Lowering/front disc advice needed

[bamafrost]

Have a 68 C10 SWB and I want to lower it about 2.5 in the front and 4" in the rear. I was thinking dropped McCaughy's dropped spindles up front, and a $' BellTech coil drop in back. Need input please Don't want anything too radical that causes problems w/caster, camber, bad geometry. I didn't do very good in Geometry. hahaha

Can also use advice on who makes the best front power disc conversion kit. Thanks in advance for any help.. Thinking of putting either 16" AR IROC chrome replicas or 17" Coys (gunmetal ones) all around...truck will be silver/black.

Tom

[72BlckButy]

Tom.... I recently did this exact install (just a tad lower ) on my '69. I actually with with Early Classic Enterprises (www.earlyclassic.com) setup and everything fit together perfectly. All the parts were included, I didn't have to try and mix-n-match parts. Check out any/all install pics of the entire kit in my build thread in my signature. (Blank Slate)

We actually purchased the following:

4.5/6" Drop kit (2.5" drop spindles w/ 2" drop springs (front) and 6" rear coils, shock relocators,...)

6-lug disc brake upgrade (I just didn't add the power booster)

All the pieces were manufactured together perfectly and we didn't run into any major issues during the install. The good thing about ECE is that they are geared towards 63-72 Chevy/GMC trucks, blazers, burbs, and that's it! So... you can call them any time and speak with someone who knows these trucks inside and out.

Let me know if you have any questions about my install. Needless to say we didn't install any of the snubbers on the truck, and I have yet to bottom out a single time. IMO as long as you don't go with anything lower than a 3" spring up front everything should align properly. I took my to my local GM shop and they had no issues.

Good luck with the decision!

Basically went from this....



To this....

[bamafrost]

Nate... Thanks for the input. What a great difference that made on your truck....nice ride. I just may do the exact same drop after looking at yours!!! If I do and go with the 17" Coys all around do you think I could go with 225-235/45-50/17 on front and 265-275/45-50/17's on the rear w/o any clearance, rubbing. I don't really like the current 18/20 look with rubber bands. I am kinda old school I guess (I AM old school at age 65 hahaha). I welcome all input...mistakes are costly. Thanks. Tom

[bamafrost]

Almost forgot...here are two shots of my little odd Rambler (68 two door post). All MOPAR (I can hear you booing and hissing...hahaha).
Built 340 (425 hp) roller rockers, balance blueprinted, windage tray, ported and polished, headers, Edelbrock 650. 8.75 rear w/3.73 posi...built 727.
It scoots. Hood ornament (Winged Goddess) is even NOS off a 1941 DeSoto. haha Inside is all tan ultraleather and ostrich with tan wool square weave carpet.

Not a Chevy...but most Gearheads like it. I really love the weird little car. Has a nasty attitude that doesn't go with the "look". Chirps second accidentally every time. lol

Color is Iced Green Dream / DuPont Hot Hues.

[ChevLoRay]

Odd Rod, huh? Nice. All it needs (!?) is a hood scoop ala ScRambler.

As for the drop on your truck, I did a 2.5/4.0 drop from ECE. The replaceable components, upper/lower ball joints/control arm shafts/bushings, as well as inner/outer tie rod ends, center link, idler arm, pitman arm, etc., were also replaced. In the rear, it was springs that lowered it, but I also used the adjusable track bar, and their shock mount relocation parts.

When it went onto the alignment rack, all of the original factory settings were attained and it drove like a new truck. The ride was also outstanding.

[cparman]

My sister had a rambler like that when she was in college! It was not green, and the only way it would spin a tire was when I was driving it around a corner, on a wet road, down hill, with oil on the road !! I have a generic set of drop spindles 2 1/2 in on my 69 SWB, and 2" blocks on the rear. Have no clue as to what the springs are, but I LOVE MY TRUCK! This combo rides good, and looks way cool. 225/70r15 front, 255/70r15 rear on 15x8 wheels

[Shane]

Originally Posted by bamafrost

Almost forgot...here are two shots of my little odd Rambler (68 two door post). All MOPAR (I can hear you booing and hissing...hahaha).
Built 340 (425 hp) roller rockers, balance blueprinted, windage tray, ported and polished, headers, Edelbrock 650. 8.75 rear w/3.73 posi...built 727.
It scoots. Hood ornament (Winged Goddess) is even NOS off a 1941 DeSoto. haha Inside is all tan ultraleather and ostrich with tan wool square weave carpet.

Not a Chevy...but most Gearheads like it. I really love the weird little car. Has a nasty attitude that doesn't go with the "look". Chirps second accidentally every time. lol

Color is Iced Green Dream / DuPont Hot Hues.

Saw your car at the Ardmore Car Show a month or so back and walked around it for about 10 minutes admiring your work.

That "weird little car" was one of the coolest cars there that day out of hundreds.

Very well done!

[bamafrost]

Shane...

Thanks for the kind words. Yeah I love the Rambler. Aside from the bad dealings (in my opinion I got raped and not kissed) I had with a certain nameless fabricator in Athens I am very happy with the way it came out.

I hope I can the do the C10 just as well for 1/2 the money. hahaha

Your truck looks great!.

Thanks.

