3 inch drop

[Mrmarcdude]

Howdy,

I'm looking to drop my 86 Cutlass into the weeds with some drop springs, but all I'm finding are 1.5 - 2.0 inch. Are there any alternatives that will give me a 3 inch drop? I'm running 15x10 (4.5 inch backspace) steel wheels so drop spindles are out of the question. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jakefromstatefarm]

To get that much you will have to do more than springs. Spindles and springs dropped me 4". 2" may be your limit with springs alone.

 

[Craig Cunningham]

Cutting the springs is always an option. (Not necessarily a good one.) From what I have found doing my research on this topic, dropping 3 inches by springs alone is not favourable. It will mess with your suspension geometry too much.
If you want that much drop, you're probably best to do the drop spindles (with the springs) and buy new wheels.
Dropping it that much with that wide a wheel may cause you other issues anyway.
I am in the process of dropping my 85 MCSS. Did the springs late last year, and doing the spindles this spring.
Good luck with your project!

 

[Craig Cunningham]

To get that much you will have to do more than springs. Spindles and springs dropped me 4". 2" may be your limit with springs alone.

You have a Cutlass? Dropping it that much, any issues with wheel rub, etc.? What are you running for front tire size?

 

[Jakefromstatefarm]

You have a Cutlass? Dropping it that much, any issues with wheel rub, etc.? What are you running for front tire size?

Yes. 84. The wheels that are on it rub badly (18x9" w/ 245/40/18), I spent today with a tire fitment tool figuring out what will fit with minimal to no rubbing. The plan is to run an 18x8 in the front, with a 225/45/18, it will barely touch the frame rails at full lock, I will add a 1/4" spacer if needed. Going to run ET lug nuts (with or without spacer) for just a little added peace of mind.

 

[Mrmarcdude]

Are there any spindle options available that won't interfere with the front wheels I'm running?

 

[Craig Cunningham]

Are there any spindle options available that won't interfere with the front wheels I'm running?

Do you know for sure that drop spindles are going to cause a problem? And if so, what is the issue? There may be ways to deal with it. That being said, a 10-in wheel up front is awfully wide for any vehicle not designed for it.

 

[565bbchevy]

An 86' Cutlass with a 3" drop with a 15 x 10 rim with 4.5" BS will have the rear wheelwell sitting on your tire and don't even consider that size for the front.
Also IMO any rubbing no matter how minimal is unacceptable and a safety issue.

 

[Mrmarcdude]

There are going to be some pretty extensive body modifications taking place to clear the wheels and tires so I'm not worried about that. I'll also have to relocate the fuse bulkhead at that ride height to clear.

My main concern with the drop spindle is the tie rod clearance. The wheel on the stock setup is a tight squeeze as it is.

 

[motorheadmike]

An 86' Cutlass with a 3" drop with a 15 x 10 rim with 4.5" BS will have the rear wheelwell sitting on your tire and don't even consider that size for the front.
Also IMO any rubbing no matter how minimal is unacceptable and a safety issue.

The numbers don't stack up in OP's favour.

The front of my wagon has a 2.5" drop between the spindles and ball joints (more if you count any drop from the MOOG 5664s)... and even with adjustable upper arms and a lot of camber dialed in it is far from perfect with 275/40s on 17x9.5" rim. 255s would be better.

1980 Pontiac LeMans Station Wagon - G-T-faux (stuck with it, and can't shake it... like a bad case of herpes)

gbodyforum.com

The rear can only go so low before the control arms are all jacked up. It is taking extensive work to keep the Monte's geometry correct. Not to mention the frame gets in the way.

MONTE CARLO - "COPO" Monte Carlo SS - Turbosaurus Build (Swinging Dick Racing's c*ck got bent... she bounced a little too high & hard, & came down awkwardly)

Are you mig or arcing the inside of the frame? I probably missed it..

gbodyforum.com