Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

im4darush · 07-04-2016, 12:14 PM

Hi guys, I have a 72 short box (coil rear) that is lowered on the ECE 4/6 drop. It also has the KYB shocks that came with the kit. These shocks do NOT do a good job for those of us that are looking for something a bit more than just marginal. The rear of my truck is very bouncy and feels very unsettled. The front is about the same with very poor dampening.

So with that, I looking for something that will actually work well. Have read post after post where people say they are happy with KYB, and even Monroe. Cant imagine how a Monroe shock would feel if these KYB shocks are this bad. I am considering bilsteins and wanted to hear some real world opinions from those that are running them.

Bilstein #'s
Front 55-R033
Rear 55-R034

I was also looking at Belltech street performance or Nitro Drop. Not sure which are the better ones. Can only see which are more expensive. And have read that some can not install the front ND shocks due to the dust cover being very thick and not having the required clearance. Not really looking to replace the shock mounting bolt.

Any feedback or experience would be very appreciated. The entire suspension on my truck is brand new so there are no worn parts to speak of.

.

Ekliptix · 07-04-2016, 12:36 PM

I'm have the same opinion with my ECE kit and the KYB shocks. I had Bilsteins on my 2008 Z06 which I loved, so I can only imagine Bilsteins would be an improvement on our C10s.

Little more info her for you: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=529209

suville · 07-04-2016, 04:46 PM

Interesting topic

Jack_71C10 · 07-04-2016, 05:35 PM

I'm going to follow this one.
I've never been happy with the KYBs, but when installed
the ECE 4/6 kit it was an improvement so I stuck with it.
It has been 7 years now and I would like something better.

**Dustmaker65** · 07-04-2016, 05:44 PM

And I just bought a set of KYB's.... Guess I will be looking for something different too.

Boyd67 · 07-04-2016, 06:52 PM

Subscribed

Ruscal · 07-04-2016, 10:13 PM

I'm running the single adjustable Ridetech shocks. They are not bad. Pretty good control. If I had compression damping control I would like to play with settings, but it's not too far off the way it is. The truck is plenty fun!
Russ

Daaaanz67 · 07-05-2016, 01:21 AM

Sub

heathbirkendahl · 07-05-2016, 01:52 PM

Hey Gents,

I "had" that very same set up. I went to the CPP shocks (Purchased from LMC) and I'm pretty happy with the improved dampening. I did a lot of research and tried ALL of Bell Techs and they would not bolt up properly. (Housing to fat and hit the frame in the front) Your other option is the Ride Tech which are made by Fox but are pricey. The CPP are $59.00 each I believe.

My set up:

Early Classics Lowering Kit (Spindles, Springs, Pan Hard, Shock re-locators)
1 inch block (rear)
CPP C-notch
CPP Shocks
18' wheels

Hope this was helpful.

Heath

im4darush · 07-05-2016, 02:27 PM

Thanks Heath. So you installed the KYB shocks that originally came with the Early Classics kit and got a significant improvement with the CPP shocks? $59 is not an expensive shock.

im4darush · 07-05-2016, 02:48 PM

I was just on the CPP site and their entry level nitrogen shock is $39. Step up from there are the bilsteins I mentioned above for $89. I have heard about the belltech mounting issues many times so that's out. Ridetech looks nice, but at $125 each, I would rather get the bilsteins. The other slightly cheaper option are the KYB gas-a-just series at $55. These are the more performance oriented shocks KYB offers. The shocks included with the ECE kit are the Excel-G version (factory replacement). I have used the excel-G shocks in the past with the same crappy results on other cars. The Gas-a-just versions are much more stiff in both compression and rebound. Have used these on A body chevelles and GTO's with good results.

heathbirkendahl · 07-05-2016, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im4darush

Thanks Heath. So you installed the KYB shocks that originally came with the Early Classics kit and got a significant improvement with the CPP shocks? $59 is not an expensive shock.

I had the silver KYB's on and hated the ride since day one.

The CPP shocks I picked up are black with a red bushing and are not gas. I ordered them from LMC so the price could be different.

The wife and I just got back 15 minutes ago from 100 mile drive down the coast and she even noticed the improved ride. I'm super happy with the ride now. To be lowered 4/7 and have the ride I have is impressive.

