Tall Spindle Swap

[scomp890]

I am considering changing my spindles to the taller B body spindle. I am looking for better handling and the ability to run 12 inch brakes.
Has anyone done this swap, and can provide feedback, positive or negative?
How does it handle?
Bumpsteer?
Did it push the front wheels out too far?
What upper arms did you run?
Thanks.

 

[scomp890]

I guess this swap isn't as popular as I thought.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have the whole shebang. The car's not on the road, but I've used this basic setup before. It's worlds better than stock. Global West Negative Roll upper A-arms, B-body "big brake" spindles. (there are 2 different spindles for B-bodies. You need the ones from Wagons or any other HD brake package with 12" factory rotors.), GM 1/2 ton pickup/"old style" F-body calipers. Yes, there's about 3/8" wider track on each side, but it doesn't seem to be an issue. Yes, the bumpsteer curve is different, but the stock curve was not-so-great to begin with. According to what I've seen over the years & from what Doug @ GW tells me, most don't seem to even notice a difference. I'm a 9/10 kind of guy, so I had a center link modified to allow bumpsteer adjustability. I can't help you there as it's a one off & was made by someone who made me promise not to reveal his identity.

Tommy.

 

[scomp890]

Thanks for the input Tommy.
I am looking for the spindles right now. I found a buick wagon, but someone beat me to the spindles. I saw the picture of your center link. Nice work.
Let me know when you have some "seat time" on them.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Let me know when you have some "seat time" on them.

I can be pretty confident in saying that seat time is at LEAST a year away... :lol:

Tommy

 

[Jayz79]

Is there a difference in the part number for the spindle? I found a spindle part number online, but It doesn't describe the size of the rotors.

Thanks

 

[355_79bu]

Copied from the Global West website:

Donor cars with tall spindles and 11 inch disc brake rotors:

Buick full size 77-81, Century 73-77, Riviera 77-78, Skylark 75-79, Cadillac Seville 76, Chevy full size 77-81, Camaro 70-81, Chevelle 73-77, Monte Carlo,Nova 75-79, GMC Sprint 73-77, Pontiac full size 77-81, Firebird 70-81, Grand Prix 73-77, Lemans 73-77, Phoenix 77-79, Ventura 75-77, Oldsmobile Cutlass 73-77, Omega 75-79

Donor cars with tall spindles and 12 inch disc brake rotors:

Buick full size: LeSabre wagon/Electra wagon 77-94

Cadillac Fleetwood/Deville 77-84 Brougham/Fleetwood 85-94

Chevy full size: Bel Air/Biscayne/Caprice/Impala 77-96

Olds: 98/Delta88/Delta 88 wagon 77-92

Pontiac full size: Bonneville/Catalina/Grandville 77-86

Important: There are two different types of 12 inch disc brakes spindles. One version uses a small outer bearing measuring .750. The second type uses a larger outer bearing measuring .850. Use the larger diameter outer bearing spindle because the rotor you are going to need is off a 1988-92 1LE Camaro/Firebird GM part #18016035. These rotors have the correct bolt pattern 5 on 4 3/4 bolt circle, however the rotors use 12mm studs rather than 7/16 studs. You need to change the studs over to 7/16. We use a DBS-42 kit for this conversion.