My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty

[Ekliptix]

I ordered the ECE 4/6 lowering kit before I even picked up my 72 Super Cheyenne 5 months ago in California and drove it back to Houston with my Canadian buddy (thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595586). Now, I'm finally getting around to doing the install.
I also ordered a ECE heavy duty front sway bar with poly bushings. I'll be installing a poly transmission mount too, since the stock one is dead.

One request I have from those who've installed this is a list of required tools to do the install. My tool inventory is building, so I'll plan to run over to home depot whenever I need something. If people who've done this can suggest required tools, it'll make fewer trips for me.

The truck's history is not documented but it looks to have been lowered somewhat already. My measurements to the fender before installing the ECE kit are:
Front'
L 29-1/8"
R 29-1/2"

Rear
L 31"
R 31.5"

Current height:



Up in the air this evening. There's a jack at the rear too. I'll update this thread with progress and probably questions too.

[Splash4195]

I like allot!

[Elliot949]

I am following this thread... This is what I am putting on my 67...

[zicc1835]

x2

[67ctener]

Very nice truck! Simple hand tools should get the job done. A nice 1/2" ratchet and some wrenches, maybe also a hammer and pry bar. You also have to bust some rivets to get the sway bar brackets on

[Wikid61]

Nice truck indeed. The underneath looks clean. Lay large sheets of cardboard to work off of and catch dirt that comes loose from the disassembly. Have some chassis paint or equivalent for detailing those areas you will address. Add a rear sway later, they turn these trucks into go kart's.

[Already Gone]

Subscribed.

[midniteblues]

a 3/4" socket set will help,lotsa lube,wheel bearing grease, grease gun,a good bfh,a good sharp cold chisel,a long punch,drill & bits,a good pair of heavy gloves.

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

a 3/4" socket set will help,lotsa lube,wheel bearing grease, grease gun,a good bfh,a good sharp cold chisel,a long punch,drill & bits,a good pair of heavy gloves.

Don't forget the 12 pack of beer and a few friends.... LOL

[Cash3481]

Get some rust penetrant and spray every bolt your going to touch before you get started several times before you get it torn down. It will aid you...

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

good looking truck man. as far as tools find a harbor freight close by and grab a socket set, ratchet wrenches, mini sledge, and a pry bar. you'll save at least twice as much as home depot and the hand tools have a lifetime warranty.

[72BlckButy]

You'll love the new kit.

Also... You might have to rerun the exhaust. Just a heads up.

[oldschool18]

how tall are your rear springs?

[Ekliptix]

Originally Posted by oldschool18

how tall are your rear springs?

New ECE ones about 8.5" before any miles. The ones it had on, about 10". I hope I get more then a 1.5" drop in the rear!



Got some more progress made tonight, after picking up a grinder for the passenger side upper shock mount. It was easier and I got a few sparks in my hair . Both upper shock mounts are both now off but one of the rivets is stuck in the hole even after some pounding at it. I'll take the grinder back to it tomorrow evening.

Wedge cut out of the remaining upper shock mount to allow access for the grinder wheel to the rivet.


After grinding. It's actually the left rivet in the photo that is stuck in the hole after removing the bracket. Not for long though.




One of two upper shock mounts installed.


After removing one of the rear springs, I realized ECE didn't provide the torque specs for installing the new springs. I'll get in touch with them. U bolt and lower shock mount removed on the driver side. Thanks for the tip on using the bolt loosening spray in advance. It seems to be helping.


Removed the rear panhard bar too in preparation for the ECE super track bar.


Pan/track bars shown (old short, new long) with new bracket to go on passenger side.


2 tools I need to get: Deep 1-1/16 socket for the rear ubolt nuts. A second 3/4" wrench for the top rear spring bolt head in the frame rail. I got it done without these tools, but they'll make the same on the passenger side easier.

Things should move pretty well now that the upper shock mounts are 99% done.

[Malamute]

Subscribed as well. That is exactly what I plan to do to my '69. I will be adding 4 wheel discs at the same time.

[71chevyowner]

Subscribed!

[Ekliptix]

Thanks for the tool tips. I made a trip to harbor freight and will be getting started this evening.

[Tx Firefighter]

The hardest part of the whole job is removing the four rivets that hold the stock upper shock mounts in place.

[Ekliptix]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The hardest part of the whole job is removing the four rivets that hold the stock upper shock mounts in place.

Amen brother. I got one side off but I'm planning to rent a cutting wheel tomorrow for the other one. It'll be great to get the toughest part done first.

Stock upper rear shock mount. Punched for pilot holes.


killing 3 sizes of drill bits to get this far.


Now the hard part, wiggling the hell out of it. My chisel and mini sledge were not effective. I just about cried with joy when the second rivet came off.


Better drill bits are in order.


I underbody sprayed the scuffs made by the removal to avoid rust later.

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The hardest part of the whole job is removing the four rivets that hold the stock upper shock mounts in place.

^^^^^ I think anyone who has done one of theses would agree with this statement. I bet Ekliptix would agree

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The hardest part of the whole job is removing the four rivets that hold the stock upper shock mounts in place.

When i did mine i did not have the bedwood in yet. I just drilled the heads off the ribets first then whacked the old brcket with a hammer. Then i heated up the area around the rivet with a torch and drive the rivet out with a punch and hammer.

[TexasLS1]

Subscribing, loved this truck since your "drive home with pics" thread. Looking forward to the results!

[lolife99]

Everybody tries to remove those shock mounts in one piece.
I lop off the ears and grind the rivet heads off.
They go in the trash anyway.
Super fast.

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Everybody tries to remove those shock mounts in one piece.
I lop off the ears and grind the rivet heads off.
They go in the trash anyway.
Super fast.

Keith is right. When he was down to help install the drop kit on my 69 that was the trick.

[Evaded]

This^ Nice Truck

Evaded