Dampening the 4/6 ECE - Properly!?!?

[im4darush]

Because I have the 2" spindles, I got the 1-2" lowered shock. For the rear I got the 5" lowered ones.

CPP-4809G 1963-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas front Shock 1"-2" lowered, each
$39.00

CPP-4052G 1960-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas rear 5" lowered, each
$39.00

[Ekliptix]

Awesome, thanks. Summit is out of stock for rear ones, so I'll have to patiently wait.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by im4darush

Because I have the 2" spindles, I got the 1-2" lowered shock. For the rear I got the 5" lowered ones.

CPP-4809G 1963-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas front Shock 1"-2" lowered, each
$39.00

CPP-4052G 1960-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas rear 5" lowered, each
$39.00

I think you meant 2" springs. A 2" drop spindle has ZERO affect on shock height or travel.

Thanks for the review/sizes. I think I will be ordering a set soon. I put a few hundred miles on the truck this weekend over some rough mountain roads, and there was a lot left to be desired. I've driven those same roads on the stock height stuff a few times, and there is a definite drop in ride comfort with the kyb shocks.

Ironically, I have KYBs on my 65 Mustang and she rides really nice and well mannered. Go figure. I can't remember if they're the gas adjust or excel G though, but a 65 mustang suspension has nothing in common with a 67-72 C10, well, unless you have leaf springs out back.

[im4darush]

Im lowered 4" in the front so even though I do have drop spindles, I also have 1.5" drop springs. Thats the reason for getting the 1-2" drop shocks.

[engine38]

Porterbuilt makes a front shock upper relocation bracket to allow the use of Ridetech's (or other mfgs.) shocks. I have been following this thread and called Ridetech several weeks ago. Due to the static drop of 4.5" up front, there isn't much room for travel. I was a bit discouraged until I mentioned it to a good friend who whipped out the PB brackets. Ridetech said they also have those relocation brackets, should you care to go with them. I decided to go with the HQs, so I can have some adjustability.

My eye to eye measurement up front: 11" (currently), with new brackets:15"
Eye to eye rear: 14.75"

Be advised: Using the relocation brackets, you will have to clear the inner fender above the frame rail where the bracket interferes just a bit because the shock length will be longer, ~15".

I got the shocks on their way and the brackets in hand, so I'll post my impressions when I have it installed and some miles on it in a couple weeks.

My setup:
2.5" dropped spindles
2" front springs
6" rear springs
1.5" blocks
Rear shock relocation
Super track bar
C-notch

[Ekliptix]

I'm told the spindle does not impact shock travel, only the coil. Fyi for when you're selecting your shock. I have the same setup as you minus the blocks and c-notch.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by engine38

Porterbuilt makes a front shock upper relocation bracket to allow the use of Ridetech's (or other mfgs.) shocks. I have been following this thread and called Ridetech several weeks ago. Due to the static drop of 4.5" up front, there isn't much room for travel. I was a bit discouraged until I mentioned it to a good friend who whipped out the PB brackets. Ridetech said they also have those relocation brackets, should you care to go with them. I decided to go with the HQs, so I can have some adjustability.

My eye to eye measurement up front: 11" (currently), with new brackets:15"
Eye to eye rear: 14.75"

Be advised: Using the relocation brackets, you will have to clear the inner fender above the frame rail where the bracket interferes just a bit because the shock length will be longer, ~15".

I got the shocks on their way and the brackets in hand, so I'll post my impressions when I have it installed and some miles on it in a couple weeks.

My setup:
2.5" dropped spindles
2" front springs
6" rear springs
1.5" blocks
Rear shock relocation
Super track bar
C-notch

Drop spindles have ZERO impact on shock travel. None, zero, zilch, nada. So, you only need to "compensate" for the 2" drop springs up front, NOT all 4.5", so you shouldn't need any kind of relocation bracket for the front, just a slightly shorter shock, unless you just want to add specific shocks "just because."

[Ruscal]

Going with a vendors 2", 3" drop shocks is a general guide to fitment, but to do it more accurately is a lot more hassle, but takes some guesswork out of the job. Following is how I did my front shock install.
First install the control arms and bump stops you will use. Then install the springs to get your stance just right. You can then take an eye to eye measurement with the vehicle on the ground. With that measurement in mind you can check shocks available from vendors. Keep in mind that you can relocate your upper shock mount to accommodate a longer shock if needed. A longer shock typically yields more usable travel.
Next you need to remove the spring and collapse the suspension onto the bump stop.
Take another eye to eye measurement. That measurement then has to be shortened a guessed amount to compensate for bump stop compression. I used 1" for my Hotchkis beehive bumps. Record that dimension.
You can now calculate the travel you will need, which will give you an idea of the total shock length to buy. Don't forget to figure upward travel for when the truck will become unweighted.
I thought it was best to relocate my upper shock mounts upward a few inches to fit a shock with plenty of travel. I also moved the mounts forward to get better alignment with the Hotchkis A arms.
I used Ridetech's catalog to select the closest shock to my measurements. They have a good selection of sizes.
Once the shocks arrived I then mocked up the upper mounts to optomize function. You want the suspension to bottom before the shock does. I have about an extra inch clearance. The mounts ended up about 3" higher than stock. I am using Hotchkis springs that probably drop about 2" Plus or minus. I purchased Porterbuilt upper mounts, but thought I could get better positioning by fabbing my own.
I have some pics on another computer I will include in a following post.
The rear shocks can be calculated in much the same way.
Russ

