4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

I read somewhere that a rubbing problem could happen running 15 wheels with a 4.5 in drop and stock lower control arms. Shaving the control arms is suppose to be a cure. Can some one confirm this, and elaborate on the shaving or notching of control arm. A picture would be helpful.
I thank all in advance for your replies.

Happy ST. Pats day.
Pappy

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

Yes, there is. I can only speak for myself. I encountered this problem using the 3 inch belltech drop spindles with the 15 inch rally wheels. The bottom, outer edge, of the lower control arm will need grinding. This area is directly under the ball joint. If you use larger diameter wheel this won't be an issue. Possibly if you purchase aftermarket lower control arms this may not be an issue. I'm interested to see if you use a 2.5 inch spindle and use a different lowering spring to gain the desired drop you want, how would that work out. As always I wanted the most drop, that's why I used 3 inch lowering spindle. This time I may start with the 2.5 drop spindle and use a 3 inch lowering spring. It's all about numbers. Good luck.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

I'm about to tackle this fete in a few weeks. I'll post to let you know how it goes. It is easier just to buy larger wheels but I want to run my rally wheels this time around and I haven't bought the the spindles. If find out something different let me know please, Clark.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

On my 71 super I have 2 1/2 ECE spindles 1 1/2 springs and my 15/7 and 15/8 ralleys fit fine with no rubbing at all. If you have older wheels for drums they might not fit. I know some older chevy cars the drum wheels would not work for disc. I dont know if the extra 1/2 inch of drop will hurt or not. ECE tech told me my 2 inch lowering springs would bottom out in normal driving.I went with the 1 1/2 springs he recommended and am glad I did.I have to really push it as in balls out to bottom out the front. Oh yeah I cut the snubbers in half for just a little more room.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

Clearancing the lca using a 2 1/2” spindle is easily done with a grinder. 15x 8” rally wheels have a 4 or 4 1/4” backspace and won’t clear. 15x7” will clear.
I have 4.5 front drop on mine. Minor grinding took care of the lca. I also had to grind a small bit off the spindle’s arm section that the tierod bolts to. The wheel lip rubbed there.
There are many threads here and in suspensions forums covering everything.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

Thanks to everyone for your replies. What I have are 8 in. rally wheels with 2.5 in. spindles and 2 in springs, and it looks like there will be an issue. No engine or body on frame yet. Wanted to keep stock lower control arms so can use the stock sway bar. I may go to a 7 in wheel in front and change to a 245 tire instead of the 255 I have now. If doesn't work will bite the bullet and go with 17 in wheels, and hope that does not cause another issue. Also want to keep 60 series tires.

Thank again.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

GM. 17 inch won't be an issue.

Re: 4.5 in. drop w/ 15 in wheels
 

I'm running 2" drop spindles with bags and 15" wheels when the truck is laid out, the lower control arms would hit the brake rotors. I had to grind the front off a little bit. Now it all clears fine. aired out and she will roll.