Drop spindles and Manual Steering

CJS57 · Apr 11, 2009

Ok, final decision time on the dropped spindles and disc brakes for 14" disc compatable wheels. I have it narrowed down to Heidt's, ECI or TCI. If the TCI set-up really does narrow the tracking 1/4" per side, I will go with them.
I know that the Heidt's and ECI widen the tracking about 3/8" per side. I thought I heard TCI's narrrowing claim is just advertising hype, they are saying it narrows the track compared to Chevelle style disc brake set-ups? So that means they are the same as the others?
I am hoping the dropped spindles won't change the way the car steers or feels (after re-alignment). I have 6 1/4" from the crossmember to ground right now with 2" lowering springs. Any advice or comments appreciated!

tjsdelivery · Apr 11, 2009

I didn't want to alter my steering radius at all and change where my wheels are. So, I went with the zero offset front disc from mgchevy. Mine is for stock spindles, but I think he also has it for dropped spindles. It uses the one piece caliper bracket and your steering arm bolts on in stock location as shown in pic. It's also a two piece hub from a 79-81 rear disc Trans Am. I've never even done a disc brake job before and this was a straight forward upgrade by myself and his pics of assembly. These pics are from my 55 Delivery though.
This package was $400.

BigBoyzToyz · Apr 11, 2009

If you currently have drop springs and are 6 1/4" from ground now, why change? Are you going to add the drop spindles WITH those springs? You'll be on the ground if so.

Rick_L · Apr 11, 2009

The TCI/Earle Williams spindles keep the track at stock width. To my knowledge they do not narrow from stock.

The other spindles move the wheel out 3/8" per side compared to stock with their "standard" brake package, to the best of my knowledge.

The Chevelle rotors on stock spindles move the wheels out over 1" per side according to my measurements.

You can use 14" wheels on any of these if they are wheels that are disc brake compatible. Stock 57 Chevy wheels are not disc brake compatible.

55mike · Apr 11, 2009

I don't think your car will drive much differently than stock.. however, with the lower center of gravity coupled with some good sway bars it will corner fairly flat (for what it is..). I've run a stock steering box with a lowered car for years. Is it easy to turn..? Well.. not like (with) power assist, but it's ok.

BigBoyzToyz · Apr 11, 2009

Rick_L said:
The TCI/Earle Williams spindles keep the track at stock width. To my knowledge they do not narrow from stock.

The other spindles move the wheel out 3/8" per side compared to stock with their "standard" brake package, to the best of my knowledge.

The Chevelle rotors on stock spindles move the wheels out over 1" per side according to my measurements.

You can use 14" wheels on any of these if they are wheels that are disc brake compatible. Stock 57 Chevy wheels are not disc brake compatible.

I once, for some odd reason, decided to measure this. I had the spindle off the car on the bench. I installed the drum hub and drum and measured from a point on the spindle, then installed the Chevelle rotor and measured the relative difference from the same point on the spindle. I got 3/4" difference. I would say I was accurate plus or minus 1/32".
I think I've seen TCI ads with a claim that they move in 1/4", don't know if it's true or not. Do they use a special built, one of a kind rotor to achieve this? If so would make replacement expensive. I don't know about the others and what they do but with the right wheels they should all work out.

Rick_L · Apr 11, 2009

"Do they use a special built, one of a kind rotor to achieve this? If so would make replacement expensive."

Yes they do, that is probably the biggest downside on this spindle.

When I measured the Chevelle rotor on a stock spindle, I compared it to the stock brake drum on the same spindle. I measured the wheel mounting surface on both to the ball joint pin hole - and I came up with a 1-1/8" difference. I'm confident in my method and my measurement.

While we may disagree, there's no doubt that the Chevelle rotors move the wheel out a bunch. And it's a bunch more than just about any other choice.

CJS57 · Apr 11, 2009

I can live with 3/8" more out per side so I guess any of the 3 will work ok. About lowering I am at 6 1/4" now. I really want 1" more lowered in the front. But I am thinking if I go to 4 1/4" with the drop spindles maybe it will work ok, I only drive on nice roads and I have no low headers. Easy enough to switch to 1" lowering springs and bring it back up an inch if I have to. The car doesn't look too low at all to me now at 6 1/4". Any one else at 4" for cruise night style driving?

BigBoyzToyz · Apr 11, 2009

In my opinion 3/4" isn't a "bunch" if you stay with the small (stock) wheel/tire combo. Many times it is a "bunch" for me since I tend to run 18-20" wheels and fender interference is critical. Plus I also run big brakes with those wheels so the Chevelle rotor is not an option...but I had a 57 with the aftermarket 14" OEM style wheels that clear this disc brake kit and had NO interference problems, but I had 205/75/14 tires with hubcaps, your 57 looks like it may have much larger wheels which could be an issue.
On a side note I think it's fantastic that a GM OEM rotor bolts right up to these old cars, try that with a fxrd.

Rick_L · Apr 11, 2009

4-1/2" at the crossmember is where a lot of lowered cars are, some are lower than that. 4-1/2" seems to be the breaking point where you start to see some problems with speed bumps, driveway entries, that sort of thing.

So it's probably OK as long as you like the look. With the stock appearance of your car, it may be too much.

CJS57 · Apr 11, 2009

The current front wheels are Disc brake compatable OEM style steel 6" x 14" w/3.75" BS from Wheel Vintiques through Danchuk. The tires are 215/75/14R Cokers. With these wheels and tires, the Tire Calculator shows 1/2" more clearance than necessary for lowered cars. It seems to have good clearance on the real life car. So I think I can go 1" lower no problems, 2" maybe pushing it?

BigBoyzToyz · Apr 12, 2009

That combo should fit the Chevelle rotor without a problem. It definitely won't have any issues with the 3/8" or so drop spindle kits that you talked about.

I think your problem, if any, may be in it being too low, not a tire rubbing issue.

Rods56 · Apr 14, 2009

Hi,
I just lowered my 56' with McGauhey's 2 inch classic drop spindles, and lowered the rear with the poor mans version (lowering blocks) and I can't say that much changed...first time this 5'4' guy can see over the top of the old car! I know it looks lousey...but I will make it shine once again!!!
See my photos on my garage...Rods56
Julio
Rods56

Drop spindles and Manual Steering

CJS57

tjsdelivery

Attachments

BigBoyzToyz

Rick_L

55mike

BigBoyzToyz

Rick_L

CJS57

BigBoyzToyz

Rick_L

CJS57

BigBoyzToyz

Rods56

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities