GM Drivetrain & Suspension Chassis | Transmission| Driveshaft | Gears/Rear End/Differential | Traction Aids

Spindle vs Control Arms

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 08:40 PM
  #1  
1sikryd's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Default Spindle vs Control Arms

lookin to drop my '05 Tahoe 3/5. Give me the pros and cons of Drop spindles vs Control arms up front. Price wise both are about the same. But performance???
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 09:40 PM
  #2  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,632
Likes: 2
From: Sun Diego
Default

McGaughys spindles are a quality item. They won a 2003 SEMA award from GM, almost unheard of for an aftermarket piece. The only downside IMO is that you lose some turning radius. I noticed this the first U-turn I tried to make. Now I just start further out and wider.

Haven't heard anything good about control arms, though most of the opinion I hear is about DJM products. It seems they like to break. Personally, I don't like the image I get when I think of going 75-80 mph and having an integral part of my front suspension come apart.

Don't know about anyone else's products.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 10:05 PM
  #3  
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 1
From: memphis tn
Default

The McGaughy's drop spindle are what I'm using,the ride and handling are good,but you can't run your factory wheels.You can make 17" wheels work but you really need an 18" to clear the spindles without modification.Overall the McGaughy kit works really well.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 10:06 PM
  #4  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,632
Likes: 2
From: Sun Diego
Default

Good point whitt. I forgot that since I had 20's to start with.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 10:34 PM
  #5  
Last Call's Avatar
TOTM: January 2007
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 17
Default

I have DJM 3" control arms. They have been on since June 02 and they are fine. No problems and easy alignment. HOWEVER, I do have bump steer issues when hitting potholes. Im sure it is a combination of the 35 series tires and the control arms. But DJM has came with a relocation kit to fix bumpsteer that I need to get.

My brother and cousin have McGaughy's and they indeed are a quality product. Losing turning radius does suck though, especially if you live in San francisco. 18" rims add an additional cost if you are rolling on the stockers.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2005 | 04:25 AM
  #6  
04FULLSIZE's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: United States
Default

as long as you are running a 20" wheel or larger there is no downside to running spindles, i have the McGaughy ones on my truck and they are great, i didnt lose any turning radius with mine.

Control arms are great but they have the potential to increase the bump steer of a vehicle.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2005 | 03:45 PM
  #7  
Nevinyrral's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: SE Texas
Default

I run DJM upper and lower control arms. Spindles are really used for people with bags, I went with control arms, if you decide to go with them too, I would suggest you get both upper and lower for better ride quailty.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Avalanche2002
Tuning, Diagnostics, Electronics, and Wiring
7
Nov 30, 2015 07:31 AM
turbo6c3
Trucks and SUV Classifieds
1
Oct 5, 2015 06:11 PM
old motorhead
FORCED INDUCTION
3
Sep 29, 2015 08:22 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:23 AM.