Hey everyone, I've been in contact with Mark at Racecraft Inc. regarding a group purchase of their 82-92 dropped spindles as well as the 93-02 dropped spindles. Both products cost $495 per pair. Mark has offered the following discounts on the 82-92 version:

• 10 pair and over 10% : $495 - $ 49.50 = $445.50
• 20 pair and over 15% : $495 - $ 74.25 = $420.75
• 30 pair and over 20% : $495 - $ 99.00 = $396.00
• 50 pair and over 25% : $495 - $123.75 = $371.25

I'm hoping that he'll be able to do a bit better on either the base price or the discounts, but I'll see what kind of interest we get in this before pressing the issue. In addition, he's offered to send 1 dropped spindle to a member of the forum to make an evaluation of his product. Ed Miller said he'd be glad to check it out. I figured he'd be the best person to check these out considering all the different brake packages he offers for our cars. Hopefully he will be able to quell any fears of the complications everyone ran into with the AJE spindles. Let me know if you all have any better recommendations. Please post in this thread if you are interested in purchasing these. Thanks!

- Luke

Here's the confirmed buyer list!
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1. Luke - aka Luke4907
2. 572_Rat
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Ed would be the PERFECT person to beta test the spindles. It looks to be well designed, I'd like to know what brake options would be compatible with this setup.

 

That's why I want Ed to look at one. I don't know if stock brakes work or if they're setup for 1LEs or something else. I'm particularly interested in Ed's GTA-wheel brake setup, but I'm sure everyone else wants to run LS1s or C5s, among other combinations. When I e-mailed Mark and Ed, I gave them the link to this thread. Hopefully one of them will chime in here. If they only reply to my e-mails, then I'll be sure to post what I find out up here.

 

Good evening fellas. I'm glad to give my input and advice on these new spindles. I'm 99% sure I won't even look at stock brakes on it as there's really no sense in it, and will look into most common setups from the 12" C4s on up to the LS1s and C5s, and some sort of Wilwood kit with a larger rotor as these are the most popular. Looking forward to working on this new project.

Ed

 

Just to let you know, I have some interest in it, but would like to wait and see.

 

I will make the purchase right now, count me in

 

I might be in for 2 sets. Will this GP be BEFORE or AFTER Xmas?

 

Thanks for checking in, Ed. I agree that stock brakes are a waste, aside from maybe a trailer queen which doesn't see the road (those cars probably already have lowering springs if they want a lowered car). As long as you can fit the GTA-wheel brake setup you have behind my front wheels without spacers I'll be happy.

I just added you on the list. Thanks for your interest. I'll let you know all the details when we decide to make the purchase.

Thanks for your interest. Mark mentioned offering the prices for 30 days, and a ship date of December 20th. I was looking for something in January, as I figured money might be tight for some members during the holidays. Please let me know what works best for you. The other GP took over two years to happen, with disappointing results. I'm not looking to drag things out that long, but I did want to give Ed time to do his magic and tell us what we can run with these spindles. I'll let you all know what I find out when Mark replies to my e-mail. Thanks

 

Definitely interested

 

ebmiller88,

Just a little heads up, right now all we are planning on doing is utilizing the dust cover holes, drilled and tapped, to attach the caliper brackets. In our drag race application Strange Engineering makes a kit to bolt right up to this design. So the distance between that bolting surface (dust cover holes) and where the inner bearing ride is the same as the stock spindle. So I am assuming that these other stock style brakes will work with some type of bracket bolting on the same way. Does someone manufacture these brackets or do they need to be manufactured? A little information ahead of time may speed the process. We are primarily a drag race oriented company, so we look to guys like you and this forum to point us in the right direction when trying to make these parts more universal. We used this same approach with our Mustang parts and it was very successful.

Thank You, Mark Wilkinson

 

Will Eds brake setup also clear the 1991 16X8 formula wheels?

 

FYI Ed has put together many different brake setups. If you search the brake forum or FAQ forum you'll find the info that you're looking for. GTA wheels have less clearance than Formula or IROC/Z28 wheels for whatever reason. This is why you can run LS1 fronts behind the Formula or IROC/Z28 wheels, but the GTAs need spacers to do the same. If you're running Formula wheels, an LS1 front brake setup would probably be the most cost-effective. Ed's GTA-wheel setup costs a bit more IIRC. Hope this answers your question correctly (Ed, please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

Currently I have eibach prokit springs on my 88 camaro. I might be interested in drop spindles ( this is what I wanted to do in the first place ). The question is, what kind of springs would one run with the drop spindles?