**Elliot949** · 07-05-2016, 09:34 PM

Hopefully by the end of the month I will have "Raymond" on the road and I will see how it works... CPP 5.5/ 7.0 ECE Rear

im4darush · 07-06-2016, 07:26 AM

Thanks. Those are the same shocks I saw on the cpp site. Black with red bushings. At $39 each, hell of a deal if they perform as well as you say.

Ekliptix · 07-06-2016, 10:36 AM

It seems like these are the $39 CPP shocks that heathbirkendahl replaced the crappy KYB shocks that came with our ECE kit:
Front: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...DTM1200GLL.htm
Rear: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...Gas-Shocks.htm

That's good to read you noticed an improvement over the KYBs. That's what we're all looking for.
Now, the question: Are the bilsteins worth the extra $?

im4darush · 07-06-2016, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

It seems like these are the $39 CPP shocks that heathbirkendahl replaced the crappy KYB shocks that came with our ECE kit:
Front: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...DTM1200GLL.htm
Rear: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...Gas-Shocks.htm

That's good to read you noticed an improvement over the KYBs. That's what we're all looking for.
Now, the question: Are the bilsteins worth the extra $?

That is what I want to know as well!! At $89 each compared to $39, I would want to see a pretty significant improvement.

67ChevyRedneck · 07-06-2016, 11:34 AM

Very interesting. I noticed my truck is more bouncy now that it's been dropped 4.5/6.

I understand the front drop, I have a 4.5", but only 1.5" is with springs, so I need the 1-2" front shock, but what about the rear?

It's been dropped 6", but has the ECE shock relocation brackets. I never measured the factory shock height at rest so I have nothing to compare too. Should I get the 2-4" drop rear shock to be safe because of the relocation brackets?

heathbirkendahl · 07-06-2016, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

It seems like these are the $39 CPP shocks that heathbirkendahl replaced the crappy KYB shocks that came with our ECE kit:
Front: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...DTM1200GLL.htm
Rear: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...Gas-Shocks.htm

That's good to read you noticed an improvement over the KYBs. That's what we're all looking for.
Now, the question: Are the bilsteins worth the extra $?

Remember Bilsteins are gas loaded like the KYB's. Just a much better one.

heathbirkendahl · 07-06-2016, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Very interesting. I noticed my truck is more bouncy now that it's been dropped 4.5/6.

I understand the front drop, I have a 4.5", but only 1.5" is with springs, so I need the 1-2" front shock, but what about the rear?

It's been dropped 6", but has the ECE shock relocation brackets. I never measured the factory shock height at rest so I have nothing to compare too. Should I get the 2-4" drop rear shock to be safe because of the relocation brackets?

I would do rears for sure! The non-gas made the rear ride so much better.

67ChevyRedneck · 07-06-2016, 03:19 PM

^But what shock to get? They have 3 levels based on drop: Stock, 2-4", and 5"+. Technically my truck was dropped 6" but the ECE shock relocation brackets are supposed to somewhat correct the stock geometry and length, so what shock do you buy? The stock one? The 2-4"?

Their website description sucks. Are their drop shocks based on some sort of ride height valving or is there an actual travel length difference, or both?

It looks like you have the ECE stuff as well, which ones did you go with?

Raleighswb · 07-06-2016, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im4darush

I was just on the CPP site and their entry level nitrogen shock is $39. Step up from there are the bilsteins I mentioned above for $89. I have heard about the belltech mounting issues many times so that's out. Ridetech looks nice, but at $125 each, I would rather get the bilsteins. The other slightly cheaper option are the KYB gas-a-just series at $55. These are the more performance oriented shocks KYB offers. The shocks included with the ECE kit are the Excel-G version (factory replacement). I have used the excel-G shocks in the past with the same crappy results on other cars. The Gas-a-just versions are much more stiff in both compression and rebound. Have used these on A body chevelles and GTO's with good results.

I might have looked at the wrong section but the ridetech q is for a stock height truck.

**68bowtie** · 07-06-2016, 09:10 PM

interesting thread for sure. i bought new kyb's (not yet installed) because they're cheap and the correct part numbers are easy to find. i may bite the bullet after reading this thread... i have bilstein 5100's on my 02 k2500 and they are AMAZING. not sure if they come in a size that fits a 4/6 dropped c10.

