Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tcb-1 · 12-20-2009, 10:36 PM

After running a huge static drop for a year, I decided to go on air and get some ride back. I have a budget I am trying to stay under, so let's see if I can hold to it. I plan on a 8 valve system running a 5 gallon tank. I also plan on raising the entire bed floor (keeping the original bed wood) and hiding the valve/compressor/tank rack under the rearend. Most importantly, I plan to keep the front inner fender wells in place. I want someone to be able to walk by this truck and not know it's on air.......

right now, the truck has:

front
2.5" McGaughey's drop spindles
3" drop Ground Force springs with 1/4 coil removed
ECE drop sway bar perches
.88 dia sway bar

rear
ECE adjustable panhard bar
6" drop springs
3" drop blocks
CPP bolt-in "c" notch

so to date, I have:
removed the bed
completely cleaned, degreased, and painted the back half
removed the rear springs
replaced rear frame wire harness
replaced all rear frame wire grommets
removed stock shocks front and rear
removed stock rear upper shock mounts

I have purchased to date:
Viair 400C compressor = $125
Viair relay = $1
Viair 120-150 psi pressure switch = $13
8 SMC 3/8" valves = $22 x 8

I hope you enjoy the journey. here's some pics from today.

those pipes are going to HAVE to be tucked!!

**lolife99** · 12-20-2009, 10:47 PM

Signing up for this one.
Looks great so far,...

**kev2809** · 12-21-2009, 12:01 AM

damn that thing is already super low...are you gonna get a bigger notch? truck looks good

echo72 · 12-21-2009, 12:58 AM

Nice truck!

kyull67 · 12-21-2009, 02:43 AM

oh damn!

my67chevytruck · 12-21-2009, 09:22 AM

looking forward to the progress Doug....

**LEEVON** · 12-21-2009, 11:41 AM

Nice! When did you start rocking the 20" dodge steelies?

gopokes · 12-21-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm watching this one, love the truck, that is an awesome color!

1LoC10 · 12-21-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Nice! When did you start rocking the 20" dodge steelies?

Those are 17" Toyota Fj's
Lookin good, cant wait to see it done, what time do you want me o swing by so you can put all your old stuff on mine?...lol

n2billet · 12-21-2009, 07:48 PM

Mmmmmmm we'll all be on bags next year in Kansas!

Very nice!

68 short step · 12-21-2009, 07:52 PM

looks good, i liked it before too

powell72 · 12-21-2009, 07:56 PM

I'll definitely be watching this also. So, the truck is sitting level now with no rear springs, how much room did you have between the axle and notch before you took it apart?

**88JRFAN** · 12-21-2009, 08:20 PM

Can't wait to see the progress.

faribran · 12-21-2009, 08:48 PM

i have always liked this truck.... am waiting to see what all is in store... just DON'T paint it...!

killer71 · 12-21-2009, 09:42 PM

lookin good!

br161 · 12-21-2009, 10:08 PM

nice truck doc

tcb-1 · 12-21-2009, 10:40 PM

thanks gang for the props. hope I can document this project enough to help someone out. I want to stick with a budget and find the best deals. I also want this project to be completely bolt-on.

Chris, the axle tube was about 3.5" from the notch before I started. the differential would bang the bottom of the bed before it got to that point though.

my plans aren't to drag or to lay frame. as much as I would love to, I think at this point I want something that will be around 3" from laying frame. maybe in a few years (and a bit more welding practice), I'll take the plunge go to all the way to the floor.

been trying to decide what bags I want to go with. Keith (lolife99) like his Slam Specialties RE-7. however, I found some Airlift Dominator D2600's for a great price on Ebay. now the question is, which one. both are comparable to each other. we'll see......

started the exciting task of separating the front ball joints. I hate ball joints. absolutely hate them.

well, more to come when I have updates.

**88JRFAN** · 12-21-2009, 11:40 PM

Find you a good size hammer and give them a good beating.

As you said they are fun to get loose.

dieselarmy13 · 12-22-2009, 12:20 AM

Can't wait to see the finished product

72BlckButy · 12-23-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powell72

I'll definitely be watching this also. So, the truck is sitting level now with no rear springs, how much room did you have between the axle and notch before you took it apart?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcb-1

Chris, the axle tube was about 3.5" from the notch before I started. the differential would bang the bottom of the bed before it got to that point though.

Chris, IIRC, you're running a 4/6" setup similar to mine (w/o a notch). Just for reference, and not to overstep or take away from Doug's thread, but the measurements for my setup (w/o notch) is 2.5" from the axle to the from and 4" from the pumpking to the bed floor.

