Understanding Drop Forks: Lowering Your Vehicle's Suspension

Understanding Drop Forks for Cars

Drop forks, also sometimes referred to as drop spindles or lowered spindles, are an automotive modification made to lower the ride height of a vehicle. Installing drop forks is a relatively affordable way to get that coveted lowered look for your car or truck.

What Exactly Are Drop Forks?

Drop forks replace your vehicle's standard front suspension spindles. Spindles connect your vehicle's front wheels to the suspension system and steering components. OEM spindles are designed to keep the vehicle at a factory preset ride height. Aftermarket drop spindles feature a more angled design which rotates the front wheels downward, resulting in a lowered suspension.

Benefits of Installing Drop Forks

There are a few key benefits installing drop forks can provide:

• Lower ride height - This gives your truck or car a more sleek, customized aesthetic.
• Improved handling - Lowering the center of gravity can allow for flatter cornering and better performance.
• Affordability - Drop kits with spindles are more affordable than other forms of lowering such as air suspension.

Are Drop Forks Right For Your Vehicle?

While drop forks present some advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks to consider before committing to an install. You'll want to think about how you use your car or truck to determine if lowering it makes sense.

Daily Drivers and Performance Vehicles

For lightly modified street vehicles and daily drivers, drop spindles can offer an easy path to achieving a lower stance. Lowering daily driven vehicles can impact functionality however - you may need to account for factors like:

• Less ground clearance - This can become an issue on uneven roads or in winter weather.
• Altered alignment - A lowered suspension impacts alignment which may accelerate uneven tire wear.
• Harsher ride - Stiffened suspension components translate more road impacts to passengers.

Off-Road and Utility Trucks

For dedicated off-road rigs or work trucks, dropping spindles likely isn't the best choice as ground clearance is key for their intended usage. The lowered suspension and steering geometry changes could also limit articulation and flex which reduces off-road capability and performance.

Installing Drop Forks

If you decide moving forward with an aftermarket drop spindle kit makes sense for your vehicle, here is an overview of what a typical install involves:

Difficulty

Drop fork installation has an intermediate skill level. While achievable for backyard mechanics, inexperienced DIYers may want to seek professional assistance.

Required Tools and Equipment

• Floor jacks and jack stands
• Basic hand tools - wrenches, sockets, pry bars, etc.
• Torque wrench
• Brake line wrenches
• Possibly other specialty tools

The Install Process

To swap drop forks you'll need to:

1. Safely lift the front of the vehicle and support on jack stands
2. Remove the front wheels
3. Disconnect all spindle mounting hardware - balljoints, tie rods, sway bar links, etc.
4. Disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor wiring
5. Remove the coil springs and steering knuckles with spindles
6. Install the new drop spindle assemblies
7. Reconnect all fasteners and components to the new spindles
8. Perform a wheel alignment

Expect the install to take 4-6 hours for amateurs, potentially less for experienced mechanics. Carefully follow all procedures and torque values provided by the drop spindle manufacturer.

Maintaining Your Lowered Vehicle

Once your truck or car is sitting pretty with its fresh drop fork install, you'll want to adapt your maintenance routine to account for the altered suspension geometry and lowered ride height.

Wheel Alignment

As mentioned before, lowering your suspension impacts alignment specs - camber, caster, toe and more. You'll likely need more frequent alignments to maximize tire life and prevent uneven wear issues.

Suspension and Steering Components

The revised angles and forces applied to suspension and steering joints introduces increased wear. Lowered vehicles generally require tighter inspection intervals and more frequent component replacement.

Bodywork Care

Less ground clearance also means more opportunities for scraped, cracked, or dented body panels and undercarriage components. Take care over speed bumps and driveway entrances. Applying protective elements like air dams, skid plates, and skirting can help defend against damage.

With proper preparation and care, drop forks can be a great modification for the right application. Evaluating your vehicle's usage and altering maintenance routines are key to ensuring reliability and longevity if you decide lowering your ride height is something you’re keen to pursue.

FAQs

What is the cost for a drop fork kit?

Drop spindle kits range from about $100 up to $300 depending on the vehicle application and parts quality. Budget more for professional installation labor if you choose not to DIY.

Can I install drop forks myself?

Drop fork installs are intermediate in difficulty. With proper tools, mechanical aptitude, patience, and an understanding of suspension systems you may be able to DIY. Seek help if you are inexperienced.

Will I need an alignment after installing drop forks?

Yes, alignment adjustments are required any time ride height or steering and suspension geometry changes. Properly realigning the wheels after lowering is crucial for preventing tire wear issues.

How much can I lower with drop spindles?

That depends on which drop spindle kit you select as some are more aggressive than others. Typically expect 1.5-3 inches of front end lowering from drop fork installs.