My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty

[Ekliptix]

Good input. I will likely go back in and do that now that I'm comfortable with taking apart the front suspension.

Aaaaaand, the front is done! So much easier then the rear. Got a $5 caliper spreader on the way home. Didn't need to bleed the brakes. I'll write up the front suspension process details later. All that's left is the install some 1/2 drop blocks on the rear and center the rear with the adjustable rear panhard bar.

I'm super happy with the front height. Slight tire tuck. It'll likely get a bit lower after settling. I don't mind the slight rake, but the 1/2" rear blocks will make it perfect for me.

[Tillik]

Very good job!

[c10Dream'n]

what a difference a stance will make. lookin good.

[TexasLS1]

That makes an awesome truck look more awesome! Nice work!!

[brawley]

Love ECE parts, perfect for these trucks, did this on my 63' and went together sweet, looking Good!! nice truck

[Shocks]

I love everything about this truck.

[cericd]

Now that you've had some time to drive it around, do you plan to add a c-notch? Any bottoming out? Do you still have the factory bump stops in the rear or did you trim/remove them?

Also, have you had any issues with the drop spindles or a-arms rubbing the inside edge of your rims?

[Ekliptix]

I've put some good miles on it since the drop. I don't plan to install a c-notch. I've never heard or felt the rear axle hitting. I did cut 1/2 off the rear bump stops for some additional clearance.

In the front, I have not looked to see if there is any rubbing inside the rim against the spindle or a-arm. There is certainly no noise. The only rubbing that occurs is the tires touch the inner fender over some bumps. I've come to the conclusion that it's because I'm running 275 tires all around. Less wide tires up front would likely resolve this.

With the springs and new swaybar, the truck corners much better and flatter. In general, it feels much tighter.

[ARCTICFRONTIER]

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

Cool picture!

[Elliot949]

Truck looks GREAT!!!! Perfect Stance...

[Mike C]

Truck looks awesome! I've got 2 1/2" ECE spindles and 2" springs for the front of my '69 short step. I'm going to do an axle flip on the leafs in the rear, and would be STOKED if it sits as well as yours. Nice work.

[tommyd241]

Spot on!!!!

[Coursey]

I am getting ready to do the same install in about a week.

Any pre-advice?

Truck looks awesome.

[big_al_71]

That's the best kit from ece

[zicc1835]

interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

ill take some close ups this week but i got the rear lowering kit in minus the springs (used the bags) done with little effort took all day i took the rear and trailing arms out cleaned re bushed arms painted I'm real happy with the way its come out haven't driven it yet too much snow and cold and just plane $hitty weather in North East thanks for the tips

[WarMonger]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

ill take some close ups this week but i got the rear lowering kit in minus the springs (used the bags) done with little effort took all day i took the rear and trailing arms out cleaned re bushed arms painted I'm real happy with the way its come out haven't driven it yet too much snow and cold and just plane $hitty weather in North East thanks for the tips

Zici1835, how low is your gas tank to the ground when the bags are air'd and down? I dont have bags, but my truck is lowered. I have like 7" ground clearance. That has me a little worried. I think I will try to weld a skid plate so I have a little insurance on the truck.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by WarMonger

Zici1835, how low is your gas tank to the ground when the bags are air'd and down? I dont have bags, but my truck is lowered. I have like 7" ground clearance. That has me a little worried. I think I will try to weld a skid plate so I have a little insurance on the truck.

ill measure it Friday or Saturday just got home tonight from a business trip

[OregonNed]

Looks awesome! Would love to make my '68 the same

[Malamute]

It turned out great. What size tires are you running?

[Ekliptix]

Originally Posted by Coursey

I am getting ready to do the same install in about a week.

Any pre-advice?

Truck looks awesome.

I've already forgotten some of the heartaches of the install. Grinding off the rear rivets to install the new upper shock mount was by far the step that required the most patience. Once you've done that, the rest seems easy. Getting the brake caliper spreader is another tool you'll need. I took the install on leaving a lot of time for myself and without a ton of mechanical experience.

If you get stuck or find the instructions leaving out details, feel free to post here and I'll share my input.

Originally Posted by zicc1835

interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

Yes, you use the original rivet holes in the frame to mount the ECE upper shock relocate bracket. Photo on page 2. PM me your email if you want a copy of the install directions.

Originally Posted by Malamute

It turned out great. What size tires are you running?

BFG 275/60/15. I believe the front tires are a bit too wide and rub on the inner fender over some bumps. I'd go a bit more narrow on the fronts next time.

[GeirJB]

Nice Stance you got there now!
Think I will do the same with my -67! I have drop spindels in the front and some 5" CPP springs in the Rear. No shock relocations!
So ECE kit with 2" front springs, 6" rear and all the other stuff will be great for mine truck! Just have to check if that kit is possible to get without drop-spindels!

How is the ride now with this kit?

[hdff]

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

I've already forgotten some of the heartaches of the install. Grinding off the rear rivets to install the new upper shock mount was by far the step that required the most patience. Once you've done that, the rest seems easy. Getting the brake caliper spreader is another tool you'll need. I took the install on leaving a lot of time for myself and without a ton of mechanical experience.

If you get stuck or find the instructions leaving out details, feel free to post here and I'll share my input.


Yes, you use the original rivet holes in the frame to mount the ECE upper shock relocate bracket. Photo on page 2. PM me your email if you want a copy of the install directions.


BFG 275/60/15. I believe the front tires are a bit too wide and rub on the inner fender over some bumps. I'd go a bit more narrow on the fronts next time.

I am fixing to put the shock relocators and super panhard bar, how was the alighnment of the panhard bar? Also what are the shocks you used, are they shorter for a lowered truck?

[Ekliptix]

The alignment of the panhard bar was easy. I installed it, measured the distance from the rear drum to the fender on each side, it wasn't even so I adjusted the panhard bar via the threads that make up its ends until the rear axle was centered.

For shocks I'm using the ones included in the ECE kit, KYB shocks. They are ok but if they had an upgrade option for the shocks, I'd get them.

[hdff]

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

The alignment of the panhard bar was easy. I installed it, measured the distance from the rear drum to the fender on each side, it wasn't even so I adjusted the panhard bar via the threads that make up its ends until the rear axle was centered.

For shocks I'm using the ones included in the ECE kit, KYB shocks. They are ok but if they had an upgrade option for the shocks, I'd get them.

From the way it looks the panhard has to be unbolted to adjust it how did you move the truck over for the adjustment ?