Installing spindles HELP!!!!

xtrememeasures10 · 06-28-2008, 03:37 PM

Alright i have been fighting these darn things forever. i have all 3 bolts on the spindles off. How the hell do i get the damn spindle out of there? I just removed the shock and i cant get this damn spring compressor to work on my stock spring. If i could get that to work i would just unbolt the lower a arm. could someone give me a quick how to on getting the spindle out of there? Im trying to replace the coils too. I have a 2in drop coil and 2 in drop spindle.

Mr Blue · 06-28-2008, 03:51 PM

BFH or a pickle fork.

beandip · 06-28-2008, 04:03 PM

see post #14
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f198/h...6-drop-121091/

also there is no need for a spring compressor.

tennerv8 · 06-28-2008, 04:27 PM

Put a floor jack under the lower A-arm and compress the spring.

terryl · 06-28-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by beandip

see post #14
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f198/h...6-drop-121091/

also there is no need for a spring compressor.

And post #15

ZQ8 Blazer · 06-28-2008, 04:52 PM

Big pry bar between the spindle and a-arm and a sledge the the side of the spindle where the hole for the balljoint is.

xtrememeasures10 · 06-28-2008, 11:51 PM

Thanks guys. I called nick zigatis and he said to beat the hell out of the lower control arm w/ a bfh or use a pickle fork. I didnt have a pickle fork nor did i have a ride to get one. so i beat the hell out of the lower control arm and it finally fell a half inch onto the jack. Then i took a rachet tie down strap and wrapped both springs to eachother and a little play in the strap. lowered the control arm and yanked the spring out enough to where there was no tension on it. released the strap and pulled it out. The other side was a breeze i spend too long dicking w/ it trying to get the spindle out.
I have a 2 inch drop spindle, 3 inch drop spring for a V6 and i have a 4 banger so its about a 4 inch drop all together in the front and a 3 inch drop spindle in the back. Im scraping my front bumper a lot now. oh well the part thats scraping will wear off eventually lol.

xtrememeasures10 · 06-29-2008, 10:51 PM

I need to post some pics but first, I got on the highway today. Theres a metal grinding noise when i let off the gas around 60+ mph. It pulls to the right so i need an alignment. But im worried about the grinding noise. anyideas?

ZQ8 Blazer · 06-29-2008, 11:00 PM

Did you trim the dust shield?
I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions

xtrememeasures10 · 06-29-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tucks20s

Did you trim the dust shield?
I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions

Thank god someone else thinks its that. I was on the highway tonight and was like i hope its just the stupid dust shield or something. Where does the dust shield rub? well i guess ill see it when i pull the wheel and rotor off. Im gonna try and get an alignment tomorrow. How long does that usually take and how much would i be looking to spend? Then ill work on the dust shield when i can i hope thats all it is making the squeeling noise.

Splosion · 06-29-2008, 11:13 PM

I got an alignment at hibdons for like 60$

ZQ8 Blazer · 06-29-2008, 11:13 PM

I think it rubs the upper a arm, but it's been so long I can't remember.

Takes 30min-1hr depending on afew things.

Call around for a price. i pay $40

tt85_GM · 06-29-2008, 11:27 PM

The lower control arm rubs the dust shield, you should cut out about a 1x2" piece on the very bottom so it never rubs.

ZQ8 Blazer · 06-29-2008, 11:37 PM

That's right I had to trim my UCA that's what I was thinking about

greencactus3 · 06-29-2008, 11:43 PM

no, grinding or squeeling noise is most likely not dust shield...
if it was the dust shield it would be more a squeek or screech per bump.
not something you would describe as metal grinding....
did you repack your bearings?

Quote: Originally Posted by xtrememeasures10

Thank god someone else thinks its that. I was on the highway tonight and was like i hope its just the stupid dust shield or something. Where does the dust shield rub? well i guess ill see it when i pull the wheel and rotor off. Im gonna try and get an alignment tomorrow. How long does that usually take and how much would i be looking to spend? Then ill work on the dust shield when i can i hope thats all it is making the squeeling noise.

ZQ8 Blazer · 06-29-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tucks20s

Did you trim the dust shield?
I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions

See I said I didn't really know, that was the only thing I could think of although bearings did cross my mind.

greencactus3 · 06-29-2008, 11:56 PM

could also be the brakes.
although not tooooo likely.

tt85_GM · 06-29-2008, 11:58 PM

well regardless.. you still should trim the dust shield, it will rub. What about brake pads? they could be worn causing the squeal piece to hit the rotors, you can bend it back but it's better to replace the pads.

