1968 4/6 drop questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Groove_hunter · 04-09-2013, 04:30 PM

I'm having a 4/6 ECE drop kit installed on my 1968 SWB step side tomorrow and had a few questions. I'm already dropped quite a bit from the PO's lowering attempt with cut springs, so this hopefully will be a big ride improvement. Some vehicle details in case these matter: Coy 18/20 C5 wheels, Boyd rear tank, no C-notch, Proxis S/T 295/45/20 (back) and 255/45/18 in the front and a 5.3 LS swap. Right now my front suspension bottoms out easily.
Questions:
1) How much is everone cutting the bump stops after this install (50%?)?
2) Is there likely going to be issues getting the rear track bar installed with the Boyd tank? How are folks getting around this?
3) Is anyone welding the shock relocators or going with bolt on only?

Thanks in advance..
P.S.
here are a few pics from today after the wash for some eye candy. Great 83 degree FLorida weather.

PanelDeland · 04-09-2013, 04:52 PM

My opinion is
1.6 in is a lot without a C-notch
2.If they're using 2 1/2 spindles and 1 1/2 springs it might get better.
3.You'll need an adjustable panhard and if the original fits the adj should.
4.shock relocators could go either way.Many here have done them without removing the rearend and used bolts.

Good looking truck,just remember my comments are opinions only about your planned mods.

Tx Firefighter · 04-09-2013, 08:51 PM

You're using good parts there. I've done a lot of ECE 4/6 drops on these trucks.

You're fine in the back without a notch.

I remove the rubber snubbers in the front entirely and just use those little button urethane ones.

Bolt the rear shock relocators on. They are held in place by four rivets total. Once you remove the rivets and the original upper mounts, the ECE brackets will simply bolt into place without any problems. They even include the hardware with the ECE relocator kit.

I have never personally seen a tank like yours but I'd think your concerns are valid. If you're using the ECE super track bar, it does go down to the right trailing arm which might interfere with your tank. Worst case, don't use the super track bar and just use an adjustable replacement bar. They go right in where the stocker does.
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C10_ustacould · 04-09-2013, 09:11 PM

I have everything you are talking about installing on my truck and I have no issues. I used 2.5" drop spindles and 2" springs in the front and 6" springs in the rear. I removed the original front bump stop and installed a smaller one from energy suspension. I cut the rear bump stop about 1/4" below the frame and it has done fine. As stated above just bolt the shock re-locators in place. I have had no issue with the super track bar and the Boyd tank.

On another note I really like your truck. I talked to the PO when he had it listed for sale (Birmingham?) but couldn't come up with the cash at the time. The engine swap looked to be very well done and the interior is also sweet. Great buy! Do you have anymore pics here on the board? If not, post them up! Sweet Ride!

67anthony · 04-09-2013, 09:19 PM

Great looking truck i have this set up you will love i have a c notch but it did fine with out it

slammed1 · 04-09-2013, 09:22 PM

Great looking truck,and I bet it will ride tons better than before.

Groove_hunter · 04-23-2013, 10:29 PM

Finally got the ece 4/6 kit installation completed

. Was not as straightforward as I had hopped but worth the effort. Seems my 68 was a mix of 71 and stock 68 components which didn't let the drop spindle go in as an easy bolt on affair. I went ahead and had all the front end components replaced as well. The ride is much improved over the old heated coils as well as the steering feel. The rear 20" coys barely fit but looks like I will be ok without a notch for the driving I typically do. The front end has plenty of clearance with the 18" rims. I did have to cut off the passenger side exhaust behind the muffler to clear the new pan rod bar and will need to get a custom exhaust to reroute that piece. that was the only uh oh issue..

Here is a quick iPhone pic showing the new stance. The front is about the same but the back is down a couple of inches. I will post a few more under chassis pics when I get a chance.
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67anthony · 04-23-2013, 10:53 PM

Looks great if that helps !

