Disc brakes/lowering spindles and coils, and front suspension overhaul

[_ABC_]

Hello, I am in the middle of shortening my 1970 chevy c10 (which will eventually get a 5.3L v8 truck engine), and since everything is taken apart I would like to lower it and do a disc brake conversion. So far from my research I have determined that I would like to use 2.5 inch drop spindles and stock springs to lower the front, and 4 inch drop springs to lower the rear. I would like to convert the front and possibly the rear to disc brakes. I plan on keeping the upper and lower control arms but would like to overhaul the rest of the front suspension as well. This truck is meant to be a weekend cruiser that is capable of towing a light-medium fishing boat and a hockey bag in the bed.

My budget for now is $1500 USD (I live in canada so about $2000) but I would like to buy everything on sale to save some money (I dont have a time limit to complete this by so I can wait until christmas/boxing day sales). I have looked around and found some decent lowering spindles and springs that would run me $500 USD, but haven't really looked at disc conversion kits or front suspension parts.

So my questions are: Can a lowering, front suspension overhaul and front/rear disc brake conversion be done on this budget? If so, what parts/brands do you recommend I look at? Any help is appreciated!

[MySons68C20]

Early Classic Enterprises (ECE) not the cheapest but great help and the stuff works.
https://www.earlyclassic.com/

[Grumpy old man]

Use CPP parts ordered thru Summit for the free shipping to Canada and price matching , I used 100% Moog parts from rock auto . it takes a little work and you have to actually talk to Summit for the price matching but you'll save a ton of $

[tim_mc]

I also used Moog components (Rock Auto) and CPP drop spindles via Summit (CLP-CP4S4). I switched to '73-'87 parts as they're heavier and will likely be easier to find in the future.

Here's what I used on my '67 to update to '73-87 components (reused '67 control arms):
(2) Upper ball joints, '71-86 C10, Moog K6117T.
(2) Lower ball joints, '73-86 C10, Moog K6136.
(2) Outer tie rod ends, '73-87 C10, Moog ES409RT.
(2) Tie rod adjuster sleeves, '71-87 C10, Moog ES2004S.

I reused my '67 center drag link. El Camino inner tie rods match the smaller '67 drag link taper and match the larger shaft of the '73-87 outer tie rods & adjusters:
(2) Inner tie rod ends, '73-77 El Camino, Moog ES2020RLT.
Other parts I used on the rebuild:
(1) Idler arm, '67-82 C10, Moog K6096T.
(2) Control arm shaft, lower, 63-72 C10, Moog K6147.
(2) Control arm shaft, upper, 63-72 C10, Moog K6098.
(1) Power steering box, 3-1/4 turn, Lares #1075 remanufactured. (Love it)

~Tim

EDIT: The PO had shortened springs that I replaced with stock height Moog springs. I got them through Summit as I don't think Rock Auto had them (MOG-6082). I'm happy with the ride height and it rides and handles great.

[Mike C]

I would use ECE for sure if you were in the US, but Grumpy makes a valid point since you are international shipping.

I would do 1” springs with the spindles in the front and a 6” rear spring. Save your money on the rear discs unless you just have to have “the look”. There is no real gain over the drums for a street driven truck.

Spend any extra money on 17 or 18 inch wheels and tires which won’t look like rubber bands on rims and be the best handling improvement you can make.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

Early Classic Enterprises (ECE) not the cheapest but great help and the stuff works.
https://www.earlyclassic.com/

I'll give a nod for ECE also! They're the only company I'll recommend for stock style lowering components. They also sell all the rebuilt parts, so it's one-stop shopping

_ABC_ What position do you play in hockey?

[Grumpy old man]

I used the CPP parts for a number of reasons ,

Fast free shipping , They price matched Ebay at $215.00 for the drop spindles , CPP spindles don't widen the track width . And I like buying from Summit . Worked for me .

[67C10Step]

Great thread and information guys. I am looking ahead to do the exact same conversion on my 67 by spring. Subscribed.

[68 P.O.S.]

ECE has everything you need. One stop shop. Give 'em a call and they'll set you up.