NEWB help on lowering/5lug conversion/disc brake

[JWSmith]

my problem is following all the stuff found here -
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
and here
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...54&postcount=2
I've static dropped many s-10's over the years, so I have no problem diving in. Those drops have always been inexpensive and straightforward. I've never had to change to disc brakes. I've never had to deal with swapping control arms, centerlink, pitman arms, etc. I've good as low as 5/6 with spindles, coils, leafs, and blocks, so I have a pretty decent working knowledge of what goes on here, but I am starting to get confused with all these options.

I have a 1970 C-10/CST shorty that I want to drop. I want to change to disc brakes up front, and I want to 5 lug it. I want the lowest static drop possible without c-notching, which by my readings is a 4/6. I'm on a pretty tight budget - call it $1000 for everything above (before wheels and tires).

Can I get some help on what would be a straightforward, budget-conscious swap (or parts bought individually)? I've done a lot of searching, but my search keywords are pretty common considering what we are talking about here.

[lolife99]

What do you want to know.
Step by step with pics?

[lolife99]

Great build thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=567294

Another:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=353633

[lolife99]

Your $1000 budget will be hard to do it the front end needs to be rebuilt.
(I have about $600 in that alone)

I like using ECE for drop and disc parts.
www.earlyclassic.com.

Buy drop spindles specific for disc brake swaps.
(63-70)
That will save additional money.

I did my '69 swb drop with leftover parts from my 2wd blazer, so it was cheap(er).
But I paid the big money originally when the parts were installed on my blazer.
Here's the thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=338655

The lessons I learned:
My cheap new $100 71-72 McGaughy's drop spindles cost me MORE money,... in parts required to make them work,... than if I had bought 63-70 spindles for $229.

[JWSmith]

Well, I guess I got more reading to do When lowering, would I use the stock upper and lower control arms?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by jwsmith

well, i guess i got more reading to do when lowering, would i use the stock upper and lower control arms?

sure!

[JWSmith]

that helps explain a big step to me.

If I use the stock control arms, then all I gotta buy is drop coils, drop spindles, and shocks. Next question - What year should I buy that drop stuff for? When I go to purchase rotors, calipers, etc at the local auto parts store, I obviously can't tell them it is for a 70 since they didn't have disc brakes...

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by JWSmith

that helps explain a big step to me.

If I use the stock control arms, then all I gotta buy is drop coils, drop spindles, and shocks. Next question - What year should I buy that drop stuff for? When I go to purchase rotors, calipers, etc at the local auto parts store, I obviously can't tell them it is for a 70 since they didn't have disc brakes...

It's all in the link you posted.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4

Here's the short version specifically for you.
1) buy conversion spindles (63-70) from any of the suppliers.
Belltech, McGaughys, Western Chassis, ECE, or even CPP.

2) buy conversion brake hoses from ECE or CPP.
Some use 71-72 4x4 front brake hoses.

3) Parts store list:
Tell them your truck is a '73, because you will need 1-1/4" wide rotors calipers and bearings.
Get:
a) rotors
b) calipers
c) bearings
d) 71-72 master cylinder

4) dust shields behind the rotors:
Some run them some don't.
You can buy these new or used.

5) spindle nut can be robbed from your drum spindles.

6) buy an aftermarket prop valve from ECE, CPP or Perfomance online.

Me,... I would call ECE and get their kit.
It contains all the parts you need.
Even a section of brake line to go from the prop valve down to the frame.

[JWSmith]

ECE seems to be the go-to around here...I've always run belltech and never had issues.
Is this just a preference thing, or does ECE seem to be a better product due to it being geared to the older models?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by JWSmith

ECE seems to be the go-to around here...I've always run belltech and never had issues.
Is this just a preference thing, or does ECE seem to be a better product due to it being geared to the older models?

They've been around along time.
They don't sell anything but truck parts.
No Camaros, Chevelles, Impala's etc.
They had parts long before other companies came around.
Customer service is amazing.

Look for reviews of CPP, Brother, LMC, etc.
You will stay away from them.
(my opinion)

I suggest you read, read, and then read some more.
Look at the projects and builds sections on here.
Read in the suspension section.
It's not that hard and knowledge is your friend.

[72BlckButy]

Trust me.... lolife99 is the go-to when it comes to lowering a 67-72.

The thing about getting parts from places other than ECE is that you will have everything you need in the kit to install this on your truck. If I recall correctly I only had to purchase bearing grease and reuse the castle nuts from the original drum setup on my '69; other than that, everything was in the kit.

