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-   -   My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=612794)

cericd 08-25-2014 11:25 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Now that you've had some time to drive it around, do you plan to add a c-notch? Any bottoming out? Do you still have the factory bump stops in the rear or did you trim/remove them?

Also, have you had any issues with the drop spindles or a-arms rubbing the inside edge of your rims?

Ekliptix 08-25-2014 12:02 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
I've put some good miles on it since the drop. I don't plan to install a c-notch. I've never heard or felt the rear axle hitting. I did cut 1/2 off the rear bump stops for some additional clearance.

In the front, I have not looked to see if there is any rubbing inside the rim against the spindle or a-arm. There is certainly no noise. The only rubbing that occurs is the tires touch the inner fender over some bumps. I've come to the conclusion that it's because I'm running 275 tires all around. Less wide tires up front would likely resolve this.

With the springs and new swaybar, the truck corners much better and flatter. In general, it feels much tighter.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...4752Medium.jpg

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/photo-11.jpg

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...0478Medium.jpg

Elliot949 08-25-2014 01:05 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Truck looks GREAT!!!! Perfect Stance...

Mike C 08-25-2014 08:25 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Truck looks awesome! I've got 2 1/2" ECE spindles and 2" springs for the front of my '69 short step. I'm going to do an axle flip on the leafs in the rear, and would be STOKED if it sits as well as yours. Nice work.

tommyd241 08-25-2014 10:44 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Spot on!!!!

Coursey 01-08-2015 11:16 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
I am getting ready to do the same install in about a week.

Any pre-advice?

Truck looks awesome.

big_al_71 01-08-2015 02:19 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
That's the best kit from ece

zicc1835 01-08-2015 11:32 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

OregonNed 01-09-2015 07:19 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Looks awesome! Would love to make my '68 the same

Malamute 01-09-2015 07:55 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
It turned out great. What size tires are you running?

Ekliptix 01-10-2015 06:05 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Coursey (Post 6990791)
I am getting ready to do the same install in about a week.

Any pre-advice?

Truck looks awesome.

I've already forgotten some of the heartaches of the install. Grinding off the rear rivets to install the new upper shock mount was by far the step that required the most patience. Once you've done that, the rest seems easy. Getting the brake caliper spreader is another tool you'll need. I took the install on leaving a lot of time for myself and without a ton of mechanical experience.

If you get stuck or find the instructions leaving out details, feel free to post here and I'll share my input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zicc1835 (Post 6991849)
interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

Yes, you use the original rivet holes in the frame to mount the ECE upper shock relocate bracket. Photo on page 2. PM me your email if you want a copy of the install directions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malamute (Post 6993040)
It turned out great. What size tires are you running?

BFG 275/60/15. I believe the front tires are a bit too wide and rub on the inner fender over some bumps. I'd go a bit more narrow on the fronts next time.

GeirJB 01-18-2015 06:35 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Nice Stance you got there now! :metal:
Think I will do the same with my -67! I have drop spindels in the front and some 5" CPP springs in the Rear. No shock relocations!
So ECE kit with 2" front springs, 6" rear and all the other stuff will be great for mine truck! Just have to check if that kit is possible to get without drop-spindels!

How is the ride now with this kit?

Ekliptix 01-18-2015 11:14 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
It's firm. I've used bilstein shocks on sports cars in the past with great results, but I think the shocks with the ECE kit are on the lower end. A higher end set of shocks intended for short shock travel may provide a less firm ride.

Coursey 02-01-2015 02:25 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswpgeqync.jpg
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/a...pstjw37or1.jpg

Which way is up on the sway bar?

Mike C 02-01-2015 02:30 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Like bottom pic on my truck. See your thread...

lolife99 02-01-2015 02:41 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Coursey (Post 7029328)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C (Post 7029332)
Like bottom pic on my truck. See your thread...

I think it depends on the amount lowered and if you still have the stock frame stand, lowered ECE style frame stands or no frame stands at all.
I always just look at ride height and see how it would fit the best.
I've long forgot which direction the factory installed them. Ha

BHyatt 02-01-2015 02:50 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
I have found that an air chisel makes short work of those pesky factory rivets.