PSYKO_Inc · 06-30-2008, 03:01 AM

When I put my spindles in, the dust shield ended up rubbing on the back side of the rotor on one side. Pried it back a bit with a screwdriver and it's good to go now. Also if you have a reg. cab check to see if the driveshaft is bottoming out in the transmission. If so you'll need set back plates.

xtrememeasures10 · 06-30-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by PSYKO_Inc

When I put my spindles in, the dust shield ended up rubbing on the back side of the rotor on one side. Pried it back a bit with a screwdriver and it's good to go now. Also if you have a reg. cab check to see if the driveshaft is bottoming out in the transmission. If so you'll need set back plates.

Thats what i was more scared about. Where do you get back plates? I need to pull the drive shaft and make sure its not that.

But ill trim the dust shield and get an alignment tomorrow. I think my front end is lower than i want it though. Im bottoming out on alot of stuff. Even large bumps on the highway the front bumper scrapes the ground.

It doesnt sound like the squealers on the pads. The pads were fine it sounds more like a thin piece of metal that has something rubbing up against it. What kinda noise would it make if the driveshaft was bottoming out on the tranny?

toddluck · 06-30-2008, 07:14 AM

im guessing it would be the 3 inch spindles in the back according to your second post...LOL..just playin

xtrememeasures10 · 06-30-2008, 10:07 PM

Ok so i went to firestone today and they said they couldnt do an alignment. This is total b/s. My tires are wearing fAST! Its toe'd the fauk out bad there are already bald spots on my tires. 200 miles of driving i drive 100 miles a day. 2 days and bald spots and no one wants to touch it.

greencactus3 · 06-30-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by xtrememeasures10

Ok so i went to firestone today and they said they couldnt do an alignment. This is total b/s. My tires are wearing fAST! Its toe'd the fauk out bad there are already bald spots on my tires. 200 miles of driving i drive 100 miles a day. 2 days and bald spots and no one wants to touch it.

belletires seem to be willing

xtrememeasures10 · 06-30-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3

belletires seem to be willing

Nick and i talked earlier. were gonna do it ourselves tomorrow. Screw these shops anyone i have talked to around here with modified suspension has said there really werid about doing it usually cause of safety inspections and shit. glad my kansas tags keep me out of that bs. My front tires are shot now though. I need at least one new one. My idler arm was bad a while back and it nearly ruined one tire. But then this has destroyed that tire lol.

illFX · 06-30-2008, 11:28 PM

When I did my spindles last summer, I went to about 6 different places before I found a place that would do it. One place said it was too low to get on their rack with a 3/4 drop, the dealer said they would need the specs before it was lowered, one place wanted to charge an outrageous amount for a camber kit that I didn't need. I ended up at a Goodyear shop for 60 bucks. If you can do it yourself, than don't hesitate.

ZQ8 Blazer · 07-01-2008, 02:04 AM

Quote:

were gonna do it ourselves tomorrow.

That's ok for a short period of time, but it won't be exact. I always eyeball mine before taking it to the shop just to not wear the tires as much.

Quote:

When I did my spindles last summer, I went to about 6 different places before I found a place that would do it. One place said it was too low to get on their rack with a 3/4 drop, the dealer said they would need the specs before it was lowered, one place wanted to charge an outrageous amount for a camber kit that I didn't need. I ended up at a Goodyear shop for 60 bucks. If you can do it yourself, than don't hesitate.

Those shops you guys are referring to a full of shit, dumb, or something. Around here all I do is call and schedule a time to have it aligned (don't even tell them it's lowered), I come in and they do it for $40, not one word said.
The only problem I have had is with my bagged truck, one told me it may not stay aligned, but I just told them to do it like they would a dropped truck and it was fine. Another told me it was "impossible to keep it aligned" because changes in air temperatures throws the PSI gauge off. He said I'd have to get a yard stick every time I wanted lift the truck up, then go to each side and put the stick up against the fender to measure to see if it was right LOL. He said he'd do it, but I just took it to someone that wasn't an idiot.

If they use the excuse "it won't go on the rack" it's BS I've seen a 97 ext cab. dropped 5/6 get on a lift w/ no problem, just had to lay boards down. I do the same thing to get the Blazer on our lift.

