Drop Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tbags · 02-04-2008, 05:22 AM

Just bought and started my first truck project. Want to do an aggressive drop. What is the best way and cheapest way to go about it. I also want to convert it to front disc brakes. Help on both of these items would be great.

Thanks
Taylor

ChevLoRay · 02-04-2008, 06:01 AM

Welcome to the Board!

Now, for your question. How much money to you want to spend? Or, how much money do you HAVE to spend? There are people who have dropped their by cutting, or heating, or using shorter springs. Others (like me) have used dropped spindles and springs. But you can't do it without planning. So, think about which route you want to take after you have had some response to this post and after you have read the other posts regarding this topic. There are at least three active posts about lowering a truck, right now. Check 'em out.

tbags · 02-04-2008, 06:40 AM

Actually looking for the lowest stance while still keeping a decent ride. What level is best to go with? I want to make sure i do it correct so i was thinking spindles and springs up front and new springs out rear. is there anything else i need to do in the rear?

corn · 02-04-2008, 06:40 AM

There isnt really a "cheap" way to do an agressive drop. If you are looking for a cheap 3" drop you could cut a coil in the front & put a set of chevelle station wagon springs in the rear. More drop will equal more $$$...

tbags · 02-04-2008, 06:48 AM

By cheap i mean under $500-$600

Mondo · 02-04-2008, 07:14 AM

I just did a 2 1/2in spindle/3in springs in front and 5in spring with 1in lowering blocks plus C notch in back. If you do the work yourself, you can buy this set up from ECE, CCP or Brothers etc... it will come with shock relocators and adjustable track arm etc... I think you'll be a tad more than your estimate but still a lot cheaper than airbags.
The camber is off a bit with the extra inch of spring but it rides well. Oh I forgot, disc brakes are needed for the dropped spindles. That will put you up more too. Unless you do the junk yard thing...

MisterE72 · 02-04-2008, 07:24 AM

I agree with Mondo. Talk to folks at Early Classic Enterprises in Fresno. They can help you piece together the kit that best fits your budget and preferences. Good Luck. MisterE

corn · 02-04-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondo

I just did a 2 1/2in spindle/3in springs in front and 5in spring with 1in lowering blocks plus C notch in back. If you do the work yourself, you can buy this set up from ECE, CCP or Brothers etc... it will come with shock relocators and adjustable track arm etc... I think you'll be a tad more than your estimate but still a lot cheaper than airbags.
The camber is off a bit with the extra inch of spring but it rides well. Oh I forgot, disc brakes are needed for the dropped spindles. That will put you up more too. Unless you do the junk yard thing...

Mondo, you have a beautiful truck! WOW...

slammed1 · 02-04-2008, 08:43 AM

Great truck and stance Mondo.
I myself used spindles and coils from ECE for a total of 5" frt drop and I comined a set of 6" rear coils and 2" blocks for an 8" drop in rear with my own c-notch. Their kit has a reloated panhard bar and brackets with shock relocation brackets as well.There are a few other companies who sell drop spindles/coils and disc conversion so check around (with board vendors first) and see what you can find. 2-4 drops are mild but work nice and when you start getting into 3-5/4-6 or more things like c-notches come into place. As long as the kit you buy or put together is done wisely with correct length shocks and bumpstops your ride actually doesnt get worse than factory just more positive feeling because center of gravity being lower.

Good Luck.

tbags · 02-04-2008, 10:08 AM

Thanks for all the tips guys! I appreciate it. How much did the total kit cost you from ECE?

Dingfodgy · 02-05-2008, 10:05 AM

Welcome from the Pacific N.W. It's always glad to get new blood on the board. BTW, you gotta send pics of your ride in order to remain in the good graces of this forum! (Just kidding- we're pic junkies- so give us a fix man).

Now for your question. The budget you've outlined is the limiting factor. For the money you have to spend a 4/6 static drop with spindles and springs is about what you'll be able to achieve. There's nothing wrong with this setup- many guys run it, but you won't be layin' frame. You can save a couple bucks by finding the disc brake parts off a 71 or 72 or do the swap to 73-87 spindles and brakes. However to get the full-tilt dump you either need to "Z" the frame front and rear or replace your front x-member and traling arms. Like maybe a KP Components 4-Link rear setup w/ ART Shockwaves and a Porterbuilt drop member up front running lowered a-arms, drop spindles and again, the Shockwaves.

72BlckButy · 02-05-2008, 11:15 AM

I agree with everyone above a static drop will be the cheapest way to go. Check out the following websites....

