how hard are lowering spindles to install?

[04ctd]

still trying to decide which lowering kit to install,

one with spindles, or one without

this is what I think i want:
http://www.tbssowners.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=144

its basically a belltech 739SP, shown again here:
http://belltech-store.com/lowering-kit-07-10-gm-suv-2-4wd-w-o-autor-2-f-3-4-r-w-sp-shocks.html




a belltech 739, looks the same, but has spindles, instead of front springs.
http://belltech-store.com/lowering-kit-07-10-gm-suv-2-4wd-w-o-autor-2-f-3-4-r-w-o-shocks.html




been talking to Tony, just waiting on payday, but wondering which might be easier? what all is involved in the spindle swap?

i think the spindle would allow more maximum drop, by adding front springs later on.

i am NOT going for maximum drop: wife is short, i drive fast & hard, just want it easier to crawl in (load junk in rear) and have a lower center of gravity, so it won't lean so much,
and most all posts say Tony's kits RIDE much better than OEM.



that kinda makes me want the kit with the matching front lowering springs to match the rear.

 

[dunbar_john]

i jus order my mcgaughys lowering kit 2/3 for my tahoe. i plan on installing it myself too. Here are a few links i found that im gonna use as a guide to install my kit.
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/suspension/0606tr_2007_chevy_tahoe_lowering_kit/index.html

http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticles/0903st_chevy_tahoe_lowering_kit/index.html

 

[protonvx]

If you replace the springs, you will need a heavy duty strut/spring compressor. If you replace the spindles, you will need a big hammer. Springs or spindles are fairly easy if you have the right tools. I will say that popping the ball joints can be a PITA sometimes. You will also need an impact for at least the axle nut if you do the spindles.

Just look up the instructions on the web and see what you feel comfortable doing.

 

[db71]

I installed mcgaugheys 2/3 it was pretty straightforward. I also later installed 2" front and 4" rear spings to give it a little more.

Like stated spring compressor is a must and the cheap ones at advance I would not advise.

Also mine had some winter miles but when you unscrew the nut on top of the strut make sure your not turning the strut rod mine was seized and I unsrewed the strut.

 

[sumo]

Yea all the needed info is there. I did my Spindles myself. Do you have access to a lift? It will make your Install 1000x easier as supposed to doing it on the Ground. You will need swinging room for a hammer or you can get a ball joint popper. Seen them at Harbor Freight and they work well. If you plan on using 17 trimming the ball joint stud is required in order to clear the the rim. If you have a 4x4 you need to trim the upper tie rod stud so it will clear the axle.

 

[RedRocker]

To install 2 inch drop spindle I understand I will have to trim off part of the upper ball joint stud since I have a 4wd, but since I have the Z71 18 inch wheels, will I still have to trim the lower ball joint stud as well? or will that 1 inch of extra wheel diameter be enough? Also, can replaceing spindles be done with out any impact tools?

 

[sumo]

you most likely going to need trimming. Those studs are pretty long. YOu can see in this pic the length of the stud before trimming. In my pic you can see that i had to trim pretty much to the nut.

 

[RedRocker]

Ok thanks, no big deal, Im gonna have the grinder/cutter on hand anyway from cutting the top stud - what about not having any impact tools? is that gonna be a problem for me?

 

[sumo]

impacts make life easier, you should be able to rent a impact gun from a local auto store

 

[sctdixon]

Replacing the spindles is super easy. I used a baby 'sledge to knock the ball joints and tie rods loose. Piece of cake..