$999 for a Dropmember
 

I am releasing a new Dropmember design that will be sold for $999. I have redesigned the lower control arm mount to use a factory style u-bolt. The machined components of the new design are far less expensive, and allow me to drop the price considerably.

The new design gives a little more Dropmember to lower control arm clearance when using factory lower control arms, as well as more ground clearance.

The main difference between the new and old design is the price! Same results, same quality, big savings.;)

There's no reason to even think about Zing your frame anymore.:metal:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Back to work.... Gotta make the Donuts! (to pay for a new Dropmember!) :)

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Nice move! Very business savvy Nathan!

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

You got any pics?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

This isn't the best view, but it will work.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Is this in addition to the ORIGINAL design? Or is this replacing the original Dropmember?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Do you still need to change to R+P steering?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

It isn't set in stone, but it appears that this design will soon end up replacing the ORIGINAL.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Yes, the factory steering needs to be replaced by a 1979-1993 Mustang rack and pinion.

The only thing different about this design is the mounting for the lower control arm. All other aspects of the Dropmember are the same.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

So this will be avalible for 73 - 87's ?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

This is available for C10s from 1960-1987.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Any word on something for the back half of a 73-87 blazer, to get it down as low as your dropmember ?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Do us board members still get a discount on top of the new price ???

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

are any of the notchs in the back ground mine

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Those are for the 63-72 chassis. Yours are all boxed up. I just finished welding up all the four-links for the rest of you guys that have been waiting.

Thanks for your patience Chris, your stuff leaves tomorrow.:metal:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

just giving you a hard time

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Nate,

Anything changed on the C4 DM?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Im sure they will sell like hotcakes.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

now i just need to save up $999. the drop member seems like a better alternative than z'ing the frame

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

I want I want i need on now ...... been thinking of gtting another truck but a drop member seems alot better.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Now all I need in something to put one in!

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

when is that rear member coming out for the 69-72 blazers

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

if down the road i wanted to upgrade to art control arms will this still work?

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

just as easy as upgrading a stock x-member:metal:

you have no idea how much EASIER this is I installed mine from box to air -up in 3 hours total labor. can't do a Z that quick and have it be as clean and dead on engineered to work.

hey nate, uh... how about a C30 say an '89 ;)


DM = Good
DM under $1000 =:metal:

Josh

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Man this is great and timely news! Been looking to bring the parts inventory up for the winter time projects. Guess I had better call with some specs and get my questions answered.

Can't wait to get started..

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

I'm about to drop my truck off to get the air suspension done in the next 3 - 4 weeks as soon as the shop has room for me.. I was going to do a traditional "z" but now I really have to reconsider...

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

That's an amazing deal Nate. You should throw out a cost analysis for those that are considering a shop doing their Z vs your new low price Dropmember. I think the costs would be very similar if not in favor of the Dropmemeber.

No doubt it would look better than a Z, and be more structurally sound. It will also help with the resale value of your truck. I know I would much rather buy a truck that the frame had not been cut unless I could verify the integrity of the build.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Sure would be nice to have a reply to my question :rolleyes:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

This could get ugly, but here goes. Maybe if a shop is doing it, but if you do it yourself there is no way cost is comparable. I just got all the info from Nate on what it takes to get a dropmember installed and if I had the extra cash I would go for it, for sure! Since I'm on a crappy budget I will have to stick with the Z route, which will cost me less than $600 bucks total. Little more work than a DM install, but cheaper no doubt. No comparison in cost and I did not want to start anything here, just stating the facts.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

I haven't responded to this particular question yet, because I don't have all the details worked out. I will be offering a little break to supporting members, and will also be offering a discount for "Group Purchases". The details on this will be coming soon...

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

No vendor fees for life if I can test fit one for my C5 Blazer on my site :D

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Nice job nate, got me a presss relese on that there thingy, that dropmemba!

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

There's no doubt that if you are qualified and able to Z your frame, then the actual money laid out to do the job would be less than a Dropmember conversion. If you were paying a qualified fabricator "time and materials" to do the job, then it would most likely be more affordable to go with the DM.

I don't want to get to deep into the "Z" vs. Dropmember debate, but when comparing ALL the pros and cons to each method (not just price), the Dropmember wins hands down.

I know budget is a concern with the majority of us guys building these trucks, so I will do a quick breakdown on parts and average costs. I do not sell all the parts listed, but will post up a parts/accessories list with descriptions/part numbers/sources to find them. The below prices would be what I consider "average" with room for savings if you're a savvy shopper.

Dropmember $999
Shipping on DM $100
Bags $150
Shocks $75
Rack and pinion $175
Steering linkage $280
Power Steering lines $65


My math says that's just under $1850. This price would be the bare essentials to get you rolling. And I wouldn't be surprised if there was $100 to save by spending some time on-line. Drop spindles and possibly tubular arms MIGHT be necesary to lay frame depending on your tire diameter.

