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PDXsquare75 12-30-2021 04:54 AM

Lower control arm modifications
 
5 Attachment(s)
I thought I would start sharing the progress I have been making on my 75 short wide.
Everything I have done to this point I have learned from this site and all the
Great forums from you all. So ty in advance.

I had decided about 3 years ago to go full air suspension. I had corn cobbed the diff and felt this was the perfect opportunity.

Anyway, I'm working on the front end and read a post about moving the lower ball joint in .75". It narrows the track and removes the huge stack of alignment shims.
Problem was know one had any good pics of the process so I thought I would share.

44th Miss Inf 12-30-2021 09:50 AM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
I did the same to a truck 30 plus years ago. Moved the ball joint in 5/8 of an inch, with 4” drop springs, and everything worked well. This was before dropped spindles hit the scene.
Funny thing is, I was messaged about 3 days ago about the truck. It is still alive and running around, even though I sold it close to 20 years ago

PDXsquare75 12-30-2021 10:32 AM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
I'm also going to be drilling new locator holes on the cross shaft to move the LBJ forward about 5/8".
It's always great to hear that someone is still enjoying one of your builds. Thanks for chiming in. 44th Miss

PDXsquare75 12-30-2021 10:41 AM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
4 Attachment(s)
Here are a few more pics. Hope this helps someone.

raggedjim 12-30-2021 12:12 PM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
Nice work, thanks for sharing this.

Good luck, Rg

Ziegelsteinfaust 12-30-2021 02:18 PM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
I have seen this done to narrow track width for big wheels. Was that part of your math in the build?

It has me contemplating doing it on my coming crossmember swap. As my 17x9's are a touch wide, and if I brought them in a 1/4 that would be nice.

Does removing all the shims have a effect on performance? Or did you do it for esthetics?

PDXsquare75 12-30-2021 08:36 PM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by raggedjim (Post 9012776)
Nice work, thanks for sharing this.

Good luck, Rg

Thank you very much. Appreciate it

PDXsquare75 12-30-2021 08:42 PM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust (Post 9012817)
I have seen this done to narrow track width for big wheels. Was that part of your math in the build?

It has me contemplating doing it on my coming crossmember swap. As my 17x9's are a touch wide, and if I brought them in a 1/4 that would be nice.

Does removing all the shims have a effect on performance? Or did you do it for esthetics?

It will definitely narrow your track a bit. This mod would not work for a stock height truck. If you have a 4x6 or more of a drop I would do it. I have heard the large stacks of shims can come out, so this is a safety thing as well.
It was a pretty easy job.

I also cut the uppers and straightened the angle of the UBJ.

Ziegelsteinfaust 12-30-2021 09:30 PM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
Thanks. I am doing a 3-4 inchbfront drop, but my plans are way different. I will do a 1.5" section of the crossmember, drop spindles, and a spring lift cushion. To trim the height. I plan to bomb dirt roads so more up travel wouldn't hurt my plans.

SCOTI 12-31-2021 12:47 AM

Re: Lower control arm modifications
 
The lower a-arms under my 67/68 had the BJ's moved in .750" per side. This was done back around 1990.


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