67 5-lug conversion + drop

[Philly67]

Once the weather begins to break here in Philly, we're setting our agenda for the truck...The plan, for now, is starting with a 5 lug conversion with discs, and a mild drop (thinking 3.5/5ish).

That being said, I am far from a mechanic, and just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row.

-ECE Rear-end 5 lug conversion kit
-ECE 5-lug disc conversion with 2 1/2" drop spindles
-CPP Lowering kit (1"F + 5" R springs, shocks, w/ adjust. track bar and shock relocation) + CPP C-notch.

I guess my question is simple...what else is absolutely required to make this 5 lug swap and drop work?

Thanks in advance for any and all guidance!

[lolife99]

You need a 71-72 disc/drum master cylinder and 71-72 proportioning valve or aftermarket equivilents.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Why mix manufacturers? ECE is already going to hit you for shipping, I highly recommend getting it all from ECE.

I'm running a 4/6 drop, (2.5" spindle, 1.5" spring) a C notch is NOT necessary, just replace or cut down your bump stops. I've had a few hundred pounds in bed over some pretty rough roads and it has not bottomed out yet.

[michael bustamante]

with a 5" rear drop the c notch wont be necessary but the long panhard bar will be. also you do not have to relocate shocks in the front. you should use lowered shocks though.
when converting to five lug in the front you will have to replace your brake lines as well as they will not match your exhisting lines.
while you are in there you will also have to get a steering center link from a 71 or 72 and get new outer tie rods and sleeves. Look into these as cpp now has sleeves to modify your existing steering linkage to fit the 71-72 spindles as well.
might as well add a power steer gear too since you're tearing into it

[67ChevyRedneck]

^If he orders the ECE drop spindle disc brake kit for a 67-70 they're custom made to work with all the 67-70 parts (ball joints and tie rod ends).

You do not need a drop shock when using 1-2" springs up front, most of the drop is in the spindle which doesn't affect shock travel.

While you're "in there" though I would also recommend buying new ball joints and tie rod ends and check your control arms, they could probably use a rebuild too.

It gets $$$ fast when you try to do it all right.

[Philly67]

Thanks for the feedback guys! From reading around, I was under the impression that C-notch was required with anything 5" or more. If that is not the case, then one item off the list. I live in the city and roads here are terrible. I just want to be able to drive it without having to worry about damage. That is also the reason i was leaning more toward 3/5 than 4/6.

Guess I'll start looking into these 71-72 components mentioned.


Thanks again!

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Philly67

Guess I'll start looking into these 71-72 components mentioned.

If you order a 67-70 drop spindle it will be of absolutely no concern to you as they're designed to work with the 67-70 components. If you buy 71/72 spindles you'll have an issue.

What happened was when GM went to disc brakes in 71 they changed the ball joint and tie rod sizes on the spindles and with the tie rods the center drag link was different.

But again, as I mentioned above, if you order the correct kit for a 67-70, you don't need to worry about any of that, as the aftermarket spindles were designed to work specifically with the 67-70 parts.

[brad_man_72]

I'm 4-6 no notch. I drive it like a vette and beat on it like a 1 ton. Haven't bent an axle or the frame yet.

[Jrainman]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

I'm 4-6 no notch. I drive it like a vette and beat on it like a 1 ton. Haven't bent an axle or the frame yet.

Ok I am Amazed you have to be towing at least 5k , please tell me what 4-6 drop parts you have and also brakes

Sorry to the OP for the high Jack but I got to know the answer

[brad_man_72]

Originally Posted by Jrainman

Ok I am Amazed you have to be towing at least 5k , please tell me what 4-6 drop parts you have and also brakes

Sorry to the OP for the high Jack but I got to know the answer

76 heavy half front brakes and rear axle. Spring only drop. Aftermarket panhard bar. Rear lower shock mounts fliped and swaped side to side.
I've hauled 1,500 too.
I know its not right but it functions.
I'm almost afraid to tow with a notch.