lowering question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lsx72 · 11-18-2009, 03:19 AM

i was just wondering. im wanting to put 3/5 drop springs on my truck. do i need to c-notch the frame? thanks,,,robbie

myoldchevytruck · 11-18-2009, 07:33 AM

No C-Notch needed but you may consider a Super Track Bar and a Shock Relocator Kit (both of which I bought from ECE). Currently, I'm running with a 3/6 Spring Drop. Good Luck

big_al_71 · 11-18-2009, 07:57 AM

no you do not need a c-notch...I am running a 4/6 ECE drop on mine...
I agree about the shock relocator kit and the super track-bar.

72BlckButy · 11-18-2009, 09:35 AM

As several have posted, a c-notch will not be "required" on a 3/5 or even a 4.5/6 drop. However, if you plan on hauling things in the back of your truck (wood, scrap, etc.) you will probably bottom out more since you are closer to the frame. A c-notch will give you the added space if you intend to haul items with your truck.

So far for my setup (4.5/6) I have yet to bottom out.

lsx72 · 11-18-2009, 02:26 PM

probably wont be anything hauled in the back of this baby,,lol..thanks guys.

72BlckButy · 11-18-2009, 03:19 PM

Then it sounds similar to my truck. It ocassionaly hauls some coolers, a canopy tent, and a BBQ. Everything else is hauled in my DD.

Good luck with the install, and I would highly recommend ECE (Early Classic Enterprises).

lsx72 · 11-18-2009, 03:37 PM

which shocks are you guys running? stock or the drop shocks?

72BlckButy · 11-18-2009, 03:44 PM

I am running the KYB drop shocks offered by ECE w/ shock relocators. Smooth/clean ride.

lsx72 · 11-18-2009, 03:49 PM

do the shocks lower any or just give it a better ride with the springs?

72BlckButy · 11-18-2009, 03:53 PM

The shocks themselves don't lower the vehicle, they however work with the lowered springs and the suspension geometry to keep it as close to factory spec as possible. If you attempted to retain OE shock mounts the shock would sit to flat, and if you attempted to use OE shocks w/ shock relocators they would be either to long or to short (sorry I'm not sure which on, but I know they wouldn't work)

lsx72 · 11-18-2009, 03:55 PM

oh, ok i see thanks very much. ill be buying shocks too!!

72BlckButy · 11-18-2009, 04:10 PM

Contact the guy's at ECE (Stan/Mark) and they will set you on the right path. Their parts might have a higher price tag than CPP but with the remarkable customer service, and technical support, you will not regret buying from them. I have not ordered from CPP but several on the board have and have been left waiting parts for several weeks, if not months.

CUSTOM_1O · 11-20-2009, 04:16 AM

Is the shock relocator kit really needed with a 3 5 or can u get by without it

chevellelover · 11-20-2009, 01:59 PM

its a good idea to get shocks because i didnt do it on mine and it rides like total crap. its a very stiff ride and if you hit a pothole in the front, it sounds like something is breaking...... its worth the extra money.

72BlckButy · 11-20-2009, 03:25 PM

chevellelover is right.... do it right the first time around; money well spent to say the least.

chevellelover · 11-21-2009, 04:56 PM

yes please get the correct materials!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i tried to be cheap with mine and i have ended up with soooo much hassles AS in trashed wheel bearings and a new brake caliper. early classic is the way to go!!!

Sport/Truck · 11-22-2009, 11:36 AM

Can someone post a picture of the shock re-locaters? I'd like to see the difference and how they mount.
Thanks,
s/t

72BlckButy · 11-23-2009, 09:44 AM

s/t, the shock relocators actually utilitze the same mounting holes as the originals, they are just change the mounting locations.

CUSTOM_1O · 11-23-2009, 03:20 PM

lol im not trying to be cheap my question was do i need shock relocators but now that i put the kit in i now know there is no need for them to be relocated

67chevemall · 11-23-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Can someone post a picture of the shock re-locaters? I'd like to see the difference and how they mount.
Thanks,
s/t

X2

72BlckButy · 11-24-2009, 09:12 AM

Here's the best I can do guy's.... like I mentioned above, they're not really "relocated" they just change the mounting point for the shock not the bracket.

The old mounts (first 2 pics):

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The new mounts (last 2 pics):

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69GMCor70Chevy · 11-24-2009, 12:25 PM

Is 3" on the front the lowest a guy can go without the spring being sloppy in the housing? IIRC someone said there spring was sloppy when the had there truck jacked up but I can't recall what spring that was.

72BlckButy · 11-24-2009, 03:09 PM

69GMCor70Chevy, I believe you are correct. Front 3" drop springs have the tendency to come out of the bucket when the front of the truck is jacked up.

toddtheodd · 11-24-2009, 07:08 PM

Wouldn't it be better to use a 2 inch drop spindle and a 1 or 2 inch drop spring in the front?

**Hart_Rod** · 11-24-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Can someone post a picture of the shock re-locaters? I'd like to see the difference and how they mount.
Thanks,
s/t

Here are some good pictures....

11-18-2009, 03:19 AM	#1
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	lowering question i was just wondering. im wanting to put 3/5 drop springs on my truck. do i need to c-notch the frame? thanks,,,robbie

11-18-2009, 07:33 AM	#2
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: lowering question No C-Notch needed but you may consider a Super Track Bar and a Shock Relocator Kit (both of which I bought from ECE). Currently, I'm running with a 3/6 Spring Drop. Good Luck __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

11-18-2009, 07:57 AM	#3
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: lowering question no you do not need a c-notch...I am running a 4/6 ECE drop on mine... I agree about the shock relocator kit and the super track-bar. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

11-18-2009, 09:35 AM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question As several have posted, a c-notch will not be "required" on a 3/5 or even a 4.5/6 drop. However, if you plan on hauling things in the back of your truck (wood, scrap, etc.) you will probably bottom out more since you are closer to the frame. A c-notch will give you the added space if you intend to haul items with your truck. So far for my setup (4.5/6) I have yet to bottom out. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-18-2009, 02:26 PM	#5
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	Re: lowering question probably wont be anything hauled in the back of this baby,,lol..thanks guys.

