g-body control arms

[WIKDCUT]

I have an 87 cutlass that I put a complete air ride kit on 2 years ago. It doesn't seem to go as low as I think it should and I was wondering if the ball joints on the stock control arms could be binding. Is that a common problem on g-body cars? If I purchased and installed the strong arms would that solve my problem? If I installed 2" drop spindles would that be too low? Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[darren@ridetech.com]

How much room do you have between the tire and inner fender when deflated? Your ball joint could be binding, probably not. How tall is the air spring when deflated? The StrongArms will correct ball joint angle.

[WIKDCUT]

I have just about enough room to stick my pinky finger between the tire and the fender. I am running 245/45/17 tires in the front with 4.5 inch backspacing on the wheels. At first I thought that the tires were hitting the inner fenders and not letting it go down. Are there any drop spindles out there that will work without lowering the ride height too much? I currently run about 92 lbs in the front springs at ride height. I have talked to others with g-bodies with shockwaves and strong arms and their cars go way lower than mine when fully deflated. Is there any other possible explaination for the problem? When I lower the car, it hangs up well before all the air is deflated out of the air spring. Thanks for the help.

[darren@ridetech.com]

It is pretty normal for the suspension to bottom out at 40-50 psi. If you put drop spindles on it, won't the tire hit the inner fender. Most drop spindles are 2". How much travel do you have overall?

[WIKDCUT]

Not sure how much travel I have exactly. Sweet ride by the way. Your chevelle sits just perfect. I would like my car to tuck the tires like yours when deflated. My car will not tuck the rim. There is about in inch and a half to 2 inches of tire showing. What kit do you have on your car? Do you have the strong arms? I appreciate your help.

[britt@ridetech.com]

I'd put the car on jackstands, take the tires off, let all the air out of the bags and use a jack to run the suspension through full travel. Then you can see if the ball joints are binding.