Drop spindles

Anyone have drop spindles on their speedster? I'm in the process of planning a front brake upgrade and wondering if I should also add a set of drop spindles, while I've got everything apart. My concern is that a 2.5" drop may lower the front too much. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Ron

When I get around to fitting my A frame front suspension on my car then my adjustable coil over set up will probably be available. I'll try and take a pic of that on the car and post however here's a couple below...shocks on mine are Spax and fully adjustable for height and bouce, etc. The srpings I specified a bit lighter for our cars than the ones they would use for VW bugs. The coil overs are not cheap though, shockes alone are a couple hundred bucks a piece.

Ron - I'm pretty sure Robert 'Bobsled' Brown has drop spindles on his wide-body. Check out his profile.

i have drop spindles.

i also have a lot of other stuff done to the suspension, but i can say, using drop spindles is the best way to lower your car. it by far results in the best ride quality.

If you already have avis (or similiar) adjusters (2 or 1) on your front beam - you can raise it back up to compensate if dropped spindles make it too low.

I tried the dropped spindles, but they pushed the wheels outward about 1/2" which interfered with the front fenders.
No matter which manufacturer you choose, all dropped spindles will increase your front track from 1/4"-1/2".
This may not be a problem with your particular car, but since I had the 8x17" rims and flared fenders, it was an issue.

Brian, I"ve ordered Koni Reds for my IM.

Wolfgang, I have adjusters, so I can raise the suspension if I think the 2.5" drop is too low.

Robert, I shouldn't have any problem with my setup; 15x6 wheels and 185/65 tires in the front.

Thanks guys-I think I'll buy a set of drop spindles to go with my BAD brake kit.

Ron

your bad brakes add track too.

search thesamaba for this. some really unhappy people as they were initially advertised as no added track.

bad brakes plus drop spindles will add some notable track. worth looking into.

If that's an issue Ron let me knwo and I'll do some measuring. My set up is just a mock up so I can easily take off one BAD disc and put on a VW and measure if there is any difference. The BAD discs did come with some spacers that would space out the hubs and rotors but I don't need them with my spindles and calipers. Pete said he supplies them in case people have a fitment problem.

Brian, thanks for the offer, but I've already ordered them.
Ron

Hey Ron I have an extra set of Dropped spindles I can drop off to you in a month $100

Thanks Rick, but I put my order in yesterday.
Ron

How much would you narrow the beam to compensate for the track width increase of a set of disk brakes & drop spindles?

That's a good question-I'm learning as I go. Airkewld's website states that the spindles and Wilwood calipers increase the front track by 1/2" per side. First, I'll test fit the new drop spindles and rotors, mount the front wheels/tires and see if I have any rubbing problems. If I don't, I'm home free. If I do, I'll phone Airkewld and ask them for advice, which will probably be a 2" shorter beam.
Ron

I do and love mine!

Shuie, two to three inches per side. There are some things to be careful of, though, and lots here has been written on the subject.
The bearings, leaves, grub bolts, steering box, brand of brakes, wheel width and fender type are all factors to consider.
Please be careful to measure all of your components as a composite measurement before you cut anything. Being off by even a little bit could have disasterous results.
I have the narrowed beam, dropped-spindle, disc-brake combo on a straight-bodied car, and there are limits to my car's handling as a result.
I'm absolutely not saying it can't be done, just cautioning you to measure twice and cut once.
I think I might have the most tinkered-with Speedster in North America. I'd hate to see anyone have to spend the same amount of time, energy and money I've had to, just to fix mistakes in geometry.
Any chance we'll see you at Carlisle?

Thanks, Cory. I appreciate the help. I won't make it to Carlisle. At least, not this year.

Consider flying in even though your car isn't finished. You might see a bunch of stuff that could help you in your build - and you'd have a great time.

Yeah, just bring a camera!

I might have to remove the spare and jack, and fill the front with ice!

I have drop spindles on mine. I obtained a set of 14" fuchs, and was planning on installing them, but the spindles are so far up that the lower ball joint hits the inside of the 14" rim. So if you go this way, no 14" fuchs for you, it seems.

I have 15" Fuchs replicas. Hopefully, there won't be any clearance problems.