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

I ordered the ECE 4/6 lowering kit before I even picked up my 72 Super Cheyenne 5 months ago in California and drove it back to Houston with my Canadian buddy (thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595586). Now, I'm finally getting around to doing the install.
I also ordered a ECE heavy duty front sway bar with poly bushings. I'll be installing a poly transmission mount too, since the stock one is dead.

One request I have from those who've installed this is a list of required tools to do the install. My tool inventory is building, so I'll plan to run over to home depot whenever I need something. If people who've done this can suggest required tools, it'll make fewer trips for me.

The truck's history is not documented but it looks to have been lowered somewhat already. My measurements to the fender before installing the ECE kit are:
Front'
L 29-1/8"
R 29-1/2"

Rear
L 31"
R 31.5"

Current height:
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps985565d3.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps5288e5c5.jpg

Up in the air this evening. There's a jack at the rear too. I'll update this thread with progress and probably questions too.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1729.jpg

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

I like allot!

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

I am following this thread... This is what I am putting on my 67...

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

x2

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

Very nice truck! Simple hand tools should get the job done. A nice 1/2" ratchet and some wrenches, maybe also a hammer and pry bar. You also have to bust some rivets to get the sway bar brackets on

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

Nice truck indeed. The underneath looks clean. Lay large sheets of cardboard to work off of and catch dirt that comes loose from the disassembly. Have some chassis paint or equivalent for detailing those areas you will address. Add a rear sway later, they turn these trucks into go kart's.

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

Subscribed.

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

a 3/4" socket set will help,lotsa lube,wheel bearing grease, grease gun,a good bfh,a good sharp cold chisel,a long punch,drill & bits,a good pair of heavy gloves.

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

good looking truck man. as far as tools find a harbor freight close by and grab a socket set, ratchet wrenches, mini sledge, and a pry bar. you'll save at least twice as much as home depot and the hand tools have a lifetime warranty.

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

Don't forget the 12 pack of beer and a few friends.... LOL

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

Get some rust penetrant and spray every bolt your going to touch before you get started several times before you get it torn down. It will aid you...

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

You'll love the new kit.

Also... You might have to rerun the exhaust. Just a heads up.

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

how tall are your rear springs?

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

Subscribed as well. That is exactly what I plan to do to my '69. I will be adding 4 wheel discs at the same time.

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

Subscribed!

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

Thanks for the tool tips. I made a trip to harbor freight and will be getting started this evening.

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

The hardest part of the whole job is removing the four rivets that hold the stock upper shock mounts in place.

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

Subscribing, loved this truck since your "drive home with pics" thread. Looking forward to the results!

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

Amen brother. I got one side off but I'm planning to rent a cutting wheel tomorrow for the other one. It'll be great to get the toughest part done first.

Stock upper rear shock mount. Punched for pilot holes.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1731.jpg

killing 3 sizes of drill bits to get this far.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1737.jpg

Now the hard part, wiggling the hell out of it. My chisel and mini sledge were not effective. I just about cried with joy when the second rivet came off.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1739.jpg

Better drill bits are in order.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1740.jpg

I underbody sprayed the scuffs made by the removal to avoid rust later.

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

Everybody tries to remove those shock mounts in one piece.
I lop off the ears and grind the rivet heads off.
They go in the trash anyway.
Super fast.

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

This^ :) Nice Truck

Evaded

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

Keith is right. When he was down to help install the drop kit on my 69 that was the trick.

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

I'm following this for when I put the same kit in my 72

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

its a nice kit you will be happy with it

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

Man, I didn't know about that... I have a blazer tank back there... I don't really want to make sparks.

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

That truck is gorgeous the way it sits now…it will only look better closer to the ground.

My best advice is to lower it and then never sign in to this forum again haha…it'll make you want to tinker with perfection. Awesome truck man!

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

New ECE ones about 8.5" before any miles. The ones it had on, about 10". I hope I get more then a 1.5" drop in the rear!
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1762.jpg


Got some more progress made tonight, after picking up a grinder for the passenger side upper shock mount. It was easier and I got a few sparks in my hair :devil:. Both upper shock mounts are both now off but one of the rivets is stuck in the hole even after some pounding at it. I'll take the grinder back to it tomorrow evening.

Wedge cut out of the remaining upper shock mount to allow access for the grinder wheel to the rivet.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1747.jpg

After grinding. It's actually the left rivet in the photo that is stuck in the hole after removing the bracket. Not for long though.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1753.jpg

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1748.jpg

One of two upper shock mounts installed.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1755.jpg

After removing one of the rear springs, I realized ECE didn't provide the torque specs for installing the new springs. I'll get in touch with them. U bolt and lower shock mount removed on the driver side. Thanks for the tip on using the bolt loosening spray in advance. It seems to be helping.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1759.jpg

Removed the rear panhard bar too in preparation for the ECE super track bar.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1760.jpg

Pan/track bars shown (old short, new long) with new bracket to go on passenger side.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...n/IMG_1754.jpg

2 tools I need to get: Deep 1-1/16 socket for the rear ubolt nuts. A second 3/4" wrench for the top rear spring bolt head in the frame rail. I got it done without these tools, but they'll make the same on the passenger side easier.

Things should move pretty well now that the upper shock mounts are 99% done.:chevy:

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

Hey thanks for measurement...

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

Lay some plastic or throw away cardboard under the ft end and soak the nuts and bolts, let them be while you continue to work the rear kit.

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

i have 1/2" blocks for the rear you are welcome to have just come pick them up, i had them on mine replaced them with 1".

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

^^^^^ I think anyone who has done one of theses would agree with this statement. :lol: I bet Ekliptix would agree

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

How's the truck coming along? I'm anxious to see the new drop :cool:

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

I'm getting an hour in here and there. Just about done the rear but I ran into a problem. The instructions don't explain how to use the 2 different stock bolts (which one is for the upper and for the lower mount).

This fellow highlighted the problem but no solution was posted: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596711

Anyone know how to address the question in the thread at the link above?

I found these instructions for a previous gen C10 but if I do the same as in the photo at the following link, the shock is upside down and there are not enough threads for the nut. http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t.../photo_23.html

Hector, thanks for offering the lowering blocks. I'll see if I need them once I get this on the ground.

Also, anyone know the torque spec on the rear spring nuts? Not in ECE instructions.

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

Got pics of the shock bolts?

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

One is normal. The other is like in the first link in my last reply.

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

Update: My issue was that I had the front and rear shocks mixed up. They have different size bolt holes, the front and back shocks. I'll post the 'done right' photos later.

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

I did the 4/6 also but still went with the 2 inch aluminum block

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

I would replace those bricks with something else. They could give way any time.

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

Subscribed - awesome truck man!

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

subscribed