Tom

[big_al_71]

Originally Posted by bamafrost

Nate... Thanks for the input. What a great difference that made on your truck....nice ride. I just may do the exact same drop after looking at yours!!! If I do and go with the 17" Coys all around do you think I could go with 225-235/45-50/17 on front and 265-275/45-50/17's on the rear w/o any clearance, rubbing. I don't really like the current 18/20 look with rubber bands. I am kinda old school I guess (I AM old school at age 65 hahaha). I welcome all input...mistakes are costly. Thanks. Tom

Here is a pict of my truck with the ECE 4/6 kit and 18/20 coys and I dont have rubber bands for tires.....I thought I would post to show you and there is zero rubbing....

[lolife99]

ECE all the way! The 4.5"/6" is perfect for these trucks.

Also I had 17's before I got my 20's.
I ran 17x8's with a 255/50-17 and 17x9.5's with a 275/50-17.
Look at Nitto 450 brand tires. They are very reasonably priced.

[70 net440]

I put the ECE 2.5/4 spindle spring kit w/ shocks and disc brake upgrade on the Wife's '63. Everything worked great but the brake lines took a little work but not bad. I put the same drop with springs front and rear on my son's '67 with shocks and panard bar and it also worked great. He was on a college kid's budget so we didn't go with the disc brake/spindle upgrade, but his truck looks good and rides nice.

[bamafrost]

Thanks for the posts and input. Big Al...your truck looks great...what size are the tires? What do you guys think about me doing the McCaughy's 2.5 dropped spindles and then adding 2" drop coils to that? I already have a set of 4" drop rear coils...what would be the best way to get the additional 2" drop?...blocks? Thanks to all that replied...this board is great. Very helpful gearheads here and no attitude...gotta love that.

I'll check into Nitto 450 brand tires...had been looking at Toyo Proxes as they look good. Anyone have experience with them? Thanks.

Tom

[lolife99]

A 2" block would be a quick fix,... but for the price of the block kit you could buy a set of 6" coils.
Plus for $25,... you could become a "subscribing" member for a year, (hint, hint) and sell your 4" coils right here on the board. Or maybe find some cheaper used parts via a WTB ad.
You are definitely on the right track with the 4.5/6 drop.

Don't forget quality drop shocks, rear shock relocators, and an adjustable track bar.

Look at 72BlckButy's "blank slate" project build for more info.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=353633

Keep us posted,... with pics!

[NWD02]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=293247

My advice, SAVE MONEY and don't buy a "kit". Most of the local auto parts have all the brake parts you need at about half the price. I went with the 2 1/2" dropped spindles and 1" drop spring in the front. I used 5" drop springs in the back. I did replace all the shocks and used the "shock relocate" brackets on the rear. I'm running 17" wheels. I'm satisfied with the stance.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300511

Here's my build, there's a lot of pictures of the stance on page 7.

[big_al_71]

Originally Posted by bamafrost

Thanks for the posts and input. Big Al...your truck looks great...what size are the tires? What do you guys think about me doing the McCaughy's 2.5 dropped spindles and then adding 2" drop coils to that? I already have a set of 4" drop rear coils...what would be the best way to get the additional 2" drop?...blocks? Thanks to all that replied...this board is great. Very helpful gearheads here and no attitude...gotta love that.

I'll check into Nitto 450 brand tires...had been looking at Toyo Proxes as they look good. Anyone have experience with them? Thanks.

Tom

Tom, front tires 255/50/18 and rear 295/40/20

[bamafrost]

I was at a wrecking yard today getting the 3.73 posi rear end out of a '72 for only $150 with new brakes and the 5 on 5 pattern I need. Sweet.

The guy seemed like he really knew our old trucks and suggested my putting the entire front disc brake/suspension out of an '86 C10 in mine. He said it lines up perfectly and only 3 holes would need to be drilled (personally, I would weld instead of bolting). Is this often done?
For $150 (plus install costs) I'd have my front disc brakes and the 5 on 5 pattern I want. What do you guys think? I am a newbie at this and don't want to do anything dumb and expensive to fix.

I eagerly await your comments.

Also, anybody put '00-'06 Silverado seats in their older C10? They look good with the built-in shoulder seat belt...just concerned about the size and didn't have a tape with me.

Thanks, Tom

[lolife99]

Get the front suspension stuff,... but there is no need to install the crossmember itself. Just swap everything from the a-arms out,... onto your crossmember. Also get all the steering linkage including the steering box and idler arm.
Also grab the sway bar, if there is one.

[bamafrost]

A few people have suggested just using the entire frame of the '86 and that's make it 5 on 5, disc brakes, rear end 5 on 5...sounds too easy. Probably would not match up would it?

Thanks. Tom

[lolife99]

Nope.
Not without a bunch of fab work.

The suspension stuff is not that hard. Just read some threads and try to learn as much as possible before you start.

[Shane]

hey bamafrost ... there will be a Cruise-In on the square in Athens this next Saturday (Oct. 3) ... starts around 3:00, but most folks don't show up until 4:30-5:00 ... if you think you may be able to come over with the cool little green car let me know and I'll PM my cell #.

[bamafrost]

Shane...thanks for the heads up...sorry, I was out of town. When is the next one?Tom