Now... is it a little higher than other companies? Yes
Did I have to wait months for my parts? No... I had everthing within a week of placing my order. I wasn't waiting on back ordered items, etc.
Did I have to guess about what parts would work with other parts I purchased, resulting in lost time and money? NO

It truly was the most effortless purchase/install I've had to do. (Thanks to lolife99.) I've never missed the extra $$$ as I was rolling down the road by the time the rest of the parts from other companies would have arrived.

[JWSmith]

honestly though - if I go through what is offered, which is With Master Cylinder, Proportioning Valve, Brake Lines, Brake Hoses, Calipers, Pads, Rotors, Bearings, Seals, Dust Shields, Dust Caps, Castle Nuts, Slotted Washers, Banjo Bolts, and All necessary Hardware and Brackets (copied from website lol) I'm probably only really out the shipping.

Based on what Keith has said, and from what I have read on his build thread (only through the first 4 pages), am I right in part number 903-6770-DBC5 being what I am looking for?

[72BlckButy]

Also.... call ECE and they'll quote you better on shipping for the kit than their website does. Stan or Mark.

[JWSmith]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Also.... call ECE and they'll quote you better on shipping for the kit than their website does. Stan or Mark.

will do!!! thank you!

[lolife99]

Correct,... 903-6770-DBC5 is the 67-70 5-lug disc brake kit from ECE.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Correct,... 903-6770-DBC5 is the 67-70 5-lug disc brake kit from ECE.

Just remember,... this is just the disc brake conversion with drop spindles.
You still need:
1) 4 drop springs
2) 4 drop shocks
3) rear shock relocators
(I assume you have coil springs on the rear of the truck???)
4) a Super Track Bar to recenter the rearend after you lower it.

[JWSmith]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Just remember,... this is just the disc brake conversion with drop spindles.
You still need:
1) 4 drop springs
2) 4 drop shocks
3) rear shock relocators
(I assume you have coil springs on the rear of the truck???)
4) a Super Track Bar to recenter the rearend after you lower it.

yep - got it.

It is coil springs in the rear.

So curious, before wheels and tires, is it possible if I increased the budget to $2000 I can do this?

Also - side question. Quick ebay search found this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/McGaughys-Di...25f8f4&vxp=mtr

Would this, plus drop coils, spindles & shocks take care of the front?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by JWSmith

yep - got it.

It is coil springs in the rear.

So curious, before wheels and tires, is it possible if I increased the budget to $2000 I can do this?

Also - side question. Quick ebay search found this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/McGaughys-Di...25f8f4&vxp=mtr

Would this, plus drop coils, spindles & shocks take care of the front?

Sure.
It's cheaper at Summit Racing, but ebay has free shipping.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mmc-63156

These are all the parts that you can get locally at your auto parts store.
So I guess I'm confused on what you want to do.

You also have to watch buying from several different places.
I went to order a Master Cylinder online and shipping and handling was $29.95 + the price of the M/C.

Get all your prices and then compare apples to apples.
If you know everything you need,... you can to some careful shopping and find some deals.
But shipping costs these days are a killer.

I still recommend ECE for "one stop shopping".
Call Stan or Mark.

Toll Free Order Line: 888.777.0395
Tech Line: 559.291.1611
Fax Line: 559.291.1773

Mailing Address:
EARLY CLASSIC ENTERPRISES
5843 E Clinton Ave
Fresno, California
93727

[lolife99]

The results are worth it,...

[JWSmith]

well, everything is going to HAVE to happen. It isn't an option now - not if I want to drive the truck. The front drivers side brake is good -it is working properly. None of the others do. I can't get the system to bleed and everything seems "seized". I've never seen this before. So I'm weighing options.

[72BlckButy]

Time to make a call to ECE... plain and simple.

It's only money....

[JWSmith]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

It's only money....

lol - I wish my wife would agree

[72BlckButy]

It's ensuring the security of your family and anyone else that rides in your truck.

FYI... Take care of the things at home and then the truck. Don't go into debt for parts when there are other things out there that need attention before your hobby. Not that you intended to do so, but there are some that fail to recall this is a hobby.

This public service announcement was brought to....
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[JWSmith]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

It's ensuring the security of your family and anyone else that rides in your truck.

FYI... Take care of the things at home and then the truck. Don't go into debt for parts when there are other things out there that need attention before your hobby. Not that you intended to do so, but there are some that fail to recall this is a hobby.

This public service announcement was brought to....
Posted via Mobile Device

can't believe anyone puts themselves in this position, but I got friends that put their vehicles way ahead of their family. Ridiculous...

[68Redhead]

Lot of good info in this one thread!
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