06-28-2008, 03:37 PM	#1
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Installing spindles HELP!!!! Alright i have been fighting these darn things forever. i have all 3 bolts on the spindles off. How the hell do i get the damn spindle out of there? I just removed the shock and i cant get this damn spring compressor to work on my stock spring. If i could get that to work i would just unbolt the lower a arm. could someone give me a quick how to on getting the spindle out of there? Im trying to replace the coils too. I have a 2in drop coil and 2 in drop spindle.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-28-2008, 03:51 PM	#2
Mr Blue Its a Blue thing. Age: 23 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 7,810 Location: ♦♠♣So★Cal♣♠♦ User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! BFH or a pickle fork.
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06-28-2008, 04:03 PM	#3
beandip and chips Age: 20 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9,427 Location: Cache, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! see post #14 http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f198/h...6-drop-121091/ also there is no need for a spring compressor.
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06-28-2008, 04:27 PM	#4
tennerv8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 333 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Put a floor jack under the lower A-arm and compress the spring.
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06-28-2008, 04:44 PM	#5
terryl I'll do it tomorrow maybe Age: 51 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,955 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by beandip see post #14 http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f198/h...6-drop-121091/ also there is no need for a spring compressor. And post #15
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06-28-2008, 04:52 PM	#6
ZQ8 Blazer Ding Fries Are Done Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,519 Location: Western, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Big pry bar between the spindle and a-arm and a sledge the the side of the spindle where the hole for the balljoint is.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-28-2008, 11:51 PM	#7
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Thanks guys. I called nick zigatis and he said to beat the hell out of the lower control arm w/ a bfh or use a pickle fork. I didnt have a pickle fork nor did i have a ride to get one. so i beat the hell out of the lower control arm and it finally fell a half inch onto the jack. Then i took a rachet tie down strap and wrapped both springs to eachother and a little play in the strap. lowered the control arm and yanked the spring out enough to where there was no tension on it. released the strap and pulled it out. The other side was a breeze i spend too long dicking w/ it trying to get the spindle out. I have a 2 inch drop spindle, 3 inch drop spring for a V6 and i have a 4 banger so its about a 4 inch drop all together in the front and a 3 inch drop spindle in the back. Im scraping my front bumper a lot now. oh well the part thats scraping will wear off eventually lol.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 10:51 PM	#8
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! I need to post some pics but first, I got on the highway today. Theres a metal grinding noise when i let off the gas around 60+ mph. It pulls to the right so i need an alignment. But im worried about the grinding noise. anyideas?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 11:00 PM	#9
ZQ8 Blazer Ding Fries Are Done Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,519 Location: Western, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Did you trim the dust shield? I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions
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06-29-2008, 11:08 PM	#10
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by Tucks20s Did you trim the dust shield? I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions Thank god someone else thinks its that. I was on the highway tonight and was like i hope its just the stupid dust shield or something. Where does the dust shield rub? well i guess ill see it when i pull the wheel and rotor off. Im gonna try and get an alignment tomorrow. How long does that usually take and how much would i be looking to spend? Then ill work on the dust shield when i can i hope thats all it is making the squeeling noise.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 11:13 PM	#11
Splosion <- nose bleed section Age: 24 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,104 Location: oklahoma city, oklahoma User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! I got an alignment at hibdons for like 60$
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06-29-2008, 11:27 PM	#13
tt85_GM I AM CANADIAN Age: 23 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,878 Location: Ont. Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! The lower control arm rubs the dust shield, you should cut out about a 1x2" piece on the very bottom so it never rubs.
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06-29-2008, 11:37 PM	#14
ZQ8 Blazer Ding Fries Are Done Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,519 Location: Western, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! That's right I had to trim my UCA that's what I was thinking about Last edited by ZQ8 Blazer : 06-29-2008 at 11:39 PM.
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06-29-2008, 11:43 PM	#15
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 20 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,461 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! no, grinding or squeeling noise is most likely not dust shield... if it was the dust shield it would be more a squeek or screech per bump. not something you would describe as metal grinding.... did you repack your bearings? Quote: Originally Posted by xtrememeasures10 Thank god someone else thinks its that. I was on the highway tonight and was like i hope its just the stupid dust shield or something. Where does the dust shield rub? well i guess ill see it when i pull the wheel and rotor off. Im gonna try and get an alignment tomorrow. How long does that usually take and how much would i be looking to spend? Then ill work on the dust shield when i can i hope thats all it is making the squeeling noise.
	[Reply w/Quote]