RickDeVon · 07-06-2016, 09:43 PM

ECE 4/6 is next on my list...looks like I will have a set of KYB shocks for sale...

heathbirkendahl · 07-06-2016, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

^But what shock to get? They have 3 levels based on drop: Stock, 2-4", and 5"+. Technically my truck was dropped 6" but the ECE shock relocation brackets are supposed to somewhat correct the stock geometry and length, so what shock do you buy? The stock one? The 2-4"?

Their website description sucks. Are their drop shocks based on some sort of ride height valving or is there an actual travel length difference, or both?

It looks like you have the ECE stuff as well, which ones did you go with?

My set up is 4 front 7 rear so I'd go with the shortest ones they have. (pretty sure thats what LMC is selling)

Early Classics Lowering Kit (Spindles, Springs, Pan Hard, Shock re-locators)
1 inch block (rear)
CPP C-notch
CPP Shocks

heathbirkendahl · 07-06-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

interesting thread for sure. i bought new kyb's (not yet installed) because they're cheap and the correct part numbers are easy to find. i may bite the bullet after reading this thread... i have bilstein 5100's on my 02 k2500 and they are AMAZING. not sure if they come in a size that fits a 4/6 dropped c10.

Be careful on the Billsteins! (C10 is shorter wheel base and not as heavy as the k2500) I'd rather have them as well because of quality. But they are gas charged. Ride in the rear will be super stiff.

The CPP's have a large diameter piston and are oil. (See pic above with note on how to mount)

The number one way to go is the Ride Tech's with adjust ability. You can turn the dampening down for the rears when not loaded. But that's big $$$.

07-04-2016, 12:14 PM	#1
im4darush Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 57	Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Hi guys, I have a 72 short box (coil rear) that is lowered on the ECE 4/6 drop. It also has the KYB shocks that came with the kit. These shocks do NOT do a good job for those of us that are looking for something a bit more than just marginal. The rear of my truck is very bouncy and feels very unsettled. The front is about the same with very poor dampening. So with that, I looking for something that will actually work well. Have read post after post where people say they are happy with KYB, and even Monroe. Cant imagine how a Monroe shock would feel if these KYB shocks are this bad. I am considering bilsteins and wanted to hear some real world opinions from those that are running them. Bilstein #'s Front 55-R033 Rear 55-R034 I was also looking at Belltech street performance or Nitro Drop. Not sure which are the better ones. Can only see which are more expensive. And have read that some can not install the front ND shocks due to the dust cover being very thick and not having the required clearance. Not really looking to replace the shock mounting bolt. Any feedback or experience would be very appreciated. The entire suspension on my truck is brand new so there are no worn parts to speak of. .

07-04-2016, 12:36 PM	#2
Ekliptix Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 674	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? I'm have the same opinion with my ECE kit and the KYB shocks. I had Bilsteins on my 2008 Z06 which I loved, so I can only imagine Bilsteins would be an improvement on our C10s. Little more info her for you: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=529209

07-04-2016, 04:46 PM	#3
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? *Interesting topic*

07-04-2016, 05:35 PM	#4
Jack_71C10 Shortbed club member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Halethorpe, MD Posts: 436	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? I'm going to follow this one. I've never been happy with the KYBs, but when installed the ECE 4/6 kit it was an improvement so I stuck with it. It has been 7 years now and I would like something better. __________________ 71 custom/10 6.0/4L80E SWB ece 4/6 72 custom camper 350/3 spd 2020 Chevy Express 3500 2023 Hyundai Tuscon 1986 GMC 3500 Bucket Truck Sent from my Rotary Phone via 14.4kb/s modem.

07-04-2016, 05:44 PM	#5
Dustmaker65 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Marquette Heights, IL. Posts: 1,135	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? And I just bought a set of KYB's.... Guess I will be looking for something different too. __________________ Jimmy Hoelzel

07-04-2016, 06:52 PM	#6
Boyd67 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: China Grove, NC Posts: 93	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Subscribed __________________ Boyd -67' C10 SWB FLEETSIDE LS 5.3 4 speed muncie

07-04-2016, 10:13 PM	#7
Ruscal Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Carlsbad, California Posts: 165	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? I'm running the single adjustable Ridetech shocks. They are not bad. Pretty good control. If I had compression damping control I would like to play with settings, but it's not too far off the way it is. The truck is plenty fun! Russ __________________ RC

07-05-2016, 01:21 AM	#8
Daaaanz67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 857	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Sub