[Ruscal]

Here are some shots of my upper shock mounts. I notched them so they could be moved forward for better alignment. Hopefully they are still strong enough! Ha!
You can see the stock mounting location under my mounts. The frame is bulged there, requiring my new mounts to stand off a ways.
Russ

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by im4darush

For the rear I got the 5" lowered ones.

CPP-4052G 1960-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas rear 5" lowered, each
$39.00

I finally had some time to measure. The rear shocks on my truck are 14.5" eye to eye at ride height with the ECE 6" drop and relocation brackets, I'm not sure if this P/N listed would be the best shocks to use as ride height is very close to the full extended length of the shock.


Extended Length (in):
15.500 in.

Collapsed Length (in):
10.000 in.

For my truck at least, the CPP shocks CPP-4095G would be a much better, more correct fit. These are the 2-4" rear drop shocks.

Extended Length (in):
18-1/2”

Collapsed Length (in):
11-3/4”


For reference my front shocks are 11" at ride height, so the 1-2" drop shocks will work well up front.

[67ChevyRedneck]

You guys were right, it wasn't an "OH MY GOD!" difference, but the ride is noticeably dampened compared to before, much less bouncy and jittery. I still don't think it rides as well as stock height, but much improved now.

[67ChevyRedneck]

My truck has a 4/6 drop with 2.5" spindles and 1.5" springs so I went with CPP-4809G for the front (1-2" drop) and 6" rear drop springs, but with the ECE relocation brackets so I went with CPP-4095G (the 2-4" drop ones).

The rear has plenty of room for movement now.

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

My truck has a 4/6 drop with 2.5" spindles and 1.5" springs so I went with CPP-4809G for the front (1-2" drop) and 6" rear drop springs, but with the ECE relocation brackets so I went with CPP-4095G (the 2-4" drop ones).

The rear has plenty of room for movement now.

What was the final degrees of the rear shocks after the rear shock relocation kit installation? Stock shock mountings will lay the shock down more with drop springs. Just wondering did it make a great deal of difference in how the shock ended up leaning?

[Ekliptix]

I have ECE's 2" front drop coil (and 2.5 spindle), and their 6" rear drop spring.
Just ordered
- CPP-4809G 1963-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas front Shock 1"-2" lowered
- CPP-4052G 1960-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas rear 5" lowered, each

I've been looking at the no limit rear shock relocation kit. It aligns the top of the rear shock in a better location for shock movement. Looking at my current ECE rear kit, I can likely flip the current bottom bracket around so it's facing rearward like the no limit kit, then I'd just need the no limit style upper shock mount to finish the deal
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1296934155

Anyone else looking at this to improve the rear?

Btw, I spoke with CPP about the Bilstine shocks on their website and they said none of them are the right length for a 4/6 drop.

[im4darush]

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

I have ECE's 2" front drop coil (and 2.5 spindle), and their 6" rear drop spring.
Just ordered
- CPP-4809G 1963-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas front Shock 1"-2" lowered
- CPP-4052G 1960-72 CPP Nitrogen Gas rear 5" lowered, each

I've been looking at the no limit rear shock relocation kit. It aligns the top of the rear shock in a better location for shock movement. Looking at my current ECE rear kit, I can likely flip the current bottom bracket around so it's facing rearward like the no limit kit, then I'd just need the no limit style upper shock mount to finish the deal
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1296934155

Anyone else looking at this to improve the rear?

Btw, I spoke with CPP about the Bilstine shocks on their website and they said none of them are the right length for a 4/6 drop.

I have the no limit rear relocation setup on a different truck that is bagged. It is a great kit and works fantastic. Putting the shocks on the outside of the frame improves handling and stability quite a bit. It obviously also stands the shock up so you can go as low as you like. Great kit!

[mcbassin]

I know this is an old thread. I'd like to bring it back to the top to see how you guys like your shock choices. I am about to buy some for my truck and would like to get some feedback now that you have had some time to drive these different shocks for a while.
I want a good ride.
Thanks