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06-29-2008, 11:54 PM	#16
ZQ8 Blazer Ding Fries Are Done Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,519 Location: Western, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by Tucks20s Did you trim the dust shield? I can't really think what'd be doing that in those conditions See I said I didn't really know, that was the only thing I could think of although bearings did cross my mind.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 11:56 PM	#17
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 20 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,461 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! could also be the brakes. although not tooooo likely.
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06-29-2008, 11:58 PM	#18
tt85_GM I AM CANADIAN Age: 23 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,878 Location: Ont. Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! well regardless.. you still should trim the dust shield, it will rub. What about brake pads? they could be worn causing the squeal piece to hit the rotors, you can bend it back but it's better to replace the pads.
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06-30-2008, 03:01 AM	#19
PSYKO_Inc I shaved my ass. Age: 26 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,638 Location: Fairfield, People's Republic of Kalifornia User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! When I put my spindles in, the dust shield ended up rubbing on the back side of the rotor on one side. Pried it back a bit with a screwdriver and it's good to go now. Also if you have a reg. cab check to see if the driveshaft is bottoming out in the transmission. If so you'll need set back plates.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 07:14 AM	#21
toddluck Registered User Age: 39 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 204 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! im guessing it would be the 3 inch spindles in the back according to your second post...LOL..just playin
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06-30-2008, 10:07 PM	#22
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Ok so i went to firestone today and they said they couldnt do an alignment. This is total b/s. My tires are wearing fAST! Its toe'd the fauk out bad there are already bald spots on my tires. 200 miles of driving i drive 100 miles a day. 2 days and bald spots and no one wants to touch it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 10:40 PM	#23
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 20 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,461 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by xtrememeasures10 Ok so i went to firestone today and they said they couldnt do an alignment. This is total b/s. My tires are wearing fAST! Its toe'd the fauk out bad there are already bald spots on my tires. 200 miles of driving i drive 100 miles a day. 2 days and bald spots and no one wants to touch it. belletires seem to be willing
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:05 PM	#24
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,373 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3 belletires seem to be willing Nick and i talked earlier. were gonna do it ourselves tomorrow. Screw these shops anyone i have talked to around here with modified suspension has said there really werid about doing it usually cause of safety inspections and shit. glad my kansas tags keep me out of that bs. My front tires are shot now though. I need at least one new one. My idler arm was bad a while back and it nearly ruined one tire. But then this has destroyed that tire lol.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:28 PM	#25
illFX Huh? Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,107 Location: northern cali User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! When I did my spindles last summer, I went to about 6 different places before I found a place that would do it. One place said it was too low to get on their rack with a 3/4 drop, the dealer said they would need the specs before it was lowered, one place wanted to charge an outrageous amount for a camber kit that I didn't need. I ended up at a Goodyear shop for 60 bucks. If you can do it yourself, than don't hesitate.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 02:04 AM	#26
ZQ8 Blazer Ding Fries Are Done Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,519 Location: Western, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Installing spindles HELP!!!! Quote: were gonna do it ourselves tomorrow. That's ok for a short period of time, but it won't be exact. I always eyeball mine before taking it to the shop just to not wear the tires as much. Quote: When I did my spindles last summer, I went to about 6 different places before I found a place that would do it. One place said it was too low to get on their rack with a 3/4 drop, the dealer said they would need the specs before it was lowered, one place wanted to charge an outrageous amount for a camber kit that I didn't need. I ended up at a Goodyear shop for 60 bucks. If you can do it yourself, than don't hesitate. Those shops you guys are referring to a full of shit, dumb, or something. Around here all I do is call and schedule a time to have it aligned (don't even tell them it's lowered), I come in and they do it for $40, not one word said. The only problem I have had is with my bagged truck, one told me it may not stay aligned, but I just told them to do it like they would a dropped truck and it was fine. Another told me it was "impossible to keep it aligned" because changes in air temperatures throws the PSI gauge off. He said I'd have to get a yard stick every time I wanted lift the truck up, then go to each side and put the stick up against the fender to measure to see if it was right LOL. He said he'd do it, but I just took it to someone that wasn't an idiot. If they use the excuse "it won't go on the rack" it's BS I've seen a 97 ext cab. dropped 5/6 get on a lift w/ no problem, just had to lay boards down. I do the same thing to get the Blazer on our lift.
	[Reply w/Quote]