Keep it simple lowering???

[kanuck]

I have a 1969 LWB seafoam green GMC that I want to lower a bit from stock height. I bought the truck as a 90% finished restoration and want to keep it a driver with a little bit of looks.
Thinking of 2 1/2" spindles and 1" spring front and 4ish out back.

Questions?:
1) Since I have six lug with drum brakes and decent set of older mags, what type of drop spindle should I use?
2) What about up dating to discs and keeping my wheels. (drums work decent....BUT)


I have a 1972 parts truck with discs on it, but everything is in rough shape.
Should I see if anything would help me from here?

Thanks for any info....

[kanuck]

Add some pictures of truck.....

[kanuck]

Not my truck, but similar.
Anyone know what drop this would be???
Thinking maybe an inch or two lower, what do you think?

[hugger6933]

Don't know about the drop [i'd say 2 front3or 4 in back] but Isay heck yes on the disc brakes. There is a reason every thing went to disc s after the tec became availble they are better . Your truck will be more enjoyable to drive. Isn't that what most of us are after? comfort and safety. Jim

[oldblue1968chevy]

Disc brakes...conversion spindles and 6 lug rotors, 6 lug slots

jeep springs out back (if you dont haul)

i can post pics of my setup (cut fronts/jeep springs) when i get home

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Disc brakes...conversion spindles and 6 lug rotors, 6 lug slots

jeep springs out back (if you dont haul)

i can post pics of my setup (cut fronts/jeep springs) when i get home

How much drop can you get out your springs? Maybe 3-4 inch? doesn't this put undue stress on your ball joints? Isn't this the reason for drop spindles? to keep all the original geometry?

I am in the same boat, I need to buy suspension parts too. If I can get some drop out of the original springs safely, I might try it. thanks

[oldblue1968chevy]

Ive heard if you dont cut more than 1 coil out of the spring you will be fine

anymore than this, YES you need dropped spindles

1 coil=2"

[71swb4x4]

kanuck, keep in mind that a 1" drop spring may do nothing for you (as far as drop goes) if you have original springs. If your springs are original they have 40+ years of use on them, chances are good that they have at least an inch of sag in them.

[kanuck]

I am taking a vacation down to Disneyland,CA with the kids, and thought while I'm down there I will look at getting a lowering set up for the truck with disc brakes and drop spindles.
I know CPP is close in that area, anyone use their stuff? Opinions?
Anyone have other suggestions of other kits to use?

Still looking for opinions on the amount of drop I should use for a good weekly driver type truck. Not used every day and only light hauling.

Thanks

[lolife99]

Look at CPP in the review board area.
I recommend ECE (www.earlyclassic.com) or POL (www.performanceonline.com) for 67-72 drop spindles.
5-lug or 6-lug disc brake rotors will work with any of the 65-70 "conversion" spindles.
Your aluminum wheels will also work.
Stock oem steel wheels built prior to 1971 will NOT work up front, due to interference with the disc brake caliper.
73-87 oem steel wheels WILL work.

[50bomb]

I buy my parts here
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/

[ChevLoRay]

Go to www.earlyclassic.com and look at the pix that customers have sent in.

I'd go with their spindles, which require the disc brake conversion. You can add their 1-inch lowering springs up front, then go with their 5-inch lowering springs out back. You'll also want to get their adjustable track bar, the rear shock mount relocators and the brackets that will raise the stabilizer bar about an inch, so it won't drag on speed bumps and dips. If you go as low as 6-inches, you'll want to check out their new crossmember that mounts the rear trailing arms. But, if you have leaf springs, you can check out what they have for that, on their website. My '69 is lowered 2.5/4.0, with ECE components and I also kept my 6-lug pattern. I replaced the aluminum wheels that were on it, with 15x8 and 15x10 Wheel Vintiques Vette-style rallye wheels. Here's a pic the day I took it to body/paint hell.....