ECE (Early Classic Enterprises)

CPP (Classic Performance Parts)

Brothers Trucks

02-04-2008, 05:22 AM	#1
tbags Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Clinton Twp. MI Posts: 66	Drop Question Just bought and started my first truck project. Want to do an aggressive drop. What is the best way and cheapest way to go about it. I also want to convert it to front disc brakes. Help on both of these items would be great. Thanks Taylor __________________ 67' C-10 Project Truck Clinton Township MI My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=287690

02-04-2008, 06:01 AM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Drop Question Welcome to the Board! Now, for your question. How much money to you want to spend? Or, how much money do you HAVE to spend? There are people who have dropped their by cutting, or heating, or using shorter springs. Others (like me) have used dropped spindles and springs. But you can't do it without planning. So, think about which route you want to take after you have had some response to this post and after you have read the other posts regarding this topic. There are at least three active posts about lowering a truck, right now. Check 'em out. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-04-2008, 06:40 AM	#3
tbags Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Clinton Twp. MI Posts: 66	Re: Drop Question Actually looking for the lowest stance while still keeping a decent ride. What level is best to go with? I want to make sure i do it correct so i was thinking spindles and springs up front and new springs out rear. is there anything else i need to do in the rear? __________________ 67' C-10 Project Truck Clinton Township MI My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=287690

02-04-2008, 06:40 AM	#4
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Drop Question There isnt really a "cheap" way to do an agressive drop. If you are looking for a cheap 3" drop you could cut a coil in the front & put a set of chevelle station wagon springs in the rear. More drop will equal more $$$...

02-04-2008, 06:48 AM	#5
tbags Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Clinton Twp. MI Posts: 66	Re: Drop Question By cheap i mean under $500-$600 __________________ 67' C-10 Project Truck Clinton Township MI My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=287690

02-04-2008, 07:14 AM	#6
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: Drop Question I just did a 2 1/2in spindle/3in springs in front and 5in spring with 1in lowering blocks plus C notch in back. If you do the work yourself, you can buy this set up from ECE, CCP or Brothers etc... it will come with shock relocators and adjustable track arm etc... I think you'll be a tad more than your estimate but still a lot cheaper than airbags. The camber is off a bit with the extra inch of spring but it rides well. Oh I forgot, disc brakes are needed for the dropped spindles. That will put you up more too. Unless you do the junk yard thing... Attached Images

02-04-2008, 07:24 AM	#7
MisterE72 Keep Your Nose Clean Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 496	Re: Drop Question I agree with Mondo. Talk to folks at Early Classic Enterprises in Fresno. They can help you piece together the kit that best fits your budget and preferences. Good Luck. MisterE

02-04-2008, 08:43 AM	#9
slammed1 1972 Chevrolet SWB Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FT Smith AR Posts: 512	Re: Drop Question Great truck and stance Mondo. I myself used spindles and coils from ECE for a total of 5" frt drop and I comined a set of 6" rear coils and 2" blocks for an 8" drop in rear with my own c-notch. Their kit has a reloated panhard bar and brackets with shock relocation brackets as well.There are a few other companies who sell drop spindles/coils and disc conversion so check around (with board vendors first) and see what you can find. 2-4 drops are mild but work nice and when you start getting into 3-5/4-6 or more things like c-notches come into place. As long as the kit you buy or put together is done wisely with correct length shocks and bumpstops your ride actually doesnt get worse than factory just more positive feeling because center of gravity being lower. Good Luck. __________________ My New thread with pics (not my build thread yet.) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...46#post2573646 1972 Chevrolet 1/2 ton short wide bed,68 frt clip Project. 1980 Camaro Inherited when father passed,68K Miles 2003 Ford Mach1 FUN as Hell!! 2002 Dodge Ram 5-8 slam Rolling BillBoard (Gone not forgot) 2004 Dodge Ram HEMI 10" lifted on 37's and 2wd.

02-04-2008, 10:08 AM	#10
tbags Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Clinton Twp. MI Posts: 66	Re: Drop Question Thanks for all the tips guys! I appreciate it. How much did the total kit cost you from ECE? __________________ 67' C-10 Project Truck Clinton Township MI My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=287690

02-05-2008, 10:05 AM	#11
Dingfodgy Lemme show you something!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St.Helens, OR. Posts: 876	Re: Drop Question Welcome from the Pacific N.W. It's always glad to get new blood on the board. BTW, you gotta send pics of your ride in order to remain in the good graces of this forum! (Just kidding- we're pic junkies- so give us a fix man). Now for your question. The budget you've outlined is the limiting factor. For the money you have to spend a 4/6 static drop with spindles and springs is about what you'll be able to achieve. There's nothing wrong with this setup- many guys run it, but you won't be layin' frame. You can save a couple bucks by finding the disc brake parts off a 71 or 72 or do the swap to 73-87 spindles and brakes. However to get the full-tilt dump you either need to "Z" the frame front and rear or replace your front x-member and traling arms. Like maybe a KP Components 4-Link rear setup w/ ART Shockwaves and a Porterbuilt drop member up front running lowered a-arms, drop spindles and again, the Shockwaves. __________________ '67 CST-10 LWB ("Crusty") SOLD '67 GMC SWB ("Murdock") 2000 K1500 Suburban ("Betty") '95 BMW 325i ("Joy")

02-05-2008, 11:15 AM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Drop Question I agree with everyone above a static drop will be the cheapest way to go. Check out the following websites.... ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) CPP (Classic Performance Parts) Brothers Trucks __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 02-05-2008 at 11:16 AM.



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