Any experience with Speedtech subframe & AirRide?

[Nativefx]

Just wanted to see if anyone had any experience to share regarding the Speedtech subframe? If the information I've read on the forums is correct, I can still run the Ridetech AirRide setup with their subframe? This would include upper/lower control arms and 2" drop spindles?

I already have the Ridetech Level 2 AirRide setup, and from what I could find, if I didn't want to switch this setup out in order to go with an aftermarket subframe the Speedtech might be my only option? A couple reasons I am considering this, if it is possible. My upper control arm mounts on the stock sub will require numerous shims to get to -0.5 to -1.0 camber. This is even with turning the cross bar to the more "aggressive" autox setup rather than the "street" setup! I know that with the wide tolerances on these stock subs that is probably not very uncommon. The other reason is the option of going to a rack and pinion style steering. My only concern is that Speedtech's rack and pinion is from the rear rather than forward, so I'm not sure that would be any better than going to a faster ratio steering box and the Ridetech TruTurn setup? Anybody have any experience they could share?

I don't doubt the quality of the product, but trying to figure out if it might be a decent option for me considering I still need to replace my steering box if I stay with my stock sub (and unfortunately Lee is retiring), and which setup would offer me the best turning radius between the rack and pinion and TruTurn setup? I'm running 18x9.5 w/5.5" BS Forgeline wheels with 265/35/18 tires and Baer Pro+ 14" 6P brakes in the front, which is a tight fit already with the TruTurn. I'm wondering if the Speedtech subframe offers more room for this size wheel/tire and if there would be any other benefits besides a little weight savings to consider their subframe? I'm planning to do an LS3 and T56 mag swap down the road, so I'm also worried about whether the Speedtech sub would be more of a limiting factor should I want to consider other LSx conversion pieces besides those offered by Speedtech due to fitment issues?

The only other question is, what about the "New" Speedtech subframe offerings that were recently posted and are expected to be released soon? Would these be an option or will they be more designed around Speedtech's own control arms and spindles? What are the big advantages being offering in this "new" offering and should I wait to find out if it's an option to consider?

[Blake Foster]

Short answer YES our Current sub will work with the Ridetech SKW front bags but they need to be installed upside down for the bag to clear. NO you will not run the drop spindles.
On the new sub, I feel there will be room for the bag/shock same deal it will need to be run upside down BUT I CAN NOT CONFIRM the fitment. part of the issue I see is that the shock is mounted SO CLOSE to the ball joint that the bag may interfere with the spindle ,caliper, and sway bar. I would go with out current version as we know that works.

Our sub will accommodate your wheel/tire although we would normally run that wheel with a 6.5" Bs.

If you know everything we make works why would you consider OTHER LS swap parts? it is not like ours are price out of line?? I just don't understand this thought process? we spend time fitting and testing these parts so you don't have to "Experiment" I can just about Guarantee the company that makes 20.00 mount plates has NOT test fit anything.

if you HAVE TO RUN AIRRIDE. then the new sub is really not for you. the suspension geometry is optimized for a specific ride height and although it is also designed for 4.5" of travel it is just over kill to then install less than optimum shock/ airbag set up. stick with the current version. it will DO everything you ever want or need it to do

[Nativefx]

Hi Blake, thanks for responding. Yes utilizing the AirRide is a MUST for me. I had originally talked myself out of it, and then once everything showed up decided that was one concession I wasn't going to make. In that case the current version of your sub is the only option for me to consider. If I have to replace the Ridetech spindles, will my Baer brake set up still work and my Forgeline wheels with the 5.5" BS without any further mods?

I'm also still trying to figure out whether the rack and pinion would offer a better turning radius than the Truturn setup, along with the comparison on dealing with bumpsteer between these options.

Looking at other LSx swap parts is all about options and costs/value. Your oil pan option is great but at $550 just for the pan, another $400 for the remote oil filter kit, and $1200 for headers then it starts adding to an expense I'm not sure I can justify, especially if I'm looking at going with the speedtech subframe over using my stock sub. With the need to look at my steering options, replacing the TruTurn setup, and Musclebar I figured I was still within a value range I could work around if I could possibly look at other swap parts to replace. It's a much better time for a consumer as these swaps have been going on for some time and we're able to see what works and what doesn't.

Until I can get some feedback regarding turning radius and the rear mounted r&P, I don't think I would see a big difference in handling between the 2 setups, so then it becomes a matter of value (for me). Who knows, maybe I still end up using all Speedtech LSx swap parts or at least some, only with my stock sub. Just trying to get information which would allow me to make my decision.

Anything I'm possibly missing from my thought process?

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by Nativefx

Hi Blake, thanks for responding. Yes utilizing the AirRide is a MUST for me. I had originally talked myself out of it, and then once everything showed up decided that was one concession I wasn't going to make. In that case the current version of your sub is the only option for me to consider. If I have to replace the Ridetech spindles, will my Baer brake set up still work and my Forgeline wheels with the 5.5" BS without any further mods?

I'm also still trying to figure out whether the rack and pinion would offer a better turning radius than the Truturn setup, along with the comparison on dealing with bumpsteer between these options.

Looking at other LSx swap parts is all about options and costs/value. Your oil pan option is great but at $550 just for the pan, another $400 for the remote oil filter kit, and $1200 for headers then it starts adding to an expense I'm not sure I can justify, especially if I'm looking at going with the speedtech subframe over using my stock sub. With the need to look at my steering options, replacing the TruTurn setup, and Musclebar I figured I was still within a value range I could work around if I could possibly look at other swap parts to replace. It's a much better time for a consumer as these swaps have been going on for some time and we're able to see what works and what doesn't.

Until I can get some feedback regarding turning radius and the rear mounted r&P, I don't think I would see a big difference in handling between the 2 setups, so then it becomes a matter of value (for me). Who knows, maybe I still end up using all Speedtech LSx swap parts or at least some, only with my stock sub. Just trying to get information which would allow me to make my decision.

Anything I'm possibly missing from my thought process?

- Yes your brakes and wheels will work on a stock spindle.
- The RACK is the ONLY option on the sub frame. Period.
- the Autokraft pan will also work. it is a copy of our pan just with a spin on filter
- Headers, not much can be done there.
- Turn radius with a 5.5 bs will be good. I would worry more about the outer fender than anything, like i said we use a 6.5 bs wheel and the hub width is factory width.