07-05-2016, 01:52 PM	#9
heathbirkendahl Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 452	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Hey Gents, I "had" that very same set up. I went to the CPP shocks (Purchased from LMC) and I'm pretty happy with the improved dampening. I did a lot of research and tried ALL of Bell Techs and they would not bolt up properly. (Housing to fat and hit the frame in the front) Your other option is the Ride Tech which are made by Fox but are pricey. The CPP are $59.00 each I believe. My set up: Early Classics Lowering Kit (Spindles, Springs, Pan Hard, Shock re-locators) 1 inch block (rear) CPP C-notch CPP Shocks 18' wheels Hope this was helpful. Heath Attached Images __________________ 1971 C/10 - Orange & White 2009 GMC 1500 - Lowered 3/4 22' KMC Slides

07-05-2016, 02:27 PM	#10
im4darush Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 57	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Thanks Heath. So you installed the KYB shocks that originally came with the Early Classics kit and got a significant improvement with the CPP shocks? $59 is not an expensive shock.

07-05-2016, 02:48 PM	#11
im4darush Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 57	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? I was just on the CPP site and their entry level nitrogen shock is $39. Step up from there are the bilsteins I mentioned above for $89. I have heard about the belltech mounting issues many times so that's out. Ridetech looks nice, but at $125 each, I would rather get the bilsteins. The other slightly cheaper option are the KYB gas-a-just series at $55. These are the more performance oriented shocks KYB offers. The shocks included with the ECE kit are the Excel-G version (factory replacement). I have used the excel-G shocks in the past with the same crappy results on other cars. The Gas-a-just versions are much more stiff in both compression and rebound. Have used these on A body chevelles and GTO's with good results.

07-05-2016, 09:34 PM	#13
Elliot949 Dan Johnston Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winfield, Ks. Posts: 4,162	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Hopefully by the end of the month I will have "Raymond" on the road and I will see how it works... CPP 5.5/ 7.0 ECE Rear Attached Images __________________ Dan Johnston... Owner of My Dad's- '67 Chevy C-20 Custom Camper Short Fleetside Pickup PAPA J And our newest addition a- '71 Chevy CST/10 Short Fleetside Pickup Haulin' SOLD Papa J's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=612847 Haulin's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=671130SOLD B Bears Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=744210

07-06-2016, 07:26 AM	#14
im4darush Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 57	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Thanks. Those are the same shocks I saw on the cpp site. Black with red bushings. At $39 each, hell of a deal if they perform as well as you say.

07-06-2016, 10:36 AM	#15
Ekliptix Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 674	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? It seems like these are the $39 CPP shocks that heathbirkendahl replaced the crappy KYB shocks that came with our ECE kit: Front: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...DTM1200GLL.htm Rear: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...Gas-Shocks.htm That's good to read you noticed an improvement over the KYBs. That's what we're all looking for. Now, the question: Are the bilsteins worth the extra $?

07-06-2016, 11:34 AM	#17
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? Very interesting. I noticed my truck is more bouncy now that it's been dropped 4.5/6. I understand the front drop, I have a 4.5", but only 1.5" is with springs, so I need the 1-2" front shock, but what about the rear? It's been dropped 6", but has the ECE shock relocation brackets. I never measured the factory shock height at rest so I have nothing to compare too. Should I get the 2-4" drop rear shock to be safe because of the relocation brackets? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!



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07-06-2016, 03:19 PM	#20
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? ^But what shock to get? They have 3 levels based on drop: Stock, 2-4", and 5"+. Technically my truck was dropped 6" but the ECE shock relocation brackets are supposed to somewhat correct the stock geometry and length, so what shock do you buy? The stock one? The 2-4"? Their website description sucks. Are their drop shocks based on some sort of ride height valving or is there an actual travel length difference, or both? It looks like you have the ECE stuff as well, which ones did you go with? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

07-06-2016, 09:10 PM	#22
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,311	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? interesting thread for sure. i bought new kyb's (not yet installed) because they're cheap and the correct part numbers are easy to find. i may bite the bullet after reading this thread... i have bilstein 5100's on my 02 k2500 and they are AMAZING. not sure if they come in a size that fits a 4/6 dropped c10. __________________ I live in California, but identify as a Texan "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well" Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh)

07-06-2016, 09:43 PM	#23
RickDeVon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Pine Mountain, Georgia Posts: 125	Re: Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!? ECE 4/6 is next on my list...looks like I will have a set of KYB shocks for sale... __________________ 71 C10 I6 250 TH350 power steering and power breaks...

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