When to add shock relocators?

[Camaro_nut2001]

Got a question. How low can I go using springs and drop shocks without having to use shock relocators? I just bought 3" lowering springs and shocks for the front and 4" lowering springs and shocks for the rear with a new Trac Bar in a kit from TruckandCarshop. The P/O heated all four springs on my 69' so I don't know how low it is now but I do know it has factory shocks on it and the left rear shock is real weak if not blown. If I can use this kit without shock relocator's it would be great but if I have to use them then I will put my buddies on hold and order them. I will do whatever ya'll recommend.Here is the stance of my truck now with 275/75/15 rear and 255/70/15 front. Also, it has a BBC in it.

[Hart_Rod]

I would recommend installing them while you're doing spring install. You're right on the border of needing them right now and you know you're going to want to go lower eventually, .

[Camaro_nut2001]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

I would recommend installing them while you're doing spring install. You're right on the border of needing them right now and you know you're going to want to go lower eventually, .

You're right, I do plan on going lower maybe next winter. I am just trying to get it ready for the Rod Runs this year and the first one is in April. Do you think I should just put the new drop shocks on now to fix my weak or blown shock and do the springs with shock relocator's next winter? I am kinda pressed for money and time as I want to get my seat and dash done before April, lol. Thank you for your advise.

[lks dcvn]

I have heard that 4" drop and lower in the rear = shock relocators [to keep ride quality the same]...but then you are also talking lowered shocks, adjustable panhard bar, etc.

[Hart_Rod]

Brakes & Suspension = Safety. Do them first, fix your interior later, .

[SCOTI]

Something else to consider.... Lowering blocks will give you drop w/o affecting shock travel. In stead of 4-5" springs, use 3" springs & a lowering block (CPP sells them or if you're on a budget, you can make your own).

To determine whether there's a need for relocating the shock mounting points, all you need is a tape measure. Measure the distance between the upper & lower mounting points @ ride height & compare them to the shocks measurements (you need to know the fully compressed/extended lengths). Estimate 2-3" travel for compression & extension of the suspension as it cycles through it's range of travel driving down the road. Do the basic math (subtract the 2.5" travel range from the shocks length @ ride height; add 2.5" to the shocks length @ ride height) to determine if the mounting points need to be tweaked or if different length shocks are needed.

Some useful info....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...owering+blocks
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ock+relocators

[Camaro_nut2001]

Thank ya'll very much. This forum has some of the nicest people on earth. I will use everyone's advise and I know it will work. Hot Rod you spoke the truth but how did you know I was also doing my brakes, lol? I am going to do some measuring and then measure some more and I will tell you this- If I am riding on seat springs instead of new foam and leather at the spring rod runs ya'll better not laugh cause you know I am being safe, lol. Just kiddin, really, thanks a bunch for the help.

[SCOTI]

I forgot the rears....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=359399

[70cst]

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

I have heard that 4" drop and lower in the rear = shock relocators [to keep ride quality the same]...but then you are also talking lowered shocks, adjustable panhard bar, etc.

I agree...I lowered the Circuit Rider 2"/4" and added shock relocators plus the panhard bar...you'll be glad you did!

[Camaro_nut2001]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I forgot the rears....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=359399

Thank you Scoti, both of those are great.

[cdowns]

the more vertical the shocks are the better they work

[jim zag]

The rear shocks go from vertical to horizontal as you go lower and become ineffective. You really need to install them in the rear.

[gcburdic]

good info here....

[BIG ORANGE]

From what I've read on the ECE suspenion stuff, anything after 4" needs the shock relocator kit! 5" or more would require this.
Hope this helps.
I got 4" drop springs and belltech drop shocks and a adjustable pan hard bar!

[PanelDeland]

Throw a couple of cheap Indian Blankets on that seat and fix the mechanicals'It's no fun to sit one out on a new seat.

[70cst]

Welcome to my world...when I first lowered my thruck all I thought I had to do was change the coils...wrong.

[Camaro_nut2001]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Throw a couple of cheap Indian Blankets on that seat and fix the mechanicals'It's no fun to sit one out on a new seat.

LOL, you got that right and that's what I intend to do.