ECE Drop kit question

[DoobieBrother]

So the basic ECE 2/4 drop kit has shortened springs and shocks. What I'm wondering is if I cut my springs or use some other shortened ones, will stock shocks allow it to sit right, or do they become a problem and that's whey they're in the kit? My son just spent the cash on new Monroe sensa tracs so I hate to have that money wasted.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by DoobieBrother

So the basic ECE 2/4 drop kit has shortened springs and shocks. What I'm wondering is if I cut my springs or use some other shortened ones, will stock shocks allow it to sit right, or do they become a problem and that's whey they're in the kit? My son just spent the cash on new Monroe sensa tracs so I hate to have that money wasted.

2/4 drops will allow the use of stock shocks but the travel will be close if not @ the limits.

The options are 'drop' shocks or relocate the mounts accordingly. POL (Perf OnLine) & Porterbuilt sells a front shock upper relocation bracket set. These can also be made @ home w/the right size scrap material (cutting/drilling only). ECE sells rear relocation brackets (upper & lower required here) or the rear OE brackets can be modified w/some DIY effort.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=451200
or
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=359399

Info found in the FAQ/Truck Tech forum: FAQ > Truck Tech > Suspension; FAQ > Truck Tech > 67-72 specific section.
The FAQ sections are an excellent place to review others ideas/experiences.

[DoobieBrother]

Very informative. Thanks much!

Other thing I'm wondering is about the amount of drop chosen. 2/4 is common, but is that because of offset wheel sizing or just for leveling. Since I have same size wheels all around, I'm wondering if 2/4 is correct to be just a bit more level, or if it's 2/2?

[SCOTI]

2/4 for a level stance. Rear is typically ~2" higher vs the front.

[68c10airstream]

I did a 2/5 drop by using only drop spindles in front and a 4" drop spring in the rear with a 1" lowering block. The advantages of doing it this way are:

by lowering the front with spindle only you keep your stock springs and the stock suspension position. By cutting coils you change the effective spring rate and it becomes stiffer riding and you hover near the bump stops. Stock suspension allows about equal movement upward and downward so basically your control arms are somewhat centered in their travel.

By purchasing dropped coils for the rear the spring rate is correct for the application. I purchased ECE coils and have hauled 1,000 lbs many times and only nudged the stop blocks a few times, very liveable.

Using the 1" lowering block with the 4" lowered spring allows the rear suspension to have better movement. This is better than a 5" lowering spring. Shock relocators are a must. Be aware if you use the lowering block it moves your rear suspension closer to the pavement because the block positions the rear axle up on top of the control arms higher, effectively the same as installing a tire that is 2" diameter shorter (1" shorter from the center of the tire to the pavement)

I have the monroe sensa-trac shocks on my truck and feel they work pretty well with the suspension mods mentioned above.

[68c10airstream]

I just noticed in another post that your truck is a 68 long box. My suggestion with a lowered spindle would be a perfect time to change to disc brakes when it's all apart. I believe 5,6, and 8 lug is now possible with the rotor purchase. When i did my change to lowered spindles i went from 6 lug to 5 lug stock thick rotors from a 71 and newer 1/2 ton chevy truck application and found a 71 and newer rear end because of the 5 lug pattern and the rear end is about 3" wider also.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 68c10airstream

I just noticed in another post that your truck is a 68 long box. My suggestion with a lowered spindle would be a perfect time to change to disc brakes when it's all apart. I believe 5,6, and 8 lug is now possible with the rotor purchase. When i did my change to lowered spindles i went from 6 lug to 5 lug stock thick rotors from a 71 and newer 1/2 ton chevy truck application and found a 71 and newer rear end because of the 5 lug pattern and the rear end is about 3" wider also.

You have to switch to discs if going to a drop spindle. There are no drum brake 'drop spindles'.