"Brass Monkey".....Installing 4/6" ECE Drop Kit

[Coursey]

Just received my ECE kit.

Found out the rear lower shock brackets are backordered. Should be here in a few days.




Went ahead and removed the upper shock brackets. Not to bad to do. Just cut an X in the rivet head and knock it off with an air hammer. Then punch out the rivet with the air hammer.

[Coursey]

I lubed all the bolts with Kroil once a night for about 3 nights that i haven't been able to work on it.

Hope this helps knock them free.

[TexasLS1]

Love your truck, I'll follow along to see the results

[Hart_Rod]

fun project.

[67 cst swb]

This is setting up to be a great before and after example.
You should show some current measurements and tire sizes.
That seems to be the most asked questions. Then people can do the math for drop totals.
Just a suggestion.

[Ekliptix]

GREAT looking truck, love the color and upper/lower trim option. Nice workspace and setup with the plastic sheet too. Glad you already got the upper rear shock mounts off. That was the hardest part for me, installing the same kit. Holler if you have any questions. Looking forward to the after.

Btw, you can go an extra 1/2 lower in the front if you exchange the 1.5" front drop springs from the kit for 2" front drop springs that ECE carries. They did this for me, I paid for shipping. If you're worried about a rake, you can put small lowering blocks in the back.

[Already Gone]

Short boxes for me are not the everything truck they seem to be for lots of people and I actually prefer the steppers in a short box but I love your truck. The colour combo is great and it being a Cheyenne makes it better. It should look super when you get it lowered. Post up some interior pics as I'm sure we'd love to see them and of course more when you get it lowered.

[Coursey]

Upper brackets on.

Right now the upper spring bolts are a major PITA! Still don't have one off after about 30 min. Thinking about saw sawing it off and just buying a new grade 8 bolt. Suggestions?

They have been soaked in kroil over several days.

[Mike C]

What a great looking truck! I had a '70 GMC C2500 Sierra Grande that color combo, so I'm a fan. Looking forward to pics of it lowered. I just did my 69 short step and am absolutely amazed at the change!

[Ekliptix]

Originally Posted by Coursey

Upper brackets on.

Right now the upper spring bolts are a major PITA! Still don't have one off after about 30 min. Thinking about saw sawing it off and just buying a new grade 8 bolt. Suggestions?

They have been soaked in kroil over several days.

I'm not familiar with kroil but I sprayed WD40 Penetrating spray on everything in advance and was able to loosen everything ok. WD-40 300007 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant...

[Coursey]

http://www.kanolabs.com

[Coursey]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Short boxes for me are not the everything truck they seem to be for lots of people and I actually prefer the steppers in a short box but I love your truck. The colour combo is great and it being a Cheyenne makes it better. It should look super when you get it lowered. Post up some interior pics as I'm sure we'd love to see them and of course more when you get it lowered.

[Coursey]

It needs a period correct steering wheel.

If anyone has a nice one please PM me.

[nlped]

Great looking truck for sure!

And, yes you can cut off the existing bolt and just replace it with a grade 8 nut, bolt, washers & lock washer as the existing bolt will be hammered even if you do get it off finally. I always replace them just for the peace of mind that I've got new hardware in place. Just my .02...

[EdSevered]

Watching this thread...this project is on my bucket list.

Oh yeah, really, really nice truck and WOW what a CLEAN garage. Last time I saw plastic spread out on a garage floor like that, Joe Peschi was about to get whacked in Goodfellas. -Ed

[ERASER5]

Kroil. Making WD40 look like cat pee for 50 years.

Oh, awesome truck. Love the color.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by Coursey

I se the spid says olive trim and your seat and door panels are black. Did you buy the truck the way it is or change them yourself? I think the black looks much much better than olive would have looked.

[Coursey]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I se the spid says olive trim and your seat and door panels are black. Did you buy the truck the way it is or change them yourself? I think the black looks much much better than olive would have looked.

I bought it like this. Glad it wasn't green though.

[Coursey]

Originally Posted by nlped

Great looking truck for sure!

And, yes you can cut off the existing bolt and just replace it with a grade 8 nut, bolt, washers & lock washer as the existing bolt will be hammered even if you do get it off finally. I always replace them just for the peace of mind that I've got new hardware in place. Just my .02...

Does anyone know the correct size for the upper and lower bolts that hold the spring on?

I would like to have them handy for win I finally get the old ones off.

[nlped]

If nobody gets you the answer before this evening, I'll check my stash and get you the info.

[Coursey]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

This is setting up to be a great before and after example.
You should show some current measurements and tire sizes.
That seems to be the most asked questions. Then people can do the math for drop totals.
Just a suggestion.

Current tire size is 255/70/15.

When measuring through center of wheel the front is 32 3/8" and the rear is 33 3/4".

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by Coursey

Current tire size is 255/70/15.

When measuring through center of wheel the front is 32 3/8" and the rear is 33 3/4".

So, If I did my math correctly.
The front should be 17.84" from centerline of front wheel to the measured location on the front wheel lip.
The rear should be 19.22" from centerline of rear wheel to the measured location on the rear wheel lip.

It will be interesting to see the actual measured drop once you're done.

[Coursey]

Figured out a trick to get to the top bolt easier. Just take the bottom one out then put an extension up through it.

[Coursey]

The old spring was 13 1/8". The new one is 8 1/2".

[Coursey]

Which way is up on the new springs?