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Lowering spindles or lowering struts

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Old 05-22-2018, 09:36 PM
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Default Lowering spindles or lowering struts

Looking to put a 2/4 drop on my 15 but torn about how I should accomplish this. I have looked at kits and contemplated them all. But then I ran across Maxtracs lowering spindles that drop 2 inches. Which would ride and perform better? Lowering spindles that use the stock suspension or aftermarket struts and coils? Spindles would theoretically leave all of the geometry alone correct? And with lowering struts the control arm angles would change therefore leaving me with "odd" angles? I come from a world of lifted jeeps and know about suspension very well, just wondering if anybody has any opinions and or extra knowledge to guide me. Leaning towards spindles with possible Bilstiens up front and or Fox if they make struts for our trucks. But if lowering struts in fact lower the angle of the control arms to a flatter plane, I'd go that route because it would ride better (theoretically with good struts.)
Old 05-22-2018, 10:47 PM
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All the guys with Maxtrac spindles rave about them. Throw in some Viking shocks and you have an amazing ride according to them. These are from trusted forum members like Boostedgreygoose, go-on3 and UNBROKEN. A couple of them will chime in here I am sure.
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Old 05-23-2018, 12:58 AM
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There is also DJM control arms that you could consider. This keeps lower than 20" wheels an option.
Old 05-23-2018, 07:00 AM
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I've done belltech spindles and currently have djm control arms. if i were doing it again, i would definitely do spindles instead. the struts didn't hold up, and the control arms had a tire shake problem that needed to be sorted. i didn't know, or the maxtrac spindles weren't available when i was lowering mine, otherwise they would have been my first choice, based on experience with over vehicles I've owned.

no doubt about it in my book, spindles all the way.
Old 05-23-2018, 08:27 AM
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IMO those DJM control arms look sketchy as hell. And I am not the biggest fan of poly bushings; when I had them on my jeeps. I plan on running 22's. Its not going to be lowered until I get the wheels and tires first anyway. I cannot do lowered on stock wheels, just looks too fugly to me! But I am leaning towards spindles as that leaves my options for struts at a wider range.
Old 05-23-2018, 03:33 PM
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Had the spindles existed when I dropped mine I would have used them. I had to go BellTech struts though. Once these wear out I’ll do the spindles for sure paired with Viking coilovers and VAS brackets.
Old 05-24-2018, 01:46 PM
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The guys with spindles, what do you do about your spare tire? Do you buy a cheap 20 to have in case?
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Old 05-25-2018, 02:02 AM
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I have both the MaxTrac kit with spindles and the DJM kit with the lower control arms sitting on my bench. I only got the DJM kit cause I wasn't planning on ordering wheels so soon. But after ordering wheels I definitely had to have the MaxTrac kit.
The MaxTrac spindles are OEM like or better and the rest of the kit just about matches the Magnetic of my 18 F150.
The DJM kit is solid, I just don't like the finish of some of the parts, the lower control arms are built nicely compared to some I have seen for Jeeps.
So IMO if you have 20'' plus wheels then you would be best to get the MaxTrac kit.

Herb
Old 05-26-2018, 07:46 AM
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Well thats crap, maxtrac wont fit v6 ecoboost models??? I was all excited about not having to go belltech


Notes:
  • Must Use 20" Or Large Wheels
  • Does Not Fit V6 Eco Boost Models
  • Lowering Kit Without Shocks (K333235-NS)
***edit
looks like id have to buy the spindles and springs individually, then get a flip kit from another company for the rear. Only the complete kits say not compatible with ecoboost v6

**ok last one seriously
FOUND IT 2015-2018 Ford F-150 2wd 3/5" (V6 ECO Boost) MaxTrac Drop Kit - K333235-6

https://www.suspensionsuperstore.com...kit-k333235-6/

Defiantly think ill be going this route with vikings in the rear and low pro traction bars

Last edited by Zombiezach; 05-26-2018 at 07:58 AM.
Old 12-01-2018, 10:07 PM
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I used DJM arms for 3" of drop. Since I only went 4" in the rear I was worried that we might not be able to get the caster correct but it came in right at minimum. I like the arms because they are easier to install and since my truck is still under warranty there will be no concerns about front bearing issues, if they occur, because they are still in stock spindles.


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