Here's the parts list:
Dropmember Accessory List

I have put this list together to assist my customers in purchasing the necessary components to complete the installation of the Dropmember.

Dropmember: $999

Includes: Main cross-member; inner frame support plates; upper control arm/bag mounts; motor mounts (specify SBC, BBC, GENIII); transmission cross-member; shock mounts; billet tie-rod ends and chromoly heims w/hardware; billet rack and pinion mounting bushings; rack notches (weld-in frame for tie-rod clearance); shock mounts; all hardware necessary to install the Dropmember.

Below is a picture of the new Dropmember design. The main design change is found in the lower control arm mount. I have eliminated the billet mounting blocks found on the original Dropmember, and gone to a machined saddle that utilizes the factory style U-bolt to secure the lower control arm shaft.


Rack and Pinion Steering:

The rack and pinion used with the Dropmember is from a 1979-1993 Mustang application. Both power and manual rack and pinion units can be purchased through Unisteer Performance (www.unisteer.com). Also, 22-201F is a Parts Master part number that can easily be cross referenced by any local parts house, saving up to $100.


Steering Linkage 63-72:

You will need three u-joints, a support bearing, and steering shaft to connect your column to your rack and pinion. Steering linkage and joints can be sourced through Borgeson (www.borgeson.com)

Column end u-joint:

On the 63-66 factory column you will need a 3/4smooth bore by 3/4DD u-joint.

On the 67-72 factory column you will need a 3/4-36spline by 3/4DD u-joint.

Middle U-joint:

The middle joint of the linkage is a 3/4DD by 3/4DD u-joint.

Rack and Pinion U-joint:

If using a power rack and pinion, the u-joint for the rack end is a 3/4-36 x 3/4DD u-joint.

If using a manual rack and pinion, the u-joint for the rack end is a 9/16-26 x 3/4DD.

Shaft Support Bearing:

The shaft support bearing is a spherical rod-end, also known as a heim-joint.

Steering Shaft:

At least 18” of 3/4DD shaft will be needed.

Steering Linkage 73-87:

You will need three u-joints, a support bearing, and steering shaft to connect your column to your rack and pinion. Steering linkage and joints can be sourced through Borgeson (www.borgeson.com)

Column end u-joint:

On the 73-87 factory columns there are two possible options:
1"DD x 3/4DD
1"-48 x 3/4DD

Middle U-joint:

The middle joint of the linkage is a 3/4DD by 3/4DD u-joint.

Rack and Pinion U-joint:

If using a power rack and pinion, the u-joint for the rack end is a 3/4-36 x 3/4DD u-joint.

If using a manual rack and pinion, the u-joint for the rack end is a 9/16-26 x 3/4DD.


Shaft Support Bearing:

The shaft support bearing is a spherical rod-end, also known as a heim-joint

Steering Shaft:

At least 18” of 3/4DD shaft will be needed.

Power Steering Lines:

Power Steering lines are best sourced through Borgeson (www.borgeson.com) part#925102.

Shocks:

Monroe 32245 or equivalent are used with the Dropmember.

Bags:

Slam Specialties RE7 air springs are recommended for use with the Dropmember. A Firestone bag will allow approx. ½” more drop.


Control Arms:

The Dropmember was designed to be used with Air Ride Technologies Strong Arms, however, factory arms can be used. 63-72 control arms may be used with slight modifications for clearance; and 73-87 factory arms with no modifications for clearance. Factory lower arms will need to be modified to accept an air bag (i.e. bag plate or cup). We do offer a bag plate that bolts to the top of the lower control arm.

Headers:

When running a Small Block Chevy motor, Hooker headers part# 2466HKR work excellent
When running an LS1 or GenIII motor, I have had customers run 2000 F-body headers from Hooker.

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Sounds like a deal.... you pay shipping to you, and then shipping to me when you send it back!:lol:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Hmmmmm, well my build is approaching 4 years now, will you
still be in business in 2020? (So I can send it back to you) :lol:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

I gotta finish her 54 first.........

Just give me some time!:metal:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Nice piece Nate..... I still dont understand knowing what materials and labor costs these days, how you can build that crossmember and sell it for that and still keep the lights on. Super nice piece.....

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

I have my helper stand outside the bay door with a big mirror and reflect light into the shop. We're not very productive when it's overcast. :lol:

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

Hey Nate! WOW this is good news for me and my wife man, I can get my truck done and then I can finally get her engagement ring! LOL WOW now it makes it easier to afford! Please keep it at this price for at least the next couple months!

Re: $999 for a Dropmember
 

No doubt about it. If I had the money I would get the DM...maybe one of these days.