C10_ustacould · 04-24-2013, 07:44 AM

Sweet!!

shawno72 · 04-24-2013, 08:02 AM

Looks awesome
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Sammy · 04-24-2013, 08:36 AM

Looks good. My 67-69? project's frame is using similar aftermarket items that you have. With the exception of being bagged. ECE drop spindles, Super TB, and shock relocating bolted on. 18" Coy 57's all the way around. So the Boyd Tank was on my radar and I am very interested in interference with the boyd tank issue. Did you have any issues with a front sway bar? This is one of my other concerns if I decided to add it at some point.
Nice looking truck and a killer color to match!

BossHogg69 · 04-24-2013, 08:48 AM

Groove_hunter - that is one fine looking ride. Well done on the drop!

Groove_hunter · 04-24-2013, 10:17 AM

Final measurements and a few under chassis pics. I took the measurements from ground to the center of the wheel well. Before/after.. Passenger front : 28/27.5, driver front :27.5/28, passenger rear : 31.5/30, driver rear : 31.5/30.5. So basically I'm down 1.5 inches in the rear with the ece 4/6 relative to the PO's heated coil lowering. Hugh difference in ride quality!! My front sway bar has 5.5 inches of ground clearance and the A arms have 4 inches. The adjustable pan rod bar didn't have any interference issues with the Boyd tank just the passenger side exhaust exit. Looks like if I had 18" coys on the rear I would be close to level.
Thanks for all the help from the forum.
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Groove_hunter · 04-24-2013, 10:18 AM

More pics.
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Groove_hunter · 04-24-2013, 10:19 AM

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Groove_hunter · 04-24-2013, 10:22 AM

Passenger side exhaust exit had to be cut. It is a tight fit with the rear tank and longer bar.
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Groove_hunter · 04-24-2013, 10:24 AM

Peanut butter and candy green, looks like a piece of hard candy lol.
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Sammy · 04-24-2013, 10:44 AM

Great. Your question about bump stops..Have you tried to just remove them and see what or even if they will be needed? Wouldn't the shocks n springs prevent it from complete collapse anyway? You can always reinstall them..Just an idea..

captnblood34 · 04-24-2013, 08:57 PM

Awesome! Ive got a 69 step here on the WEST COAST!!!! I was literally searching for info on Exactly this. I was researching the same kit, with some exceptions (already pieced some parts together). Looks great, ordering mine right now. PM me if there were any other hiccups I should anticipate..... sweet ride

Jay

bigguy69 · 04-24-2013, 09:51 PM

Good looking ride

tommyd241 · 04-24-2013, 10:27 PM

Beautiful truck!
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cswolley · 04-24-2013, 10:51 PM

Truck looks great! What is your wheel offsets?

1967chevytruckguy · 04-25-2013, 10:14 PM

hi groove hunter what width rim did you use in the rear and where did you find those gauges in your truck ?

Groove_hunter · 04-26-2013, 02:45 PM

The gauges are auto meter and were installed by the PO. Looking behind the gauge face it looks like all the old circuit board was removed and the new gauges were clamped in place right on the bezel. This truck is a LS swap so all the gauges work with the new 5.3 computer outputs. I think the Quad gauge was used to keep the stock 3 hole bezel on the base/stripper truck. I believe that the rear rims are 10" wide and 5" offset but I will check and post when I get a chance to look.
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fastnotch89 · 04-26-2013, 11:17 PM

How close are the rear's from the inside of the fender? Im running 22's in the rear and was thinking about only going with the 3/4 drop but if i can go down more i am, thanks for your help.

04-09-2013, 04:30 PM	#1
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	1968 4/6 drop questions I'm having a 4/6 ECE drop kit installed on my 1968 SWB step side tomorrow and had a few questions. I'm already dropped quite a bit from the PO's lowering attempt with cut springs, so this hopefully will be a big ride improvement. Some vehicle details in case these matter: Coy 18/20 C5 wheels, Boyd rear tank, no C-notch, Proxis S/T 295/45/20 (back) and 255/45/18 in the front and a 5.3 LS swap. Right now my front suspension bottoms out easily. Questions: 1) How much is everone cutting the bump stops after this install (50%?)? 2) Is there likely going to be issues getting the rear track bar installed with the Boyd tank? How are folks getting around this? 3) Is anyone welding the shock relocators or going with bolt on only? Thanks in advance.. P.S. here are a few pics from today after the wash for some eye candy. Great 83 degree FLorida weather. Attached Images

