Spindle Contacts Wheel

[born2Run83]

I just installed these 2.5” McCaughy Drop spindles with 15” rally wheels. I’ve seen this on YouTube- they rub on either the lower control arm, or in this case the forward part of the spindle. My only option is to grind on the spindle or control arm?
(Or buy 16”+ rims)
curious what others have done or seen. Thanks!

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[Blmpkn]

Spacers are always an option.

 

[Greasemonkey 85]

Had to grind the parts that were rubbing when I put a drop kit in mine.( Spindle by the tie rod end and lower A frame )
Doesn't take much.
Also, when you balance the wheels, you HAVE to use stick on weight's so they don't hit the spindle.
I'm sure other people have other ideas but that was the easiest thing for me to do.

 

[Vbb199]

I was thinking almost any auto parts store sold the little 1/2" thick spacers for slight misalignments

 

[born2Run83]

Had to grind the parts that were rubbing when I put a drop kit in mine.( Spindle by the tie rod end and lower A frame )
Doesn't take much.
Also, when you balance the wheels, you HAVE to use stick on weight's so they don't hit the spindle.
I'm sure other people have other ideas but that was the easiest thing for me to do.

Thank you! That’s exactly what all I’m seeing including the weight types.

 

[fast 99]

Spacers are unsafe. Our shop saw several cars that had wheels come off using them. Think about it. How would a spacer change any alignment angle? Answer, they don't. All they do is move the scrub radius.

 

[born2Run83]

Spacers are unsafe. Our shop saw several cars that had wheels come off using them. Think about it. How would a spacer change any alignment angle? Answer, they don't. All they do is move the scrub radius.

Good points.. Less thread to grab on the studs. So better to grind a little off the lower control arm and front part of that spindle.

 

[fast 99]

Really sounds like a poor design if any suspension part needs to be modified. A different wheel or spindle might be a better option.

 

[born2Run83]

Really sounds like a poor design if any suspension part needs to be modified. A different wheel or spindle might be a better option.

Yeah that's what I was thinking. They should design these to fit an OEM wheel in my opinion. I just bought new tires to fit these 15s so would rather wait on now having to buy bigger rims and another set of tires bc of this..

 

[Rusty Nail]

Lol

 

[StickyLifter]

I would return the drop spindles and try another manufacturer if you want 15 inch wheels. Your thread makes me want to go out and look at my spindles. I bought the truck with drop spindles and 15 inch wheels.

 

[born2Run83]

I would return the drop spindles and try another manufacturer if you want 15 inch wheels. Your thread makes me want to go out and look at my spindles. I bought the truck with drop spindles and 15 inch wheels.

I kept the 15” wheels and had to modify the lower control arm some. Currently in the market for some 17” rims (and now tires too), just to have plenty of clearance..

 

[born2Run83]

I kept the 15” wheels and had to modify the lower control arm some. Currently in the market for some 17” rims (and now tires too), just to have plenty of clearance..

The Spindle barely touches. I modified That too some. But didnt have to much. I called McCaughy and they made it seem like it wasn’t a big deal: “ahh yeah just file on it some, they all do that.”

 

[Turbo4whl]

This is always an issue with drop spindles. You need to have narrower wheels or wide wheels with a different offset. Wide wheels that fit stock suspension do not fit when you move the spindle down.

Do not use thin spacers, you can end up with broken wheel studs. Wide spacers that bolt on to the studs without the wheels. They have new studs to bolt the wheel on.

The best way to drop the front is new upper and lower A arms.

 

[Grumpy]

My spindles are 3" drop.
Yes, my 15" factory Rallyes fit...... BARELY. They are so close to the tie rod and the lower control arm, the lead portion of the inner wheelweight will not clear - actual clearance was about 3/32".
For me, this was anticipated and a non-issue, as my plans are for 17" or 18" wheels.

Of note for those considering the purchase of drop spindles, don't forget this is a significant change to the front end, so you need to be cognizant of all other items that may need modification or adjustment. Personally, my biggest fret was over the brake caliper line,