Early Classic 4/6 drop .. who has it? What's your thoughts?

[~Whitey~]

Been contemplating a 4/6 drop for my 69 short bed and have read many, many threads but can't seem to find much information on what people actually think of them in ride quality and whether or not the kits are complete. They sure make the truck look good and I'm sold on that aspect, but I would like to hear from people who actually have a 4/6 drop installed on their truck.

1. What's the ride quality like?
2. If you do have the Early Classic kit.. Is it complete?
3. Did you have to buy anything else to make it work?
4. Does you truck slam on the rear axle on mild bumps? I've heard/read from some you need a c-notch and some say you don't.
5. Can you still haul stuff in your truck without problems?
6. Are they're any problems making the kit work or is it pretty much install and go?

I have already converted the front over to disc brakes.

One of my main concerns is I don't want to spend $750 on the kit only to find out I need to spend another $400 to make it work.

thanks in advance.

[c10Dream'n]

The information I've gathered from other members.

Members will also ask what size tires and wheels you plan on running.

1. What's the ride quality like? I hear the ride quality is great.

2. If you do have the Early Classic kit.. Is it complete? I don't have the kit, but it appears to be complete and I have not heard otherwise.

3.Did you have to buy anything else to make it work? Not that I know of.

4.Does your truck slam on the rear axle on mild bumps? I've heard/read from some you need a c-notch and some say you don't. Some people will suggest a c-notch if you plan to do occasional hauling. If you plan on just using it for regular driving, a c-notch is not required. I bought a c-notch from Porterbuilt and I just plan on using my truck for regular driving. I just wanted that extra clearance so that it doesn't bottom out on minor bumps or unexpected potholes, etc.

5. Can you still haul stuff in your truck without problems? Depends on the load capacity.

6. Are they're any problems making the kit work or is it pretty much install and go? I've heard it was a straight forward install. Only thing that had to be changed was the relocation of the shock mount brackets.

All of this is info I gathered from other memberes. I've been doing my homework myself. I'm sure others will chime in soon.

[jmking9]

Hey Jimmy, I have the ECE kit on my truck and I am very satisfied. The only difference in mine is I had them swap the 1.5" spring for a 2" spring to get a 4.5" front drop. Here are my answers to your questions.


1. Ride quality is very good. Its not a Cadillac, But it is far from rough. I noticed a HUGE difference in the way mine handled as compared to stock. Even with no swaybars. (yet)

2. The kit is complete. I replaced ball joints and tie rods when I did mine, but I dont think any kits will come with those. There was nothing else I needed to complete the job. The kits include all the high quality hardware you will need.

3. As I said above, the kit included everything

4. I put notches in mine and I am glad I did. Mine has never bottomed out that I know of, but without a notch you would definitly hit the bumpstops from time to time IMO. They (ECE) say it's pointless to put notches in because the rearend will hit the bed floor before you hit the bumpstop in the notch. But my thinking was, with notches you eliminate the stock bumpstop and give yourself a couple more inches before bottoming out. My rearend has never hit the bed floor. So I think its really up to you. You'll get varying opinions on this one. I would put in the notches on again if I ever do another one.

5. I havent hauled much with my truck. I did haul a complete small block in it and that was about as much as I would want to put in there. I guess it depends on what your needing to haul. Some odds and ends, yes its fine. A load of sand...I wouldnt.

6. The kit went together very well. To me, the worst part it getting those old rivets out of the frame for the shock relocators. But this has nothing to do with the kit.

Over all, I would highly recommend ECE. The parts are very well made. Hope I helped a little

[~Whitey~]

Thanks for the replies.. Exactly what I'm need to know. I have already totally rebuilt my front end so... ball joints, tie rods, etc.. are all done. Sounds like the C-Notch is a "better to do it now" kind of thing than to realize afterwards you wish you would have.. Where do you all buy your Cnotches from?

[jmking9]

The first picture is mine without a notch. The is no original bumpstop in there, but you can see where if there were you wouldnt get much travel before hitting it. I never drove it like this so I am only speculating.

The second pic is mine after the notch was put in. EDIT: Notch was from CPP about $100 Very well made also

[~Whitey~]

thanks Jonathan.. $100 isn't bad.. for some reason I was thinking they were way more than that...

[c10Dream'n]

Originally Posted by ~Whitey~

Thanks for the replies.. Exactly what I'm need to know. I have already totally rebuilt my front end so... ball joints, tie rods, etc.. are all done. Sounds like the C-Notch is a "better to do it now" kind of thing than to realize afterwards you wish you would have.. Where do you all buy your Cnotches from?

I just ordered my PorterBuilt notch last week. I have heard great things about them as well. A little more on the pricey side, but other members crave about their products. Price was $265 shipped to my door.

[jmking9]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cl...FRA5nAodyQ0A9w

They are $106.95 @ summit for CPP brand

[jmking9]

Even better
http://www.ebay.com/itm/63-72-64-65-...1125ae&vxp=mtr

[~Whitey~]

Thank ya sir... Although I think I'm going to shoot for the HD version... I'm probably going to want to tow a small camper or boat with the truck someday. They're 179 on the CPP site and I've emailed Jeff to see about a forum member discount that I seen some talking about. They're 199 free shipping on EBAY looks like. hopefully Jeff can beat that.

[heathbirkendahl]

I have that kit on my truck. (w/18's) The ride is pretty dam good.

