1987 Avanti 2" drop spindles/updated lights

[wopony12]

Would like some help and ideas on dropping the front of my 87 Avanti a bit. Will a 2" drop be too much and what brand of spindles to use. Have heard where one brand have to do some grinding.

For tail lights are looking at LED bulb to replace bulb already used.

For headlights Sylvania Silverstone? Anything else brighter?

Also, how do you tell if you have a 305 or 305HO.

Thanks

[IndyJimW]

In 2004 I installed 2" Belltech drop spindles on my '87 Avanti. I searched the Forum but can't find the Post. AOAI published my acticle in their magazine on how to install them, I can look it up if you want a copy. It dropped the front bumper 2 1/2 inches with no problems. Search for Chev. S10 drop spindles, the Monte Carlo front end is the same. It will need an alignment and will cut the tires off if you try to drive it.

I used 1157 & 1156 replacement LED bulb that you can get from any parts stone. Get the short 13 LED's ones because the long ones may touch the lens when you try to install them.

Silverstones is what I use.

The engine code should be stamped on the flat area behind the alternator, mine was blank. I got part of the orginal Monte Carlo VIN from the transmission housing and figured it out from there.

[wopony12]

Thanks Indyjim,

What do you mean by will cut the tires off?

With a 2" drop was worried about ground clearance. I think the car will look better, more like the 63-64's.

Doing it should be no problem for me. I have replaced springs, ball joints etc. before.

Thanks again, didn't know about short and long bulbs.

[wopony12]

Thanks Indyjim,

What do you mean by will cut the tires off?

With a 2" drop was worried about ground clearance. I think the car will look better, more like the 63-64's.

Doing it should be no problem for me. I have replaced springs, ball joints etc. before.

Thanks again, didn't know about short and long bulbs.

[Gunslinger]

I believe what he means by short and long bulbs is that many LED replacement bulbs are longer (and wider) than the original incandescent bulbs and will interfere with the lenses. I've been replacing a number of lights on my '70 Avanti with LED replacements and have run into that issue in a few instances...tag light and shift indicator lights in particular.

[IndyJimW]

What do you mean by will cut the tires off?

The drop spindles that I used moved the position of the tie rod ends and changed the toe out so much that you could hear the tires squeal going straight down the road. Had to cut some of the threads off of the tie rod ends, because they bottomed out in the adjustment sleeve, to get the toe back into specs.

I have not had any problems with ground clearance or tires rubbing the fenders. If I turn the wheel all the way to the left lock the tire will rub the inner fender where the parking cable runs behind it and causes a bulge, not worth fixing.

I replaced most of my lights with LED's years ago. Gets rid of the heated lens in the interior. A good source for LED lights is;

http://www.superbrightleds.com

I also recommend the Monte Carlo site for most info for your drivetrain;

http://www.montecarloss.com

Good luck,

Jim

Edited November 11, 2014 by IndyJimW

[wopony12]

I had to take the red cover off of the speedometer so I could see how fast I was going at night. Did you replace your dash lights with red or white LED's.

Did you lower your rear also.

Thank for all your help.

Gary

[IndyJimW]

I used red LEDs for the gauges. I also replace the turn signal and warning lights with LEDs of the correct color. You need to use the same color bulb as the lens with LEDs.

I didn't lower the rear, with the drop spindles it has the same rake as the 63-64 Avanti.

Edited November 12, 2014 by IndyJimW

[wopony12]

Thanks Jim I've learned a lot. The 2" drop scared me because I didn't want problems with it hitting bottom.

thanks again

Gary