69 SWB frame/suspension help

[3rd Coast]

Aight Guys,

Working in steps on this build and just bought a house so kinda threw a wrench in my plans, all in time though...

Here's where im at and need some advice/guidance any help be much appreciated!

Converting 6 lug to 5 and all the drums to disc 12in. in the front and 11's in the rear , 4 in. drop/rear 2.5 in the front. Going with a full set up from Classic Performance http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6366cbk-6.htm along with a few other suspension goodies, all new rubber (whole truck) keeping factory upper n lower control arms though. Eventually want a full set up from Air ride with EVERYTHING new but that's way down the road..


#1 entire frame/trailering arms/rear end need help with some mild rust... I've seen some products from Eastwood with degreaser and paint and stuff or the POR 15 or whatever looking to see if you guys have any other suggestions for the frame or control arms.


#2
I believe with the modular brake system im ordering I gain I think 1 1/8 clearance in the front, with the 5 lug conversion axles in the back its stays stock width. Would like to go with at least 18's with a nice offset with a lip, what are the best tire/rim combination sizes without running into clearance problems with it being lowered?


#3 One of the photos shows spindle still attached to upper ball joint its as far as it will go with the separator and it still wont come OFF!!! I even banged on with a sledge but got worried I would bend the control arm so finally just took control arm off with spindle attached.


#4
Shows the shims from the upper control arm doesn't look like they have ever been off but there is a bunch of them, prob get new ones but do I go with the same amount since im lowering it 2.5 inches?




Sorry for being long winded, just wanted to knock all this out.

Thanks!
3rd Coast

P.S. had this truck since I was 15 now 31 its been on and off the road through out but now want to get it done right..

[buckskins4ever]

As far as the control arms and spacers used....you are going to need to put whats in there (or new ones) back in. Odds are it may have been aligned somewhat close. However, once you put your back on or cut coils, you are going to have to redo an alignment at desired lowered ride height. Otherwise your camber will be off and cause tire wear. If you bag it down the road, which will allow for much lower dropping, you will want to redo alignment yet again.

[buckskins4ever]

Tire and wheel combo is purely opinions: running 18's I would recomment 18x8.5 fronts and 18x10 rears. tires depend on how much sidewall you like. with a nice set of Hankooks, I would do the Ventus with 245/50-18 front and 275/45-18 or 285/40-18 for the rears. You can get away with up to a 14mm offset in front and 20 mm offset in rear.
there is a ton of nice trucks on here running just about everything you can imagine for rims.
Good luck.

[3rd Coast]

Thanks Buck! Anyfeed back for the repair?

[3rd Coast]

*rust