No8Easy2 02-01-2015 06:03 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
yes yes indeed! its spot on man, now put the tools down and don't touch it again! :lol:

hdff 02-16-2015 05:19 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix (Post 6994234)
I've already forgotten some of the heartaches of the install. Grinding off the rear rivets to install the new upper shock mount was by far the step that required the most patience. Once you've done that, the rest seems easy. Getting the brake caliper spreader is another tool you'll need. I took the install on leaving a lot of time for myself and without a ton of mechanical experience.

If you get stuck or find the instructions leaving out details, feel free to post here and I'll share my input.


Yes, you use the original rivet holes in the frame to mount the ECE upper shock relocate bracket. Photo on page 2. PM me your email if you want a copy of the install directions.


BFG 275/60/15. I believe the front tires are a bit too wide and rub on the inner fender over some bumps. I'd go a bit more narrow on the fronts next time.

I am fixing to put the shock relocators and super panhard bar, how was the alighnment of the panhard bar? Also what are the shocks you used, are they shorter for a lowered truck?

Ekliptix 02-16-2015 06:14 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
The alignment of the panhard bar was easy. I installed it, measured the distance from the rear drum to the fender on each side, it wasn't even so I adjusted the panhard bar via the threads that make up its ends until the rear axle was centered.

For shocks I'm using the ones included in the ECE kit, KYB shocks. They are ok but if they had an upgrade option for the shocks, I'd get them.

zicc1835 02-16-2015 08:45 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by zicc1835 (Post 6991849)
interesting that this thread got reserected today ...because i was talking to a freind TODAY about installing my ECE kit actually i bought a bag set up recently ( from another board member)so in the rear at least I'm gonna use bags instead of the 6 inch drop springs any advice on this would be appreciated. Can someone also tell me do the top ECE shock relocater brackets bolt into the rivet wholes that the originals where in....i should mention i bought my kit from another board member about 2 years ago and have not even opened those boxes to look for directions

ill take some close ups this week but i got the rear lowering kit in minus the springs (used the bags) done with little effort took all day:) i took the rear and trailing arms out cleaned re bushed arms painted I'm real happy with the way its come out haven't driven it yet too much snow and cold and just plane $hitty weather in North East thanks for the tips

hdff 02-17-2015 06:07 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix (Post 7051556)
The alignment of the panhard bar was easy. I installed it, measured the distance from the rear drum to the fender on each side, it wasn't even so I adjusted the panhard bar via the threads that make up its ends until the rear axle was centered.

For shocks I'm using the ones included in the ECE kit, KYB shocks. They are ok but if they had an upgrade option for the shocks, I'd get them.

From the way it looks the panhard has to be unbolted to adjust it how did you move the truck over for the adjustment ?

Boog 02-17-2015 06:30 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
You can use a comealong or ratchet strap to move it over.

magwakeenercew2jh 02-17-2015 06:50 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Call Stan at ECE. He has a "no tool" method I used to center everything.

leddzepp 02-17-2015 07:07 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7053283)
From the way it looks the panhard has to be unbolted to adjust it how did you move the truck over for the adjustment ?

Use a trac bar that has swivels at both ends. Bolt it in and twist to adjust. Nothing could be simpler :)

Ekliptix 02-17-2015 07:29 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7053283)
From the way it looks the panhard has to be unbolted to adjust it how did you move the truck over for the adjustment ?

I just unbolted one end (the lower end) turned it a couple threads, tapped the rear axel over slightly to line up with the panhard bar bolt hole and rebolted it on, then remeasured for center. For anyone who says they can adjust the panhard bar without removing it from the lower bolt mount, I don't know how this is possible, but it only took a few tries using the description above.

zicc1835 02-17-2015 09:23 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix (Post 7053410)
I just unbolted one end (the lower end) turned it a couple threads, tapped the rear axel over slightly to line up with the panhard bar bolt hole and rebolted it on, then remeasured for center. For anyone who says they can adjust the panhard bar without removing it from the lower bolt mount, I don't know how this is possible, but it only took a few tries using the description above.

