Considering lowering the Tahoe again... A few (different?) questions

[KMeloney]

First off, TONY, if you're reading this, was wondering if you could price up just the 2" Belltech spindles you sell (I already have the 3/4 rear kit from you), that'd be great.


I'm considering lowering the Tahoe again. As some of you know, I lowered the rear, and I really liked it lowered, but I didn't do spindles in the front. By not doing spindles, I was constantly screwing with the autoride links to try to get the truck just right height-wise -- and to RIDE just right. It rode better than stock when there was NO air in the rear shocks. It rode pretty shoddily with air in the shocks -- but it looked too low to me in the rear in that trim.

So, I'm considering doing front spindles along with the rear springs/extenders/etc. Just a few "daily driver" questions regarding the spindles:

- I understand you have to cut threading off of something in order to install the spindles (and that maybe you can't run smaller than 20" wheels afterward). I have factory 22"s, and also have the LTZ 20"s that came on the truck, so I'm not too concerned with that now. But, upon trade-in, should there be any concerns [for the next owner/dealership]? If the cut parts needed to be replaced with new stock ones, what kind of cost are we talking about?

- I have big brakes on the way. I know that 20"s+ will clear the brakes. But I don't know if the brakes will or won't be compatible with spindles. I obviously have no idea what one has to do with the other, but I just want to be sure that there's no issue doing both spindles and brakes.

- I don't want more than 2" drop in the front. Given just 2" drop, how does the front align? Back to spec? Or will I be wearing out anything prematurely?

- If 2" comes out too low for me in the front (don't know why it would -- just thinking through everything), is there any adjustability upward there? I know there is with non-autoride replacement shocks, but I'll be keeping the crappy autoride shocks.

- Anyone have ANY issues with 4-wheel drive after a spindle install?

- Anyone have ANY issues with driving in SNOW after a spindle install? (I'm talking about the affect on the 4x4 mechanical aspects, not the fact that I'll have less ground clearance.)

Thanks, folks!

-Kirk

 

[Modded]

I'll try and help you as much as I can.
First, cutting the stud of the upper ball joint for the front spindles is done to clear the CV axles. It should not affect installing the factory spindle back later in the event of a sale. And even if it does (assuming the stud is too short to come out of the bolt) effect factory re-install, that can be solved by simply using a slimmer bolt for the ball joint. Replacing the ball joint is something that will not need to be done unless its worn out.
You WILL have clearance issues with a big brake kit and aftermarket spindles. The good thing is this can simply be solved by trimming/milling down the upper part of the spindle that does not clear the aftermarket caliper.
The front will align back to stock perfectly fine with only a spindles install.
2" should not be too low for you, but if it is, your only reasonable option is to let the back down a bit more (in case of Cali Lean issues). You could also use a spacer in the front to lift it back up a bit.

The only issue people with 4WD have after lowering/lifting is the angle if the CV shaft. It could bind if the angle is too harsh but that will not be the case with just a 2" front drop.
When it comes to driving in Snow, you should not have any more issues than someone who is not dropped.

 

[KMeloney]

Great info. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

In terms of the brake clearance, is the part that would need to be ground a "beefy" section of the spindle (where grounding could be down without weakening the spindle)?

 

[NORCAL SS]

modded pretty much answered it also ive been using the djm 4 inch front kit with no issues for years now on the 4x4 trucks. NO hub issues at all to date.

 

[KMeloney]

What about Belltech spindles vs McG or another brand? Anything make one brand better than another? Again, I already have the Belltech rear springs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NORCAL SS]

the debate can go on forever. People say mcgauhys is better in all the years selling belltech i have yet to see any problems with them. after the entire ordeal with the silverado ss forum and mcgauhys I didn't deal with them anymore.

 

[Modded]

I think both McG and Belltech spindles are both good. But Belltech may have the upper hand because I have not heard of them having the turning stabilitrak issues.

 

[KMeloney]

Ah, you just reminded me of another question... This may or may not be what you're talking about, but what about throwing codes/lights with the spindles? Any issues with spindles on an '09 LTZ in terms of "service stabilitrak" lights and that kind of crap (that I think I've read about here, but don't know if it was re spindles or not)?

Thanks!

 

[Modded]

I have not heard of the spindles causing lights or messages on the DIC unless something was damaged during install. I have heard that after spindle installs some SUVs turn on the Stabilitrak on some steering turns due to the car computer thinking it is a sharp maneuver that could lead to a rollover scenario. It happens with both Belltech and McGaughys, though it is more common with the McG model. My Tahoe does this but I have got used to it. Just need to find time to go to the dealer and have them reprogram the computer to fix it with the TSB put out for it. It is probably gonna run me like $120.

 

[bodymccannx]

My 07 Sub. also does this every so often (lowered 2/3 with Belltech), only on some low speed turns. Modded, do you have the TSB for this? You're sure it can be remedied with a computer reflash?

Mark