drop spindles / BBS

[82LTDQS]

This is in reference to my BBS. Note: all stickies read. Ok, I just pulled some LCA's form a 1995 CVPI for my below listed vehicle. I also have the required 96-02 lower ball joints (new,) New wagon 443lbs Springs, and the 92-97 Poly bushings. Here is my question: Im going to go back and pull some 96-02 spindles. Does anyone even make aftermarket drop spindles for panthers??? If so, are they worth it??? Please advise on who makes and/or sells them. OR,,,, should I just do a little cutting to the springs? Im confused about the spring cutting procedures listed on the stickies.

[DuceAnAHalf]

no one makes drop spindles

to cut the springs you should use either a saw-zall or a cut off wheel. DO NOT USE A TORCHi cut a half a coil off a set of police springs, some people ahve taken a full coil off, i would not recommend taking any more than that off.

[mrltd]

LCAs or UCA's? You need the uppers for the swap. The lowers are reusable with a new ball joint.

[82LTDQS]

Coil cutting

Please explain what you mean by "cut a half of a coil." Is that from the top view or the side. This is how Im interpreting it to be. Also, how much of a drop will that give me?? See my attached picture/drawing.

[82LTDQS]

Click on the pic to enlarge. That is my pic of the top view of the coil. I trhink the cut should be 180 deg from the begining of the coil from the top. right?

[82LTDQS]

Better

Ok maybe this will be better. Is this where I should cut???

[mrltd]

yup 180 from the end of the coil.

[82LTDQS]

cool, I got the LCA for now, getting the UCA and spindles later. I wanted the lowers so I can press in the ball joints now and clean them up. I want a complete front end ready to swap. In the meantime, i need my car to drive.

[1987cp]

If you figure out how to make Chevy drop spindles work on a Panther, I'd be very interested to find out!

[82LTDQS]

No but I figuered it out in reverse. A panther patform under a gm body. too bad no ford drop spindles though. Its all good though. I never knew this panther platform I used would make this car so much fun.

[82LTDQS]

How low of a drop will cutting a half a goil give me? what should i do with the bump stops??

[1987cp]

About 1" I think, generally speaking - seems the Suspension FAQ pages have more detailed info on what drops to expect with what spring rates.

Definitely keep the bumpstops, as they're what allows the suspension to bottom out gradually instead of just going THUD. If absolutely necessary for clearance, I'd consider trimming them a tad, but I'd really try to avoid that if at all possible.

[82LTDQS]

Ok, Calf coil cut out. Will this make them stiffer??

[gadget73]

It will increase the spring rate slighty but not really enough to matter.