Detroit Speed Control Arns + Speedtech AFX Tall Spindles

[NvrDun71]

Anybody running this combination on 67'-69' F-Body or 68'-72' Nova? If so any issues with alignment and or any other general fitment issues/negatives? My understanding is that the speedtech and DSE lower control arms offer no geometry change and are essentially a revamped stock lower control arm dimensionally. The uppers are a different story as both speedtech and DSE offer atleast +4 degrees built in castor amongst other changes. If I need to run the speedtech upper control arm I would switch, but I can't find any info saying there is any real difference between it and the DSE and therefore making a change unnecessary.

The car is a 71' Nova and right now I'm running DSE upper and lower control arms, DSE 2" Sbc drop springs, DSE Koni shocks n' sway bar, w/ stock spindle and Kore 3 brakes. Currently the car sits very low so I will need a spring change to offset some of the additional drop from the speedtech tall spindles as well, considering stepping up to the DSE big block springs as they are 1/8" taller overall and are 650 lb. vs the older 450lb springs I have now. Overall would really like to improve control arm angles and suspension geometry as a whole but still maintaining a low stance.

Any help/info is much appreciated.

[98ssnova]

Man not sure about this hope you get an answer. But I don't think they your afx spindle.and dse.arm are supposed to be paired together? Not saying you can't just haven't heard of anybody this.

[NvrDun71]

Yea the DSE guys were no help on the subject, I can't say I 100% blame them as I am discussing using a competitors product in conjunction with there parts but they wouldn't even acknowledge that there were front suspension geometry shortcomings even after installing there parts. We're acting as if it would need nothing more unless of course you want to install one of there $8k front subs.

Main goal here is to not just throw a bunch of money at "new" speedtech control arms that provide the same benefits I currently have with the DSE uppers and lowers. If they are similar dimensionally other than spring pocket design, tubing size, and sway bar mount (only 3 things I can verify as different) would rather just add the spindles and go on down the road.

[Blake Foster]

There should not be an issue. The spindles work with our standard arms as well as our Hi Clearance arms. The issue comes when you try and run a high back space wheel. Because the upper ball joint is 2" taller it pushes the arm up 2" Great for camber but when you turn the wheel the rim wants to hit the control arm. I think you can get away with about a 5.5 bs 18" wheel but you will want to check that. that is where the adjustable steering stop on our arm is nice. the next issue you will run into with a High BS wheel is the rim contacting the sway bar

[NvrDun71]

There should not be an issue. The spindles work with our standard arms as well as our Hi Clearance arms. The issue comes when you try and run a high back space wheel. Because the upper ball joint is 2" taller it pushes the arm up 2" Great for camber but when you turn the wheel the rim wants to hit the control arm. I think you can get away with about a 5.5 bs 18" wheel but you will want to check that. that is where the adjustable steering stop on our arm is nice. the next issue you will run into with a High BS wheel is the rim contacting the sway bar

Appreciate the feedback Blake. Car currently has 17x8 wheels with 5.125" backspace up front. Do you forsee this being a problem? sounds like it may be tight. Also good point on the adjustable steering stop, I had not considered that. I was looking at the high clearance arms as well, but not sure I feel about no droop stop on the uppers. Have you guys figured out an easy solution to add one?

[Blake Foster]

Appreciate the feedback Blake. Car currently has 17x8 wheels with 5.125" backspace up front. Do you forsee this being a problem? sounds like it may be tight. Also good point on the adjustable steering stop, I had not considered that. I was looking at the high clearance arms as well, but not sure I feel about no droop stop on the uppers. Have you guys figured out an easy solution to add one?

You can add a bump stop to the top side of the subframe Like the A bodies had if you need to . I think you will have issues with the DSE arm and a 17" wheel.

[NvrDun71]

Hey Blake was good talking to you this afternoon, appreciate the time via phone. Random quick question does your lower control arms have threaded nuts on the top or the bottom of the coil spring cup to secure the shock or do they require a back nut? We discussed this via phone, but I think I'm crossing up what was mentioned.

[Blake Foster]

Hey Blake was good talking to you this afternoon, appreciate the time via phone. Random quick question does your lower control arms have threaded nuts on the top or the bottom of the coil spring cup to secure the shock or do they require a back nut? We discussed this via phone, but I think I'm crossing up what was mentioned.

no nuts at all just through holes. you decide which side of the spring cup you want to mount the T Bar on. remember mounting it on the bottom lowers the car approx. 3/4 inch

[NvrDun71]

no nuts at all just through holes. you decide which side of the spring cup you want to mount the T Bar on. remember mounting it on the bottom lowers the car approx. 3/4 inch

Thanks for the clarification. Will clearancing of the upper control arm mount on the subframe be required for the high clearance arms or is this a non-issue if a droop stop is added?