 

I actually have the same question, I want a set of performance springs to help with weight transfer, but do not need the lowering effect with drop spindles. I am running a BBC

 

You can run any springs you want really. But considering that these will drop your front end about 2", you probably wouldn't want to run any lowering springs with them, otherwise your front clip will probably scrape while driving over bumps, not to mention hitting the k-member and exhaust on bumps. I think I'll switch to a spohn coilover setup when I get the dropped spindles. That way I will have adjustable ride height, and can choose a stiff spring that will improve handling.

I'd say a set of new Moog replacement IROC springs should handle that weight fine. If not, maybe a coilover setup would be a better option. Hope this helps.

 

My initial interest was to go with coil over's from Spohn, but the more I have read on here I have been changing my mind with the chance of strut mount deformation, especially with me running a big block.
But I have decided on buying mostly Racecraft front end pieces, K-member, A arms, pinto rack and the spindles. I know Mark mention that they have a conversion kit from stock steering shaft to the pinto rack but so far have not found it on their site. I want to buy it right away since they have a Christmas sale on, and their would be no better Christmas present for my self

 

Are people having problems with the Spohn coilover kit? Or is everyone just speculating? Their's seems the strongest setup to me with the reinforcing plates... With a drag spring it wouldn't be putting alot of pressure on the strut towers, and if you pull the wheels and come down hard your bump stops should take the most abuse I'd think. Maybe I'm totally wrong though.

 

That should work just fine, most of the setups out there that we run do the same and as long as the bearing ride is kept the same it should be a bolt on thing. I have all the brackets on hand or patterns to make them and it doesn't take too long to have sets made, my cutter has a one day turnaround on my parts. I have the hubs as well, and most brake setups in stock.

Thank you for your support.

Ed
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I'm sure even the 13" HDs will fit the Formy wheels, I can check very quickly but the Wilwoods definitely fit GTAs as do the LS1s. (spacers are included in my kits)

Ed

 

Ed, any chance at looking at those spindles yet? I want to know if they have the same problems as the AJE ones at full suspension drop (shock hitting inner fender, steering problems, etc.)

 

No offense fellas but I haven't got it yet.

Ed

 

Did you give Mark your address and make the arrangements or are you waiting to hear back from him or.... ? Let me know if you want me to check in with him to see what the deal is. Thanks

 

Hey guys sorry I have been lacking on info about the spindles, I will have one to ship late next week. We have parts in process and we are looking to fill orders begining 2nd week of January. We had to redesign the strut mount and put the steering stop on the spindle. I will post our new drawing tomorrow on our website. Ed will have a spindle next week or early the following week. Ed please email me at mark@racecraft.com with your shipping info.

Thanks, Mark

 

werd

 

So what suspensions mods are we thinking to go with the dropped spindles?
I am thinking the Spohn coilovers for the rear to level it out.

 

Sounds good Mark, I'd rather you finish the spindles than send Ed a prototype. That way he sees exactly what we would order. I'm really excited to see what you can offer us all. I can't wait to hear what Ed has to say.

consider that your springs are probably sagging at all 4 corners. if you replace the front 2 with the coilovers, it'll probably be level. Otherwise you have the following options:

1. lowering springs in the rear (maybe the cheapest but you'll pay extra for the fronts and not use them, and your stock springs may already sag that low)
2. rear coilovers
3. front coilovers adjusted REALLY high (which you may run out of suspension travel w/ when the springs are fully extended)
4. front and rear coilovers
5. bigger wheels in front than in the rear (ya that'd look stupid like a R I C E R)

Personally, I'll probably go with the coilovers on all 4 corners when this happens. That way ride height is totally adjustable on all 4 corners. Hope this helps... - Luke

 

Change the GP dates since we will not know anything until late this month or Jan about fitment and such.

 

obviously the deadline that Mark was aiming for will be extended. As of right now there is no deadline. I'm going to wait to get the review from Ed before discussing the other details with Mark. Thanks

 

If they can do a shortened steering arm for us rack and pinion guys, then count me in.