[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by heathbirkendahl

I have that kit on my truck. (w/18's) The ride is pretty dam good.

Did you do the CNotch on yours?

[heathbirkendahl]

Originally Posted by ~Whitey~

Did you do the CNotch on yours?

No C-notch and no issues. And we have some sh*tty roads here in CA.

[original-71]

Originally Posted by ~Whitey~

Thank ya sir... Although I think I'm going to shoot for the HD version... I'm probably going to want to tow a small camper or boat with the truck someday. They're 179 on the CPP site and I've emailed Jeff to see about a forum member discount that I seen some talking about. They're 199 free shipping on EBAY looks like. hopefully Jeff can beat that.

E.C.E will give you a discount also if you ask before buying. they gave me 10% on shipping for my drop kit then 10% on my hidden receiver hitch kit. something is better than nothing.

[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by heathbirkendahl

No C-notch and no issues. And we have some sh*tty roads here in CA.

hahaha... Thanks! We have a few here in MO as well.

[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by original-71

E.C.E will give you a discount also if you ask before buying. they gave me 10% on shipping for my drop kit then 10% on my hidden receiver hitch kit. something is better than nothing.

Oh nice, thank you VERY much for the heads up on that... Definitely every little bit helps.

[Cole Trickle]

great kit....

Parts fit as advertised...

Quality is outstanding....

Ride quality is good considering I have a 4.5/6.5 drop. I will eventually need to add a notch to avoid hitting the frame on big bumps.

[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

great kit....

Parts fit as advertised...

Quality is outstanding....

Ride quality is good considering I have a 4.5/6.5 drop. I will eventually need to add a notch to avoid hitting the frame on big bumps.

Thanks Cole!


I guess I should post up my tires and wheels.

Does anybody see a problem with what I'm running with this kit?

On the front is 17x8 with 4" bs wrapped up with 255/60's
on the back is 17x9.5's with 5.5 bs wrapped up with 275/60's

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=109

[Tx Firefighter]

I just counted and I have lowered six of my own trucks 4/6 with ECE parts since the year 2000.

The kits are fully complete. You will need a tub of wheel bearing grease for your bearings and a jar of brake fluid to refill the brakes. Every single other thing is included. All nuts, bolts, cotter pins, everything.

I have never notched any of my trucks and won't be doing any in the future. I've hauled engines and lots of motorcycles without problem, even a Goldwing motorcycle.

There are a few things in life that you can buy that give perfect service but they cost more than the competition. Danner boots, snapOn tools, and Early Classic Suspension parts. Buy the best and cry once. Read the review board before you buy any CPP stuff. We ought to rename that board the CPP complaint section.
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[hfd410]

I used the 4/6 ECE kit as well. Simple install with very high quality parts. Everything was included....

[67anthony]

love it

[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I just counted and I have lowered six of my own trucks 4/6 with ECE parts since the year 2000.

The kits are fully complete. You will need a tub of wheel bearing grease for your bearings and a jar of brake fluid to refill the brakes. Every single other thing is included. All nuts, bolts, cotter pins, everything.

I have never notched any of my trucks and won't be doing any in the future. I've hauled engines and lots of motorcycles without problem, even a Goldwing motorcycle.

There are a few things in life that you can buy that give perfect service but they cost more than the competition. Danner boots, snapOn tools, and Early Classic Suspension parts. Buy the best and cry once. Read the review board before you buy any CPP stuff. We ought to rename that board the CPP complaint section.
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Originally Posted by hfd410

I used the 4/6 ECE kit as well. Simple install with very high quality parts. Everything was included....

Originally Posted by 67anthony

love it

you all have me sold on the 4/6, I've not read anything negative about it, and none of you have given it a bad review... Any doubts I had are gone. I'm going to order it tomorrow. Early Classic said they don't offer an actual discount but would save me some money on shipping for being a board member.

Still undecided on the c-notch, but sounds like I can get by just fine without one.
Thank you all for the input. Really appreciate it.
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[magwakeenercew2jh]

Not that you need any more info.

ECE 4-6 here, too. Same as on my previous '72.
Wouldn't do it any other way.

Say "hello" to Stan and Mark for me
(Bill Keener... they wouldn't know from "M17").

I haven't been down there for a while.

'Cause all the stuff that's on my truck that I bought from them
(almost EVERYTHING ON THE TRUCK) is the best quality...
.....and it all works.

[19GMC66]

I have had ECE 4/6 on two of my trucks and it is the best complete kits for static drops.. But had to go with Porterbuilt when 4/6 wasn't low enough!
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[~Whitey~]

Originally Posted by magwakeenercew2jh

Not that you need any more info.

ECE 4-6 here, too. Same as on my previous '72.
Wouldn't do it any other way.

Say "hello" to Stan and Mark for me
(Bill Keener... they wouldn't know from "M17").

I haven't been down there for a while.

'Cause all the stuff that's on my truck that I bought from them
(almost EVERYTHING ON THE TRUCK) is the best quality...
.....and it all works.

Great looking ride. Man it sets nice. Are you running a c notch?

Originally Posted by 19GMC66

I have had ECE 4/6 on two of my trucks and it is the best complete kits for static drops.. But had to go with Porterbuilt when 4/6 wasn't low enough!
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Haha. I'll keep that in mind. One of the reason I'm going 4/6 is I want to make sure it's low enough.... who knows I might go even lower someday.

Are you running a c notch?
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