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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: 85 lowrider on March 01, 2009, 09:45:31 pm

Title: Wheel clearence?
Post by: 85 lowrider on March 01, 2009, 09:45:31 pm: Sorry if I'm repeating a question. I hanve an 85 long box that I am planning on lowering 5.5"-7". I was wondering if the stock 15" rims will clear the lower control arms? If not would a set of 16" rims clear. I have a set of 16" aluminum rims that I could buy adaptors for and bolt them on. I would like to keep the factory ones for now, but I was told they will rub the control arms. Can the extra material be removed to clear them? If so how much do you take off? I'm not sure what the witdth is on the rims, they are just plain factory 15"steel wheels with hub caps. Thanks alot for any info you guys can give. One more question, will this drop be too much for a daily driver? Thanks again.
Title: Re: Wheel clearence?
Post by: Captkaos on March 01, 2009, 10:14:05 pm: Is it a spindle drop? All you have to do is grind some clearance it them...
Title: Re: Wheel clearence?
Post by: 85 lowrider on March 02, 2009, 09:15:34 pm: Yup, it has 2.5" spindles, and 2.5" springs. I'm assuming I have to grind on the lower control arm? If so how much? Where does it hit? Is there a standard amount, or do I just have to grind some and see if it clears. Will a standard 4" hand grinder work, or do I need to cut it with a plasma cutter? Will I have the same issue with the 16" rims? I don't want to weaken the arms, and I'm eventually going to go to the 16"ers. Not sure if I have the funds to go that route right away and would like to stick with the stockers for now. Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: Wheel clearence?
Post by: Captkaos on March 02, 2009, 09:31:55 pm: You aren't going to weaken the arms, you are just clearancing the lip. A grinder will work. 16's will clear.
Title: Re: Wheel clearence?
Post by: 85 lowrider on March 03, 2009, 07:54:42 pm: Thanks alot for the help. This forum has a ton of great info. Are there any major issues I should look out for with this drop? It is a western chassis 5.5"-7" drop. Spindles and springs up front, and a flip kit and shakles in the rear. It also includes a c-notch. Any idea on how the ride quality will be? I'm from Wisconsin, and the roads up here can be a little ruff. Thanks again for your help.
Title: Re: Wheel clearence?
Post by: Captkaos on March 04, 2009, 04:51:29 pm: 5/7 is on the extreme side for a daily driver, but it should ride not much different than your current setup.