04-09-2013, 04:52 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions My opinion is 1.6 in is a lot without a C-notch 2.If they're using 2 1/2 spindles and 1 1/2 springs it might get better. 3.You'll need an adjustable panhard and if the original fits the adj should. 4.shock relocators could go either way.Many here have done them without removing the rearend and used bolts. Good looking truck,just remember my comments are opinions only about your planned mods. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-09-2013, 08:51 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions You're using good parts there. I've done a lot of ECE 4/6 drops on these trucks. You're fine in the back without a notch. I remove the rubber snubbers in the front entirely and just use those little button urethane ones. Bolt the rear shock relocators on. They are held in place by four rivets total. Once you remove the rivets and the original upper mounts, the ECE brackets will simply bolt into place without any problems. They even include the hardware with the ECE relocator kit. I have never personally seen a tank like yours but I'd think your concerns are valid. If you're using the ECE super track bar, it does go down to the right trailing arm which might interfere with your tank. Worst case, don't use the super track bar and just use an adjustable replacement bar. They go right in where the stocker does. Posted via Mobile Device

04-09-2013, 09:11 PM	#4
C10_ustacould A day late and $1 short... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northwest FL Posts: 3,877	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions I have everything you are talking about installing on my truck and I have no issues. I used 2.5" drop spindles and 2" springs in the front and 6" springs in the rear. I removed the original front bump stop and installed a smaller one from energy suspension. I cut the rear bump stop about 1/4" below the frame and it has done fine. As stated above just bolt the shock re-locators in place. I have had no issue with the super track bar and the Boyd tank. On another note I really like your truck. I talked to the PO when he had it listed for sale (Birmingham?) but couldn't come up with the cash at the time. The engine swap looked to be very well done and the interior is also sweet. Great buy! Do you have anymore pics here on the board? If not, post them up! Sweet Ride! __________________ Buck Instagram: C10_ustacould 1963 SWB Fleet Side 528 Desert Beige Milly 1967 SWB Step Side 506 Medium Blue The Old Girl 1968 SWB Fleet Side 503 Light Green Ellie SOLD 1965 SWB Fleet Side 507 Light Blue Prescription Strength SOLD 1971 SWB Fleet Side 521 White Shiro SOLD 1968 SWB Step Side 503 Light Green My Old Farm Truck SOLD

04-09-2013, 09:19 PM	#5
67anthony Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: mississippi Posts: 444	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Great looking truck i have this set up you will love i have a c notch but it did fine with out it

04-09-2013, 09:22 PM	#6
slammed1 1972 Chevrolet SWB Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FT Smith AR Posts: 512	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Great looking truck,and I bet it will ride tons better than before. __________________ 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.

04-23-2013, 10:29 PM	#7
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Finally got the ece 4/6 kit installation completed. Was not as straightforward as I had hopped but worth the effort. Seems my 68 was a mix of 71 and stock 68 components which didn't let the drop spindle go in as an easy bolt on affair. I went ahead and had all the front end components replaced as well. The ride is much improved over the old heated coils as well as the steering feel. The rear 20" coys barely fit but looks like I will be ok without a notch for the driving I typically do. The front end has plenty of clearance with the 18" rims. I did have to cut off the passenger side exhaust behind the muffler to clear the new pan rod bar and will need to get a custom exhaust to reroute that piece. that was the only uh oh issue.. Here is a quick iPhone pic showing the new stance. The front is about the same but the back is down a couple of inches. I will post a few more under chassis pics when I get a chance. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-23-2013, 10:53 PM	#8
67anthony Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: mississippi Posts: 444	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Looks great if that helps !