X2 what he said

Crushkrew 02-17-2015 09:33 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Ekliptix. ...did you end up installing the 1/2 blocks on rear?

Stance looks great....hoping to do my son's truck next weekend....

Ekliptix 02-22-2015 01:09 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Crushkrew (Post 7053616)
Ekliptix. ...did you end up installing the 1/2 blocks on rear?

Stance looks great....hoping to do my son's truck next weekend....

I did not until I measured the right side and it was slightly higher then the left side, so I installed a 1/2" block on the right to even it out, courtesy of member original-71.

hdff 02-23-2015 09:08 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Can anyone tell me what size the nuts on the u bolts are. I tried a 1" and a 1 1/8 " wrench and neither fit so I need to Go shopping for the right size tomorrow

jmking9 02-23-2015 09:19 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7062726)
Can anyone tell me what size the nuts on the u bolts are. I tried a 1" and a 1 1/8 " wrench and neither fit so I need to Go shopping for the right size tomorrow

Just take the nut with you.

hdff 02-23-2015 09:25 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jmking9 (Post 7062742)
Just take the nut with you.

I need a wrench/impact socket to get it off the truck.

magwakeenercew2jh 02-23-2015 09:27 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7062752)
I need a wrench/impact socket to get it off the truck.

I think jmking9 meant to just take the *back* part of the truck shopping with you.

:devil:

Lee H 02-23-2015 10:12 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Ekliptix, nice looking Jeep. Can you tell me about the lift and tire size, thanks. Lee.

jmking9 02-23-2015 11:13 PM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7062752)
I need a wrench/impact socket to get it off the truck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by magwakeenercew2jh (Post 7062757)
I think jmking9 meant to just take the *back* part of the truck shopping with you.

:devil:

Whoops! I think I misunderstood the situation (obviously) :lol:

It's probably a 1 1/16"

magwakeenercew2jh 02-24-2015 12:11 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jmking9 (Post 7063013)
Whoops! I think I misunderstood the situation (obviously) :lol:
It's probably a 1 1/16"

Just read your build thread. If anyone reading this has not checked out that build thread, *do it*.

One of the best trucks.... and best build threads on the Forum.

And, all owner built.

:clap:

Ekliptix 02-24-2015 01:39 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff (Post 7062726)
Can anyone tell me what size the nuts on the u bolts are. I tried a 1" and a 1 1/8 " wrench and neither fit so I need to Go shopping for the right size tomorrow

Sorry, I don't know, the ECE instructions don't say and I'm not at home to check. If I recall, it was a 33mm socket or something weird.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H (Post 7062865)
Ekliptix, nice looking Jeep. Can you tell me about the lift and tire size, thanks. Lee.

Rubicon Express 4.5" lift (I think, or 3.5"). 33" BGFs. It's a 6 speed manual and the LJ chassis (2 door, long wheelbase).
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...18PMCustom.jpg

magwakeenercew2jh 02-24-2015 02:00 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
1 Attachment(s)
Loved my Jeep, too. Put a ton of money in her *after* this pic.
Then sold at a substantial loss.

:waah:
Typical of me.

frankslagoon 02-24-2015 02:14 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
The 70 is out back and I'm crawlin under tonight, but the 63 has 1 1/16 socket nuts. probably the same.

Lee H 02-24-2015 09:42 AM

Re: My 4/6" ECE lowering install thread - 72 Shorty
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix (Post 7063214)
Rubicon Express 4.5" lift (I think, or 3.5"). 33" BGFs. It's a 6 speed manual and the LJ chassis (2 door, long wheelbase).
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...18PMCustom.jpg

Thanks, killer stance. I'm going for a 2 door Rubicon this summer. I've done a lot of research on lifts and tire size. Looks like I'm leaning toward 2 1/2 metal cloak or teraflex with 33 inch tires. Will also more than likely go for the life time warranty.


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