Hotchkis or Brothers?

[72 Burb 3dr]

Just picked up a '71 C10. I need to drop it, but just a static drop no frame notching or airbags. The Hotchkis 4/6 springs were recommended by someone. From what I've read that is pretty much the max drop without notching. This will be a daily driver, rarely will carry a load. I want smooth handling, more like a car than a rough ride truck.

Reading some threads, Brothers was was also recommended, but it appears they only have a max of 3/5 drop. Combined with their shocks I can get springs and shocks for about the same price I can get just the springs for from Hotchkiss.

I'd rather go with the 4/6 and pay a little more to get the extra drop. My question(s) for those who have used the Hotchkis. What shocks are you running with it. Their shocks are a little more than I want to spend and probably a little overboard for my needs. Also is there anything else needed with the Hotchkis like relocator brackets?

[PGSigns]

Just me but I don't like that much spring drop for a daily driver. I prefer drop spindles and a longer spring to allow more travel. I also feel it gets you into alignment issues with a lot of spring drop. Bump steer becomes an issue the further you go down with just springs. I have run the KYB and the cross over stuff car quest. The last set I put on the 66 are the bell tech street performance shocks built for these trucks and have been on the truck for more than 20,000 miles of daily driver pounding. Still doing good.
Jimmy

[72 Burb 3dr]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

The last set I put on the 66 are the bell tech street performance shocks built for these trucks and have been on the truck for more than 20,000 miles of daily driver pounding. Still doing good.
Jimmy

I'm looking at the BellTech Nitro Drop 2 in conjunction with the springs, just haven't made up my mind between the 3/5 Brothers or the 4/6 Hotchkis. I'm looking for input from those who are running them.

[72 Burb 3dr]

If I were to do a 2" drop spindle and a 2" drop spring, I could still achieve the 4/6 drop I'm looking for. Who makes a good drop spindle that lets me use the stock rotor/brakes?

[PGSigns]

CPP is the only one I think that makes a 2" spindle. Lots making 2 1/2". For the rear a 5" spring and a 1" block with a 3degree wedge to correct the pinion angle works well along with a long panhard bar like the Early Classics super track bar.
Jimmy

[72 Burb 3dr]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

CPP is the only one I think that makes a 2" spindle. Lots making 2 1/2". For the rear a 5" spring and a 1" block with a 3degree wedge to correct the pinion angle works well along with a long panhard bar like the Early Classics super track bar.
Jimmy

I'm admittedly new (ignorant?) to the art of lowering. Factory had a slight rake with the rear about 2" higher than the front correct? So lowering the front 4 - 4-1/2" and the back 6" would bring it more into a level field and improve the pinion angle and eliminating any need for a wedge wouldn't it?

Currently looking at McGauphy's 2-1/2" drop spindles with Hotchkis 2" coils front and 6" in the rear. Would a spring/block combo be better for the rear?

[68Stepbed]

www.earlyclassic.com 4/6 kit and you'll be happy. If you're not buying the whole Hotchkis kit, the springs are a bit expensive for what they are and do.

Another great option is the Ridetech StreetGrip kit. http://www.ridetech.com/products/sus...etgrip-system/

[72 Burb 3dr]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

www.earlyclassic.com 4/6 kit and you'll be happy. If you're not buying the whole Hotchkis kit, the springs are a bit expensive for what they are and do.

Another great option is the Ridetech StreetGrip kit. http://www.ridetech.com/products/sus...etgrip-system/

Thanks! The ECE kit looks good. I may have to call them and see which KYBs are included in that kit. The Ridetech is nice, but at 3x the price it's out of my budget on this one.

[72 Burb 3dr]

Delete: duplicate post

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by 72 Burb 3dr

Thanks! The ECE kit looks good. I may have to call them and see which KYBs are included in that kit. The Ridetech is nice, but at 3x the price it's out of my budget on this one.

There's a couple threads on it, here, but the KYB shocks included aren't the greatest. Most guys will order the kit without shocks and buy the "lowered" shocks from CPP. The guys at ECE actually run the Ridetech shocks on their own personal trucks.

That's really my only complaint is the KYB shocks they include aren't matched to the drop. Their customer service and other products are top notch, though.

[72 Burb 3dr]

Customer service seems to be on top of it. I emailed at 10:43am yesterday, they replied at 2:26pm!

I asked about the spindles and springs as to who made them. They are both made here in the US. The spindles are cast and machined in CA. The coils are made in CA and KS.

As far as the KYB shocks, the kit comes standard with the Excel G, but they offer the Gas-A-Justs as an option. (I didn't see that info on the website so I assume you have to call to make that adjustment).

Shipping is a killer though, close to $200 from CA to here in eastern WA. 😕

[68Stepbed]

Tell them you're a board member They used to offer some discounts.

[PGSigns]

You can also find most of the parts on Summit racing and get free shipping. Look at the belltech street performance shocks. MUCH better than the kit shocks.
Jimmy