04-24-2013, 07:44 AM	#9
C10_ustacould A day late and $1 short... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northwest FL Posts: 3,877	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Sweet!! __________________ Buck Instagram: C10_ustacould 1963 SWB Fleet Side 528 Desert Beige Milly 1967 SWB Step Side 506 Medium Blue The Old Girl 1968 SWB Fleet Side 503 Light Green Ellie SOLD 1965 SWB Fleet Side 507 Light Blue Prescription Strength SOLD 1971 SWB Fleet Side 521 White Shiro SOLD 1968 SWB Step Side 503 Light Green My Old Farm Truck SOLD

04-24-2013, 08:02 AM	#10
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Looks awesome Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

04-24-2013, 08:36 AM	#11
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Looks good. My 67-69? project's frame is using similar aftermarket items that you have. With the exception of being bagged. ECE drop spindles, Super TB, and shock relocating bolted on. 18" Coy 57's all the way around. So the Boyd Tank was on my radar and I am very interested in interference with the boyd tank issue. Did you have any issues with a front sway bar? This is one of my other concerns if I decided to add it at some point. Nice looking truck and a killer color to match! __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

04-24-2013, 08:48 AM	#12
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Groove_hunter - that is one fine looking ride. Well done on the drop! __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

04-24-2013, 10:17 AM	#13
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Final measurements and a few under chassis pics. I took the measurements from ground to the center of the wheel well. Before/after.. Passenger front : 28/27.5, driver front :27.5/28, passenger rear : 31.5/30, driver rear : 31.5/30.5. So basically I'm down 1.5 inches in the rear with the ece 4/6 relative to the PO's heated coil lowering. Hugh difference in ride quality!! My front sway bar has 5.5 inches of ground clearance and the A arms have 4 inches. The adjustable pan rod bar didn't have any interference issues with the Boyd tank just the passenger side exhaust exit. Looks like if I had 18" coys on the rear I would be close to level. Thanks for all the help from the forum. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-24-2013, 10:18 AM	#14
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions More pics. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-24-2013, 10:19 AM	#15
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images



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04-24-2013, 10:22 AM	#16
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Passenger side exhaust exit had to be cut. It is a tight fit with the rear tank and longer bar. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-24-2013, 10:24 AM	#17
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Peanut butter and candy green, looks like a piece of hard candy lol. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-24-2013, 10:44 AM	#18
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Great. Your question about bump stops..Have you tried to just remove them and see what or even if they will be needed? Wouldn't the shocks n springs prevent it from complete collapse anyway? You can always reinstall them..Just an idea.. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

04-24-2013, 08:57 PM	#19
captnblood34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chula Vista (SD) CA Posts: 50	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Awesome! Ive got a 69 step here on the WEST COAST!!!! I was literally searching for info on Exactly this. I was researching the same kit, with some exceptions (already pieced some parts together). Looks great, ordering mine right now. PM me if there were any other hiccups I should anticipate..... sweet ride Jay

04-24-2013, 09:51 PM	#20
bigguy69 dazed and confused Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: marion nc Posts: 1,649	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Good looking ride __________________ members met: redbaron69, billsbowtie,nc67

04-24-2013, 10:27 PM	#21
tommyd241 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: 505 Posts: 447	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Beautiful truck! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '68 SWB Fleetside '98 K1500 Silverado

04-24-2013, 10:51 PM	#22
cswolley Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: oroville Posts: 5	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions Truck looks great! What is your wheel offsets?

04-25-2013, 10:14 PM	#23
1967chevytruckguy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Auburn alabama Posts: 155	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions hi groove hunter what width rim did you use in the rear and where did you find those gauges in your truck ?

04-26-2013, 02:45 PM	#24
Groove_hunter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando florida Posts: 23	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions The gauges are auto meter and were installed by the PO. Looking behind the gauge face it looks like all the old circuit board was removed and the new gauges were clamped in place right on the bezel. This truck is a LS swap so all the gauges work with the new 5.3 computer outputs. I think the Quad gauge was used to keep the stock 3 hole bezel on the base/stripper truck. I believe that the rear rims are 10" wide and 5" offset but I will check and post when I get a chance to look. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-26-2013, 11:17 PM	#25
fastnotch89 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Clover,SC Posts: 142	Re: 1968 4/6 drop questions How close are the rear's from the inside of the fender? Im running 22's in the rear and was thinking about only going with the 3/4 drop but if i can go down more i am, thanks for your help.

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