LOWERING MY 69 long bed

[69lowNlong]

FOR SALE NOW...BEST OFFER
im new to this site: i just picked up a stock 69 long bed and i am looking to get the 3/5 drop as well i plan on getting the shocks with the kit what else would i have to do? i seen comments about a relocation if there is more i need to do could i get some DIY links with pictures so i can get this done! thanks guys

[69lowNlong]

come on nothing??? also would sway bars be a good upgrade?

[craig@ridetech.com]

what type of drop are you looking for? i.e. airsprings or coilsprings. In either case a swaybar is definitely a good idea.

[jimmydean]

My truck is a '60 LWB as well. I was going to do a 3/5 with coils and drop spindles. In the end, I went bags.

But if you are happy with coils, then it's easy:
Early Calssics has a 2/4 kit with everything you need for $480
or the 4/6 kit for $800 that includes converting to a disc front. You might want to notch the frame as well on the 6" drop.

[69lowNlong]

well i don't really want to jump into notching the frame or anything to major yet without more research plus winter is here so for now i was just going with coil spring and the 3/5 drop and ride with that for a while! i am really looking to do body work also have a few panels that need raplacing! thanks for the info!

[69lowNlong]

again is there anything that i will need to relocate with the 3/5 spring drop? i read something about shock recolating or something?

[craig@ridetech.com]

I don't see a need to relocate shocks, if anything you might have to use one that has a different travel range than the factory style but you should be able to keep them mounted to the factory locations.

[jimmydean]

In that picture, you will see 4 small brackets on the bottom with a few bolts. Those relocate the lower shock mount to correct for the lowered stance. That kit includes everything you would need to drop.

You talked about the sway bar, you can just get a kit for that. I am using the factory sway bar with upgraded bushings. I will replace it at some point, but it works for now.

As for notching the frame, it's not required on a 6" drop, but if you carry loads, then you might hit the frame.

[69lowNlong]

ok again i am going with the 3/5 drop FOR SURE, will i be needing the relocation brackets for the 3/5? if so is there a place where i can get the brackets by themselves i do not want to spend the 480-800 on lowering the truck! if you could let me know i would appreciate it also if there is a how to or DIY thread or link that would be great!

[49studebaker]

As far as shock mount relocation brackets, if you or someone you know has simple fabrication skills and a welder, it would be easy to fab brackets to relocate the mounts yourself(you can even get an idea on design from the picture of ECE's). Mine is dropped 4 inch's and I don't plan on relocating my shock mounts, but your's being a bit lower, I would consider it. Wait until you get the springs mounted and if it appears the shocks original shock mounts are such that the shock will be laying a bit too flat, you can always go from there. The issue I have right now is, stock gas shocks are about $21 a piece, shocks for lowered trucks are almost double that. Same exact shock just shorter. So, does anyone know the part numbers of the KYB's that come with the lowering kit?

[69lowNlong]

but the question i am asking is what is the bracket and dimension ect. ect. also about the shocks...you can get the lowering shocks for about 45 a piece

[69lowNlong]

ok so i just called early classics tech line and he told me ANY time you lower the rear any further then 4" then you need to relocate the shock brackets! so if i am lowering the rear 5" then i am going to have to relocate...thanks for all the info

oh and the brackets are about $69

[jimmydean]

I bought my shock "kit" that was 4 new shocks (slightly shorter for lowered trucks) and it came with the relocating brackets for $160. So I got the brackets for free in a sense.

You don't HAVE to relocate them, but for the shocks to work the way they are supposed to, its a good idea.

[69lowNlong]

ok