z71 rubs?

i have drop spindles, with stock z71 wheels, i just bought the truck so i dunno much about it yet, so i take off driving it and it felt like its pushing its self, so i take the wheels off the front, and they are rubbing the tie rod bolt, its nearly rub the driver side into, also the jack a$$ that did the truck, put washers behide the rims, so my question is, how come they are rubbing, and what do i need to do to make them work? as of right now i wouldnt drive this thing not even a 1/2 mile. any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Edited: 6/9/2008 1:33:46 AM by Mad Mazda

The Z71's are 16"s, and drop spindles are made for 17" wheels plus, you have 2 options. get bigger wheels, or get rid of the drop spindles.

Edited: 6/8/2008 10:01:19 PM by lucky_brew



questions off the top of my head that may help us all figure this one out...

what size are the rims? 16", etc

do the tie rod bolts/end/rods appear bent?

is it rubbing both sides in the front?

is it rubbing in the rear?

is it rubbing the tires or wheels?

assuming you took out the washers, did this help the clearance or make it worse?

Edited: 6/8/2008 10:27:43 PM by toddluck

i think you have to run 17's with spindals not to rub or grind the spindle a lil...and get rid of those washers for sure

Z71's only came in 16" rims. Are they washers or just wheel spacers? Chances are he put them in for clearance, possibly because the wheel rubs on the frame or the factory strut rods.

I had the same setup on my truck... I had to grind the bottom of the spindle down where the tierod is.. more than a little though! also i had to use 3 washers on the top of the spindle where the tierod is. and i had to bevel the castle nuts. I never had any problems but you never know...

yes, 16 in, the tierods bolt and nut, is almost gone, its so bad i beleive i'll have to chisel the nut from the joint, it is rubbing only the front, both sides, but the driver side is the worst, i didnt take the passenger side off yet, but the guy that did it, prolly has 15 washers on that side haha, and the wheels are rubbing not the tires, its wore so bad, that this rim is prolly about to shed the whole back ring from it lol,
now, for grinding down the spindle, i dont understand where ur talking about grinding, the spindle isnt whats touching doesnt look like, just half of the inside of the joint, where the nut goes on it, i'll take a pic tomorrow if i get a chance, but when i started down the road, this thing pulled to the driver side so bad, where it was rubbin that i thought the wheel came off, but anywho beats hell out of me on what to do, 17's i guess, anyone have any for sale?

on the mazda u have to run 17" or bigger had that problem before

go to 17s or go back to stock spindles