11-18-2009, 03:19 PM	#6
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question Then it sounds similar to my truck. It ocassionaly hauls some coolers, a canopy tent, and a BBQ. Everything else is hauled in my DD. Good luck with the install, and I would highly recommend ECE (Early Classic Enterprises). __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-18-2009, 03:37 PM	#7
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	Re: lowering question which shocks are you guys running? stock or the drop shocks?

11-18-2009, 03:44 PM	#8
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question I am running the KYB drop shocks offered by ECE w/ shock relocators. Smooth/clean ride. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 11-18-2009 at 03:44 PM.

11-18-2009, 03:49 PM	#9
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	Re: lowering question do the shocks lower any or just give it a better ride with the springs?

11-18-2009, 03:53 PM	#10
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question The shocks themselves don't lower the vehicle, they however work with the lowered springs and the suspension geometry to keep it as close to factory spec as possible. If you attempted to retain OE shock mounts the shock would sit to flat, and if you attempted to use OE shocks w/ shock relocators they would be either to long or to short (sorry I'm not sure which on, but I know they wouldn't work) __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-18-2009, 03:55 PM	#11
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	Re: lowering question oh, ok i see thanks very much. ill be buying shocks too!!

11-18-2009, 04:10 PM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question Contact the guy's at ECE (Stan/Mark) and they will set you on the right path. Their parts might have a higher price tag than CPP but with the remarkable customer service, and technical support, you will not regret buying from them. I have not ordered from CPP but several on the board have and have been left waiting parts for several weeks, if not months. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-20-2009, 04:16 AM	#13
CUSTOM_1O HaV0KSR559<~~~ Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: FRESNO CA Posts: 151	Re: lowering question Is the shock relocator kit really needed with a 3 5 or can u get by without it __________________ ...1969_CUSTOM_1O FLEETSIDE_LONGBED V8_THREE-FIFTY [COMPLETE-EDELBROCK] [PERFORMANCE-SERIES] [CAM_CARB_MANIFOLD] ...TURBO-400_TRANNY... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=363372

11-20-2009, 01:59 PM	#14
chevellelover chevellelover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: albuquqerque new mexico Posts: 88	Re: lowering question its a good idea to get shocks because i didnt do it on mine and it rides like total crap. its a very stiff ride and if you hit a pothole in the front, it sounds like something is breaking...... its worth the extra money. __________________ 1978 Trans Am 400/4speed Year One Snowflakes 1980 c10 shortbed 1999 Suburban 5/7 drop US Mags Roadsters 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4-MINT 2015 Challenger Scat Pack 6.4 8 Speed

11-20-2009, 03:25 PM	#15
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question chevellelover is right.... do it right the first time around; money well spent to say the least. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)



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11-21-2009, 04:56 PM	#16
chevellelover chevellelover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: albuquqerque new mexico Posts: 88	Re: lowering question yes please get the correct materials!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i tried to be cheap with mine and i have ended up with soooo much hassles AS in trashed wheel bearings and a new brake caliper. early classic is the way to go!!! __________________ 1978 Trans Am 400/4speed Year One Snowflakes 1980 c10 shortbed 1999 Suburban 5/7 drop US Mags Roadsters 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4-MINT 2015 Challenger Scat Pack 6.4 8 Speed

11-22-2009, 11:36 AM	#17
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: lowering question Can someone post a picture of the shock re-locaters? I'd like to see the difference and how they mount. Thanks, s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

11-23-2009, 09:44 AM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question s/t, the shock relocators actually utilitze the same mounting holes as the originals, they are just change the mounting locations. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-23-2009, 03:20 PM	#19
CUSTOM_1O HaV0KSR559<~~~ Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: FRESNO CA Posts: 151	Re: lowering question lol im not trying to be cheap my question was do i need shock relocators but now that i put the kit in i now know there is no need for them to be relocated __________________ ...1969_CUSTOM_1O FLEETSIDE_LONGBED V8_THREE-FIFTY [COMPLETE-EDELBROCK] [PERFORMANCE-SERIES] [CAM_CARB_MANIFOLD] ...TURBO-400_TRANNY... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=363372

11-24-2009, 09:12 AM	#21
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question Here's the best I can do guy's.... like I mentioned above, they're not really "relocated" they just change the mounting point for the shock not the bracket. The old mounts (first 2 pics): The new mounts (last 2 pics): __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-24-2009, 12:25 PM	#22
69GMCor70Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Greenwater Lake, SK Posts: 175	Re: lowering question Is 3" on the front the lowest a guy can go without the spring being sloppy in the housing? IIRC someone said there spring was sloppy when the had there truck jacked up but I can't recall what spring that was. __________________ 68 Camaro - 327 Original Red on Red Car 69 GMC LWB - Built 350 a Blast To Drive 69 GMC LWB - "Green Machine" One Family Truck 70 Mercury Marauder - Future Project

11-24-2009, 03:09 PM	#23
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: lowering question 69GMCor70Chevy, I believe you are correct. Front 3" drop springs have the tendency to come out of the bucket when the front of the truck is jacked up. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-24-2009, 07:08 PM	#24
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Re: lowering question Wouldn't it be better to use a 2 inch drop spindle and a 1 or 2 inch drop spring in the front? __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY???

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