 

How much shorter does the steering arm need to be for a rack and pinion and which rack and pinion are you using? We should have all of the parts for the spindles completed late next week. The new drawings will be put on the website today.

Thanks, Mark
http://www.racecraft.com

 

The steering arm needs to be shortened roughly 2.5-3 inches. I'm using a mustang rack...but that doesn't really matter. None of the GM or Ford racks have enough travel.

 

Same here, my turning radius SUCKS! As long as my Strange front drag brakes fit
and the steering arm is shortened I'm in for sure.

 

very interested. i just have to wait until i get my tax return though. And also depends if the price is reasonable enough.

 

any updates?

 

nothing from Mark or Ed. I think they're still in development or testing on Race Craft Inc.'s side. Let's give him time to work everything out. We don't want another drop spindle GP disaster.

 

Racecraft updated the Solidworks design pictures on the website to show the new steering stop. These things are gonna look sweet when they're done.

 

Update: We have about half of the parts completed, should have all the parts by Monday. After I have all the parts it will be a couple days and I will have some completed parts. Stay tuned. Also, we will have a short steering arm version for the rack and pinion guys.

Thanks, Mark

 

looking good guys keep it up.

 

Why are drop spindles good? I'm having a hard time understanding when you can lower the car other ways. Just looking for technical info.

 

There are quite a few threads on this board that go into the discussion of drop springs vs. drop spindles, so do a search and you'll find all the info you want. In a nutshell: if you care about preserving correct suspension geometry and good handling, use drop spindles.

 

drop springs create a negative camber situation where the tires lean in at the top wearing the insides of the tires and less contact patch with the tire the more suspension travel

 

Mark, you guys are fantastic. How many manufactures out their listen to what their customers say and build part to suit them. I know when you have a company like this that is willing to work with us, then we should support them.

I have just bought their K-Member with road race option, dropped spindles, ( thanks for the shorten version )a-arms, rack and pinion and numerous othe pieces.

 

Well my buddy was just telling me the other day, if your going to lower your camaro, get DROP SPINDLES (He's a Mustang guy), so I remembered this GB and decided to pop in, hello..haha.

Im interested too, but definitely dont think it will be possible to get in on the GB, I mainly want to track for now as I will be using my camaro for drifting and eventually will need to pick these up.

Right now I need about $4000 just to get my camaro driving so it will be awhile before I make my purchase but cant wait...thanks for bringing these into attention.

Who knows, maybe Ill hit the lottery....

 

Hey we finally got the spindles done and will begin shipping tomorrow. Sorry for the delay we have run into delivery problems from an outside vendor which has prompted us to buy are own CNC equipment which we will be getting in the next 3-4 weeks, this will enable us to do everything in house. Our prototype time will decrease considerably. Anyway Ed I will send you some uncoated parts today. Check the website to see the finished product.

Thanks, Mark

http://www.racecraft.com

 

If you dont mind me saying about your machines coming....*******!

Also is it possible you could show before and after or stock and drop spindle next to each other to show the difference? Thanks a bunch, its not needed but I like the comparing of stock to BETTER...haha. Take care and cant wait to pick these up for my IROC....

Website error: The 82-92 Rod end a-arms say its for the 93-02...just so you know.

 

Ed should be getting the set soon. He'll probably post up a load of pictures, comparison, install. I can't wait!

 

i was excited until i seen the $75 price jump!

 

Looks like a $50 price jump. And they did just buy their own CNC machines, which is quite a pretty penny, and it means you'll get your stuff faster, and if there are any flaws in the design they'll be able to fix it in house quicker. Which is all good.

 

I don't mind the price hike if they are bullet-proof pieces. I'll pay for good quality parts that work as advertised.

 

If you want to see price increases, you should look at Spohn website, their was some pretty big increases

 

Spohn offers one of the greatest values as one of the premier 3rd Gen companies. High quality parts and great service is worth something. It has been ugly everywhere in all things after the 1st of this year. There is simply going to be a huge seperation between the cheapest with no longevity and those that have the highest quality and the best service. It does suck because most of us are broke bastards that can only afford the cheapest but dream of buying the best - so I'm saving my pennies for the dropped spindles and plan on hooking them up to a set of 350# springs and Koni yellows from Spohn. All in all, third gens are one of the best dollar per horsepower going other than a 60's stlyle VW so we can't complain too much.