Any tips for installing rear drop springs

[BIGBLU 72]

Im getting ready to put 4in drop springs under my 68 so im looking for some pointers on what i will be running into?

also is it possible that i can put the rear shock relocators under it without pulling the bed off??

[dave2953]

You will have to grind the rivets off the old shock mounts. I would think the bed would be in the way, but I'm not 100% because my bed was off when I did mine. If all of your rear suspension is original, you may break some bolts talking it all apart. Both the bolts that hold the lower spring cup in place broke when I installed my drop springs. It's a fairly straight forward process. Are you going with an adjustable track bar, too?

[68 C-10 KID]

Yes with a air chisel and torch.
Most likely your factory spring bolts are going to be deeply pitted and rusty. CCP sales a spring cup kit with all new bolts.

[BIGBLU 72]

i have bolts that work (ive had them off before) do i need to support the rear end or anything like that?

[Shyguy]

I have never done it myself but watched my son.

He jacked up the truck and put jack stands under the frame. Then he put the floor jack under the trailing arm, doing one side at a time.

[Jack_71C10]

Check that your spring cups are still usable.
Mine crumbled like foil when I took the old springs off.
Had to wait til new ones arrived to finish.

I installed an ece 4/6 drop with my bed on.
Used a drill to remove rivets from upper shock mounts.
Just started with a small bit and moved up in size until it fell off.

[faribran]

most likely you are very safety oriented... but just a reminder.... be safe. safety glasses will save tiny metal shavings from finding the inner workings of your eye.

[shiner2001]

A buddy and I tackled mine a few months ago and neither of us had any experience with this suspension. We knocked it out in an afternoon; it really is a pretty straight forward process. I hadn't ordered the shock relocaters at that point, so I haven't done those yet. Once I had it all apart, I took all the bolts to the hardware store and bought all new grade 8 bolts and nuts. Cheap and definitely worth the peace of mind knowing you have new hardware. Not much of a tip I suppose, but perhaps just a bit of encouragement before you dive in!

[mrhino]

I did a 4" drop on my previous truck (68) with the bed on. you will want shock locators. a cut off wheel and a air hammer with a chisle and punch attachment will get the job done.

[gkesseru]

I totally agree with using new Grade 8 bolts, nuts and washers. Easy to find and worth the minimal cost.

[rvn1038]

all new grade 8 bolts, nuts and washers are a must... while i had that much off, and for little money, i replaced trailing arm bushings and u bolts

[BIGBLU 72]

So its looking like im going to have to take the ol smoke wrench to the upper bolts in my springs sooo what shoud i try not to do? also i have gas lines running along the frame in there area should worry about those LOL

[CUSHE63]

Originally Posted by BIGBLU 72

So its looking like im going to have to take the ol smoke wrench to the upper bolts in my springs sooo what shoud i try not to do? also i have gas lines running along the frame in there area should worry about those LOL

Watch out for the tailight wiring along the left frame rail too. I have an extra set of spring cups/bolts if you are interested...

Steve

[oldblue1968chevy]

nahh dont worry about the gas lines..HAHA

yeah id becareful or disconnect and let em air out

[BIGBLU 72]

im super paranoid about setting my truck on fire (done it twice already) so im gunna take the tank out, lines out, everything! let it air out for some time!

[Jacfourteen]

If you plan on taking any of the bolts off with a wrench (instead of torch or grinder), use lots of penetrating oil a few days in advance. I agree swap for new fasteners while you have it apart.