Just bought 2" drop spindles from Gearhead in Waterloo Iowa. Anyone have suggestions or tips for a proper installation? Thanks, Jim
If you're not mechanically inclined, do NOT attempt this by yourself. Seriously. But if you'd like to do it yourself, then here goes. Luckily, you don't have to drop the front springs or the front shocks, which saves you the need for a spring compressor. If you have disc brakes, you have to remove the caliper and hang it off to the side ( use a coat hanger or bungee cord. DO NOT let the caliper dangle by the hose. It'll damage the hose). Remove the cotter pins that hold the upper and lower ball joints, and the tie rod end. Loosen the nuts that hold these three components, but do not take the nuts completely off of the upper or lower ball joints. Using a hammer, strike the spindle on the side of where the tie rod is inserted until it drops out, or if you have a tie rod separator, you can use that. To free the upper and lower ball joints, use a pry bar to pry up on the upper control arm as you strike the spindle on the side where the upper ball joint inserts. For the lower ball joint, pry up on the spindle as you strike where the lower ball joint inserts. Keep in mind, the nuts must be loosened, but not removed from the ball joints until everything is broken free. This would be a great time to change your upper and lower ball joints if they need to be replaced. Swap over the brake drum/ rotor, repack all your bearings, replace if necessary. Get new grease seals too, (they're like $2). Reverse the order, line up your holes for your cotter pins when you tighten your castle nuts ( get new cotter pins), and there you have it. If you have any questions about ball joint replacement, lemme know, I've done a few of those myself too. I hope this helps. -Josh
Ball joints were put on 2 years ago before I got the car. Last year I put on Willwood disc brakes - so with your advice - I shouldn't have a problem with the spindles. Thanks for your help Josh!
While you have everything apart, you might as well paint it and make it pretty. Regardless, check the play on your ball joints to make sure they're tight. Other than that, it sounds like you've already done a great job on the car so far. Check to make sure your tires aren't going to rub when you turn and hit bumps. I have the Hotchkis Ground Zero springs on my 67 Skylark front and rear, and it rubs a little when I turn, but I have some old 5-slot aluminum mags for the front that have a better offset to prevent that. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. -Josh
