Disc conversion or Suspension upgrade first?

[Matthewjb]

Hey all, wanted to get you opinion on this. I'm planning in the next wk to either get disc brakes or suspension. Is there any preferance of order that I should purchase?

[BMERDOC]

All depends on the condition of the components. What do you need worse? Are you lowering it? Do you have a budget?

[Tork?]

What are your long term goals? That will help you match up what to get.
If you're looking for a stock like ride with a small drop, then I would get a basic disc conversion first. If you're looking to get more hardcore with upgraded control arms etc and a big brake kit, I would do suspension first.

[Matthewjb]

Nothing short term since everything is ripped down to frame. As for teh stance, I dont want it to be a lowrider but I want to sit low enough to handle well. Def want better than a stock ride. This truck will have some power behind it.

[Matthewjb]

Yes I have a budget, Iv'e got about 1600 to spend right now.

[67ChevyRedneck]

What do you mean by "suspension." Do you mean modified upper and lower control arms, etc? or do you mean "lowering"?

Because if you're swapping spindles to convert from drums to disc you might as well do it all at once because you can buy a dropped spindle to get some of the drop and get the rest with springs. Since the whole thing is apart, now is the best time to install all new bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. I don't think a drop and disc brake upgrade should be more than your budget.

[Matthewjb]

I dont think I will buy new control arms, but I will rebuild with a front end rebuild kit---new bushings tie rods, etc as you mentioned. However, I do want to put sway bars and changing to 5 lug, etc.

[MARKDTN]

They really go hand-in-hand. Need to do front suspension with a brake swap together.

[russgoodman]

ECE will do a combo drop kit/front disc brake conversion package if you call or email them. It was under $1300 I believe. Now if you are doing a 4 wheel disc conversion thats another story.

[Matthewjb]

Ok good deal I will give them a ring..No I think I'm going to keep drums in the back and disc up front.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Have you seen the stuff from this company? They have conversion kits/drops, etc. They also have axle conversion kits for the rear if you don't want to find a 5 lug rear axle.

http://earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

[CC69Rat]

If you go with ECE - Talk to Stan. Tell him you're a forum member and there is a discount available. I think it's 10%, .. but 10% of $1300 is significant. Good luck man, Stan will fix you up. Just a reminder 63-70 balljoints are different than 71-72. You'll want to make sure they match up with your spindles (if you do dropped spindles) I'd suggest replacing the balljoints while you have it apart, not so easy to do but well worth the effort after it's done. Just make sure if they give you 71-72 spindles you have 71-72 balljoints, or 63-70 same idea. I'm 100% sure Stan will take care of you just tell him what year your truck is .. etc. etc. Just a heads up.

[Matthewjb]

Awesome. I just called Stan and he was great. I think I have something in mind. Thanks for all the help!