chime in i'm sure, but if he doesnt pm him for any drop kits or tell him however low you wanna go and he will provide you with quality parts that have been tried and trued, with giving a ride thats still very good

 

[NORCAL SS]

how low are you looking to go?? I lower these trucks as well as sell all the kits. Ive sold them all and after years of selling this stuff I narrowed it down for what I feel works out the best.

 

[emilime75]

Not looking for a major drop. For now a 2/3-4. I may end up doing a 3/5 eventually but I don't want to lose ride comfort or sacrifice too much practicality...I do still use this a daily/work truck and I do tow a boat with it. I'm guessing spindles in the front and coils in the rear with stock shocks.

 

[NORCAL SS]

Yes along with free travel mod djm endlinks and bumpstops that atttach to axle. Then put in helper bags for towing and set to go. Complete kit minus bags 635 shipped

 

[emilime75]

So what about the original questions regarding drop spindles? Increased turning radius? Wheels being pushed out? Ball joints not seating?

 

[M Hankel]

I think the confusion with pushing the wheel out is not necessarily with the spindle itself. I believe it has more to do with how low you go. Think of suspension movement, as it moves up and down it's moving on a radius/arc of some sort. The rear axle does this on the panhard rod as well. The lower you go, the more the rear axle gets pushed or pulled to one side, which usually requires an adjustable panhard rod to re-center the axle/wheels.

Think of this as your chassis and wheel/suspension movement when it goes up and down,

Chassis--> |||--)) <--Wheel movement up/down as viewed from the front of vehicle.

When you lift the vehicle off the ground the suspension droops and the wheel comes in closer to the chassis. The opposite is going to happen when you lower it.

Mike

 

[NORCAL SS]

So what about the original questions regarding drop spindles? Increased turning radius? Wheels being pushed out? Ball joints not seating?

belltech doesnt change radius and fits fine on balljoints. Ive been using them for years with no issues even on my esky. pushed out is 1/8 inch

 

[emilime75]

Yes, I understand what you're saying but this shouldn't apply to drop spindles. A drop spindle does not, in theory, change the geometry of the suspension like coils, keys or control arms would. A drop spindle maintains all of the stock angles, just relocates the hub higher in the spindle in effect lowering the entire vehicle. The only reason why one spindle may push the wheel out further than another is in it's design, whether intentional or a byproduct.

I think the confusion with pushing the wheel out is not necessarily with the spindle itself. I believe it has more to do with how low you go. Think of suspension movement, as it moves up and down it's moving on a radius/arc of some sort. The rear axle does this on the panhard rod as well. The lower you go, the more the rear axle gets pushed or pulled to one side, which usually requires an adjustable panhard rod to re-center the axle/wheels.

Think of this as your chassis and wheel/suspension movement when it goes up and down,

Chassis--> |||--)) <--Wheel movement up/down as viewed from the front of vehicle.

When you lift the vehicle off the ground the suspension droops and the wheel comes in closer to the chassis. The opposite is going to happen when you lower it.

Mike

 

[M Hankel]

Yes, I understand what you're saying but this shouldn't apply to drop spindles. A drop spindle does not, in theory, change the geometry of the suspension like coils, keys or control arms would. A drop spindle maintains all of the stock angles, just relocates the hub higher in the spindle in effect lowering the entire vehicle. The only reason why one spindle may push the wheel out further than another is in it's design, whether intentional or a byproduct.

Thats why I added the statement "has to do with how low you go". Lots of guys add drop keys or drop arms with spindles that will change the arc movement. Those are probably the ones commenting about a change in pushing the wheel in/out. Just my opinion though.

Mike