Sorry about that Doug. Proceed with the air in your suspension and not in my posts...

big_al_71 · 12-23-2009, 03:32 PM

Oh boy this is going to be good.....AL is suscribed as this will be my next thing sooener or later...

powell72 · 12-23-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Chris, IIRC, you're running a 4/6" setup similar to mine (w/o a notch). Just for reference, and not to overstep or take away from Doug's thread, but the measurements for my setup (w/o notch) is 2.5" from the axle to the from and 4" from the pumpking to the bed floor.

Sorry about that Doug. Proceed with the air in your suspension and not in my posts...

Cool, thanks Nate, now I don't need to go crawl under mine. I really don't want to look under my truck right now with as much snow and ice is under there after today.

Doug, are you going to end up with any time over the Holiday weekend to get anything done?

tcb-1 · 12-23-2009, 10:52 PM

Nate,
I used Rustoleum Industrial OIL based enamel in flat black in a can. it goes on smooth, self levels, and after dry, is fairly tough, especially when brushed on.

I was going to use POR15, but that stuff does NOT come off..... and eventually, I want the frame completely blasted and powdercoated. but for now, this is a viable choice that will come off under normal media blasting. I highly recommend the Rustoleum for normal underbody protection!!

Grandpa's CST · 12-24-2009, 05:33 PM

Sounds like the balljoint delema is solved, another way to do it is loosen the castle nut half of the way on the balljoint and while the joint is under spring load take two 3 lb hammers, one is held tight against one side of the spindle at the joint mounting and then the other hammer stikes the opposite side of the spindle temporarily oblonging the hole and releasing the two, make sure from here the spring is unloaded again before the nut is removed, usually works first or second hammer blow.

Like the project, subscribing.

lyrikz · 01-05-2010, 11:45 AM

We have a very similiar setup. I never thought of mounting the exhaust like that. I like that alot. If you look at my build i have a really cool place to mount your compressor and tank. My compressors and tank are hidden. Peek at my build. Here is a pic or two. I modified the tank mounting brackets a bit. Fits nice and snug up there. And the compressors are behind it on the frame...

Just giving you some ideas. Dig the heck out of your rims and thanks again for the exhaust idea. ahah

12-20-2009, 10:36 PM	#1
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside After running a huge static drop for a year, I decided to go on air and get some ride back. I have a budget I am trying to stay under, so let's see if I can hold to it. I plan on a 8 valve system running a 5 gallon tank. I also plan on raising the entire bed floor (keeping the original bed wood) and hiding the valve/compressor/tank rack under the rearend. Most importantly, I plan to keep the front inner fender wells in place. I want someone to be able to walk by this truck and not know it's on air....... right now, the truck has: front 2.5" McGaughey's drop spindles 3" drop Ground Force springs with 1/4 coil removed ECE drop sway bar perches .88 dia sway bar rear ECE adjustable panhard bar 6" drop springs 3" drop blocks CPP bolt-in "c" notch so to date, I have: removed the bed completely cleaned, degreased, and painted the back half removed the rear springs replaced rear frame wire harness replaced all rear frame wire grommets removed stock shocks front and rear removed stock rear upper shock mounts I have purchased to date: Viair 400C compressor = $125 Viair relay = $1 Viair 120-150 psi pressure switch = $13 8 SMC 3/8" valves = $22 x 8 I hope you enjoy the journey. here's some pics from today. those pipes are going to HAVE to be tucked!! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson Last edited by tcb-1; 12-20-2009 at 10:40 PM.

12-20-2009, 10:47 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Signing up for this one. Looks great so far,... __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-21-2009, 12:01 AM	#3
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,172	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside damn that thing is already super low...are you gonna get a bigger notch? truck looks good __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-21-2009, 12:58 AM	#4
echo72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hampton, GA Posts: 76	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Nice truck! __________________ Every day is a challenge. Keep on truckin! 1972 Chevy Cheyenne LWB 350 engine TH400.

12-21-2009, 02:43 AM	#5
kyull67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Springfield/Kansas City Posts: 1,842	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside oh damn! __________________ The first '67 The current '67 '63 Biscayne

12-21-2009, 09:22 AM	#6
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside looking forward to the progress Doug.... __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

12-21-2009, 11:41 AM	#7
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Nice! When did you start rocking the 20" dodge steelies? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-21-2009, 06:24 PM	#8
gopokes Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Posts: 431	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside I'm watching this one, love the truck, that is an awesome color!

