What are the advantages and disadvantages of these vs the stock control arms? Thanks ahead of time.

 

Dont think anyone runs drop arms with bags. Never knew exactly why but its either alignment issues or not enough space on the arm for the bag

 

Dropped spindles are the starting point,keeps the front geometry correct.
Some people modify the stock a-arms,I chose to go with CanDo's tubular a-arms, haves the travel needed,looks great & are very strong & well made!
Also allows for the removal of the strut bars!

 

Like TRUCKACTION said, I'd go with drop spindles. I used my stock uppers and lowers and modified them. Budget is going to be your deciding factor. If you can afford cando's, get some. If not modify your stock ones. With a drop control arm the angle of the arm doesn't allow the correct geometry with an airbag, almost like two round arches working against each other.

Depending on you fab skills and weather or not you need to drive you truck daily there is a pretty good write up on minitruckin website called the weekend warrior. Ther pretty much cut the front suspension off and mount it 2 inches higher into the engine bay... But as said above stocks are cheaper (free) and spindles are the best option.

 

You still have to Z the frame to lay flat. Or am i wrong?

 

Not technically, again, depending on your fab skills you can do anything you want to. Bag mount placement can also be a factor and how big you wheel tubs are can be a factor. Some guys keep their lower control arms and do uppers for bag mount clearance allowing the upper control arm to go past the bag mount some.

Check out this build: 1993 Toyota Mini Truck - Front Air Bags - Mini Truckin' Magazine

 

Ok, just looking for information. I've read the minitruckin write up, was just wondering why spindles over arms. You all answered all my questions. Thanks!!!!

 

He is right, it depends on your goals. I am using a drop spindle with stock upper arms and stock lower arms with a bag plate welded on top because of how I mount my bag. I am using a relatively small wheel/tire OD combo that allows me to run my bag between the frame and lower arm for maximum lift and clearance. I am putting the final touches on my setup now and got new bushing and balljoints installed tonight so I don't really have any pics. In my build thread I have some mock up pics that turned out pretty accurate.




I had drop arms when I was static and sold them when I started baggin it.

 

Here's the upper plate placement on my set up