Issues With Belltech Spindles

[rwhit57]

I put a set of Belltech 2-1/2" drop spindles and 1" shorter spring on my 85, today with one side completed I decided to put the wheel on and check fit. Whoa! The wheel hit the lower a-arm bad, at first I thought it was just the old vintage mags I was using, but a stock rallye didn't work either. I have used other spindles and never had this issue. I ground about a 1/4" off the bottom side of the a-arm and now it's close, also where the caliper goes, those ears stuck out about a 1/4" and also hit the wheel as well as a casting tit where the tierod goes. So after about an hour of grinding everything works as long as there's weight on the spindle. Now I understand the question "will stock Rallye wheels work with drop spindles?" Like I said I have done this before but never with the Belltechs and never had a problem, I'm sure if I was running 17" or 18" wheels they would have cleared ok. The pics are from my phone and not very clear.
Later Randy

[y2k_harley]

I had the same problems with the Bell Tech spindles on my 86.  The grinder was my friend!!!

[Irish_Alley]

wouldn't have this problem if you lifted it

[VileZambonie]

This is common. Grinding the A-Arm and a set of 1/4" spacers is a quick fix.

[rwhit57]

This is common. Grinding the A-Arm and a set of 1/4" spacers is a quick fix.

Do you mean 1/4" spacers on the wheel?

[three8six]

Im going to go on a limb and say that is for sure what he's saying. The spacer would push the rim away from the LCA, caliper etc....

[rwhit57]

I got everything to clear, the passenger side spindle was even worse right above the caliper, I had to grind on it alot to get it to clear a stock rallye. I'm happy with the way the truck sits, it's just about what I had before with 2 coils cut but now the camber will be good and with all new parts it should drive good. Now paint and body work.

[DropitLikeitsHott85]

Randy, So all you have now is just a 2.5 belltech spindle in the front and you put stock uncut springs back in.  and the rear is flipped?

[DropitLikeitsHott85]

Never mind my last question I read your post uptop 1 in spring hanger and shackle.  Truck looks mint!!

[modular93fox]

man that lower control arm is scary looking. I did the same thing on my 87 to fit centerline 5 star looking like wheels... man it fit after we modified the a arm.. dont remember what it looked like when we got done but I can tell you the arm fatigued where we had trimmed.. was going 50 or so on the freeway, arm broke, wheel went into fender well pulled me 3 lanes right into the concrete barrier.. missed everyone... totaled the frame... rebuild the truck though...
others have done this mod and have had no problems.... just letting you know my experience.
clint

[rwhit57]

Clint, It looks a little scarier in the photo than in person. But I have some concerns about it, all the roll is still there, but you would think it's compromised to some degree. I didn't like hearing your story, LOL I'm driving it daily and Tulsa roads stink! It has been tested pretty good already and no problems, however I can't wait to get the Rallyes and some 60 series tires on it, these hit the inner fender once in awhile. No harm just sounds bad. Later RW   

[rwhit57]

Never mind my last question I read your post uptop 1 in spring hanger and shackle.  Truck looks mint!!

Thanks man, It's gettin there. Even 5 different colors it get's compliments and thumbs up.

[VileZambonie]

If you grind the LCA too far just run a bead and build the edge back up plus it'll make it look pretty. You can see I ground these ones

[rwhit57]

If you grind the LCA too far just run a bead and build the edge back up plus it'll make it look pretty. You can see I ground these ones

I thought about doing exactly that, it could put a little strenghth back on the outside edge. I don't think mine are ground quite as far as those in your pic on the edge, I did go back a little further on the sides though for turning clearance. Did you run those like that? I am not real happy with the McGaughy springs they are really soft, if I change them I'll doctor those LCA for piece of mind.  Thanks, Randy