12-21-2009, 07:48 PM	#10
n2billet Village Idiot.... Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Rowlett, Texas Posts: 1,833	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Mmmmmmm we'll all be on bags next year in Kansas! Very nice! __________________ http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/n2billet -67 SWB Custom Porterbuilt Front and rear 20/22's Hazel Sold -71 StepSide Porterbuilt Stage 2 with 20/22's Stella Mae Sold

12-21-2009, 07:52 PM	#11
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside looks good, i liked it before too

12-21-2009, 07:56 PM	#12
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside I'll definitely be watching this also. So, the truck is sitting level now with no rear springs, how much room did you have between the axle and notch before you took it apart? __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

12-21-2009, 08:20 PM	#13
88JRFAN LET'S GO RACIN' Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SALINA,KS Posts: 1,212	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Can't wait to see the progress. __________________ Daren 04 Chevy Extend cab 2500HD 6.0 Liter 4x4 71 CHEVY 3/4 4X4 402 BB, th400/np205, dana44/eaton ho52 w/4:10-TOY Rip El Jay RIP BOBBO'S MOM

12-21-2009, 08:48 PM	#14
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside i have always liked this truck.... am waiting to see what all is in store... just DON'T paint it...! __________________ "

12-21-2009, 09:42 PM	#15
killer71 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: at work Posts: 2,552	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside lookin good! __________________ R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07

12-21-2009, 10:08 PM	#16
br161 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: goldsboro nc Posts: 62	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside nice truck doc



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12-21-2009, 10:40 PM	#17
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside thanks gang for the props. hope I can document this project enough to help someone out. I want to stick with a budget and find the best deals. I also want this project to be completely bolt-on. Chris, the axle tube was about 3.5" from the notch before I started. the differential would bang the bottom of the bed before it got to that point though. my plans aren't to drag or to lay frame. as much as I would love to, I think at this point I want something that will be around 3" from laying frame. maybe in a few years (and a bit more welding practice), I'll take the plunge go to all the way to the floor. been trying to decide what bags I want to go with. Keith (lolife99) like his Slam Specialties RE-7. however, I found some Airlift Dominator D2600's for a great price on Ebay. now the question is, which one. both are comparable to each other. we'll see...... started the exciting task of separating the front ball joints. I hate ball joints. absolutely hate them. well, more to come when I have updates. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

12-21-2009, 11:40 PM	#18
88JRFAN LET'S GO RACIN' Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SALINA,KS Posts: 1,212	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Find you a good size hammer and give them a good beating. As you said they are fun to get loose. __________________ Daren 04 Chevy Extend cab 2500HD 6.0 Liter 4x4 71 CHEVY 3/4 4X4 402 BB, th400/np205, dana44/eaton ho52 w/4:10-TOY Rip El Jay RIP BOBBO'S MOM

12-22-2009, 12:20 AM	#19
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Can't wait to see the finished product __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL

12-23-2009, 03:32 PM	#21
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Oh boy this is going to be good.....AL is suscribed as this will be my next thing sooener or later... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

12-23-2009, 10:52 PM	#23
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Nate, I used Rustoleum Industrial OIL based enamel in flat black in a can. it goes on smooth, self levels, and after dry, is fairly tough, especially when brushed on. I was going to use POR15, but that stuff does NOT come off..... and eventually, I want the frame completely blasted and powdercoated. but for now, this is a viable choice that will come off under normal media blasting. I highly recommend the Rustoleum for normal underbody protection!! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

12-24-2009, 05:33 PM	#24
Grandpa's CST Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Seattle area Posts: 28	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Sounds like the balljoint delema is solved, another way to do it is loosen the castle nut half of the way on the balljoint and while the joint is under spring load take two 3 lb hammers, one is held tight against one side of the spindle at the joint mounting and then the other hammer stikes the opposite side of the spindle temporarily oblonging the hole and releasing the two, make sure from here the spring is unloaded again before the nut is removed, usually works first or second hammer blow. Like the project, subscribing. __________________ ........................ ..........._____\|__\___ ..........\|_(O)_____(O)]

01-05-2010, 11:45 AM	#25
lyrikz PITbut Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: monroe washington Posts: 3,052	Re: Air Ride Install - '69 Chevrolet SWB Stepside We have a very similiar setup. I never thought of mounting the exhaust like that. I like that alot. If you look at my build i have a really cool place to mount your compressor and tank. My compressors and tank are hidden. Peek at my build. Here is a pic or two. I modified the tank mounting brackets a bit. Fits nice and snug up there. And the compressors are behind it on the frame... Just giving you some ideas. Dig the heck out of your rims and thanks again for the exhaust idea. ahah __________________ New project. 1971 Twin Turbo blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=676047 My new YOUTUBE channel.. Videos of my truck and a current walk around. Lyrikz74 Youtube channel *DONE! SOLD!* My 1971 stepside build thread My Build Thread UPDATED 6/11. DONE and sold.

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