Lowering 69 GMC

[EddieB383]

I have a 1969 GMC swb truck. It's got leaf springs in the rear, drum brakes all the way around. The front drums will be replaced with discs, and more than likely the rear will be too. I would also like to be running 18 or 20 inch wheels all the way around. That being said, I'm looking for lowering information. Ive read numerous threads with seemingly contradicting information, so I figured Id post my own. I need to know how much drop I can get out of the truck without notching frames, or doing much (if any) cutting and re-welding. Rough price estimates of parts would be nice too.

[my_bucket]

ECE 888-777-0395 they have 4" drop leaf spring $369.
2.5 drop spindles requires disc breaks $250. They also have drop coils fer the front
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[EddieB383]

Any idea what it would take to get a 4/6 drop out of it...4 inch drop leaf with 2 inch shackles out back and 2 inch drop spindle with a 2 inch drop coil up front??

[EddieB383]

I also assume I'd have to (or need to) weld a C notch the frame to go 6 inches in the back.

[mcampbell]

I did the ECE 4 / 6 drop on a 72 Blazer and no frame notch. The ride is fantastic. I am running lower than stock profile 15 inch tires.
The drop kit was 2" springs and 2" spindles in front with 6" coils in the back and shocks, panhard bar, etc total was about $850. When the old suspension came apart I also bought their front rebuild kit. My a arms wouldn't even go full travel and the ball joints were shot. Very happy I spent the money to do it right.
You will have to pay a little more for a disc set up but the brakes are so much better it is also worth it.

[EddieB383]

Originally Posted by mcampbell

I did the ECE 4 / 6 drop on a 72 Blazer and no frame notch. The ride is fantastic. I am running lower than stock profile 15 inch tires.
The drop kit was 2" springs and 2" spindles in front with 6" coils in the back and shocks, panhard bar, etc total was about $850. When the old suspension came apart I also bought their front rebuild kit. My a arms wouldn't even go full travel and the ball joints were shot. Very happy I spent the money to do it right.
You will have to pay a little more for a disc set up but the brakes are so much better it is also worth it.

Yeah, this old truck needs a lot of loving. I'm looking at pulling a front disc brake set up and rearend off of a 71-72 c10 parts truck my buddy has since it has the 5x5 wheel studs and discs. I assume if I do that, I could cut the costs by installing the 71-72 discs on the new drop spindles. A lot of the problem I'm having is figuring out the cheapest and easiest way to drop the leaf spring rear suspension while still doing it the right way. I've always been more concerned with going fast than ride height so besides the basic concepts, this is all new territory for me.

[mcampbell]

I am putting a 71 suspension under a 70 truck now and using both the ECE 2/4 drop and front rebuild. Pretty sold after seeing how it rides on the blazer. You will have issues with brake lines and a few other things but ECE is great to help and this board is full of knowledge. Good luck on the truck.

[eldogg]

You get a 6" drop from an axle flip w/ c notch in the rear. I like to put a 73-87 rear in GMC trucks. instant 5 lug and a better gear ratio. I'm doing one now for my brother. I will post some pics soon.