Drop Spindle Install

[T Man]

To install you will need the following

I large hammer
19mm combination wrench
Side cutters (Dykes)
1 1/16" Combination wrench
Large Pry Bar
Large Channel Lock Pliers
Pickle Fork
3/8 Allen Socket

Measure ride height and kiss the old look goodbye

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4156&stc=1&d=1200882503
http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4157&stc=1&d=1200882503

Begin the install by safely jacking the vehicle and removing the wheel.

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4158&stc=1&d=1200882503

Remove cotter pin in the outer tie rod with the side cutters, then remove the nut using the 19mm wrench. Use the large hammer to hit the steering knuckle perpendicular to the ball joint stud. With a few good blows the tierod should fall out, if not, use the pickle fork. Be forwarned, this could damage the boot, so be careful.

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4159&stc=1&d=1200882503

Once the tierod has been removed, remove the caliper bracket using the 3/8 allen socket set the caliper on top of the upper control arm, or use a coathanger to hang it from the frame. Do not let it hang by the hose. Remove the rotor/hub by prying the dust cap off, then cut the cotter pin. The spindle nut should not be very tight, so using the 1 1/16" wrench remove the nut and slide the bearing/ rotor off. This would be a good time to clean and repack the bearings, or replace depending on the condition of them.

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4160&stc=1&d=1200882503

Remove the upper balljoint first by cutting the cotter pin, then remove the 19mm nut. Again using the hammer, hit the spindle perpendicular to the balljoint stud until it comes loose. Some leverage with a pry bar may be necessary. If both of these fail, use the pickle fork to separate the balljoint.

Repeat the same step on the lower control arm balljoint using a 7/8 combination wrench. With this, the spindle should slide out making way for the new drop spindle

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4161&stc=1&d=1200882503

Notice the difference in actual spindle location between the two, the black is the 2" drop

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4162&stc=1&d=1200882503

Installation is the opposite of the removal, tightening balljoint nuts until they are tight, then more until the castle lines up with the hole in the stud. Replace all cotter pins. Spindle nut should be tightened until there is some drag felt when spining the rotor.

Notice side by side how much higher the rotor is

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4158&stc=1&d=1200882503http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4163&stc=1&d=1200882503

Rinse lather and repeat on the other side, then impress your co workers, belittle your friends, and scare your family with your new found lowness

Gettin Low

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164&stc=1&d=1200882503

[Cameo_S10]

Great pics! Thanks for putting them up.:D

[Paul813]

I just did a friends and we added new ball joints as well...the lowers are not that bad..but the uppers take a little work..if you have a lot of miles on your truck when doing this MOD you should do the joints as well..I will do a picture post for when I do my spindles and joints..

[bespurcell]

Nice write up and good pics.

[Y NI Rider]

You just answered all my spindle questions. Nice write up.