5 Lug Conversion/Disc Brake help

[WhiteCST]

I’m wanting to convert my 6 lug C10 to 5 lugs all around and could use some help sorting through the myriad of options. I’m ultimately wanting to have at least a 3/5 drop (possibly 4/5) and would like to convert to disc brakes as well due to my build plans. Has anyone used a 5 lug drop spindle disc brake kit to achieve the goals listed above? If so, pics and info? I’ve read about guys using front crossmembers and suspension components from later model trucks. Is this method possible to adjust ride height? And if you did it that way, how would the rear be converted? I hate to come off as a complete noob but there’s a huge amount of options and it’s difficult to figure out what the best way is. Not afraid to spend a little money, but if there’s a better or just as good way for less then why not? Figured the best way to learn would be to hear it from those who have already done it. Any tips or info or pictures of builds fitting my goals above would be GREATLY appreciated. Obligatory truck pic :

[WhiteCST]

Not sure why the picture rotated, oh well

[WhiteCST]

Anyone?

[Warrens69GMC]

3" inch drop spindles (McGaughys) or similar ,
Axle flip kit

[Mike C]

I used the Early Classic Enterprises disc conversion drop spindles and 2" springs on the front of my '69. Leaf spring rear with HD leafs is flipped using DJM kit and 71-72 5 lug wider axle housing.

Net drop is 4 1/2" in the front and 7" in the rear. I added a stock front swaybar with ECE dropped bar brackets. I removed the overload in the rear because I have a set of CalTrac bars that interfered with it.

[WhiteCST]

Originally Posted by Mike C

I used the Early Classic Enterprises disc conversion drop spindles and 2" springs on the front of my '69. Leaf spring rear with HD leafs is flipped using DJM kit and 71-72 5 lug wider axle housing.

Net drop is 4 1/2" in the front and 7" in the rear. I added a stock front swaybar with ECE dropped bar brackets. I removed the overload in the rear because I have a set of CalTrac bars that interfered with it.

I love the look of your truck. Definitely will consider that kit

[WhiteCST]

I have coil springs with the auxiliary leafspring on the back. Is this unusual? Only reason I ask is because your truck has leaves and I think the axle flip kit Warren mentioned is for leaves as well. .

[Mike C]

You are correct that a coil spring truck does not utilize a flip. You will need to remove the overloads on your coil spring setup when you drop it.

Coils give you more options for lowering heights and are cheaper as well. I would call Early Classic Enterprises and buy a complete kit from them. The phone still works great for getting exactly what you want!

[WhiteCST]

I’ve heard lots of things about ECE, think I’ll give them a call for sure. Thank you!

[Overdriven]

If you go to the suspension section and read the FAQ and sticky threads at the top you’ll find some useful info that answers some of your questions. There’s also a picture thread for “static drop” trucks so you can get a better idea of the drop you want.

A 73-87 front crossmember is a bolt in but it doesn’t lower the truck at all. You just get different ball joints, bushings, brakes and tie rods. Some of the disc brake kits out there are using 73-87 components. If you have trailing arm rear suspension it’s generally preferred to keep it, 73-87 uses leaf springs out back.

For 3/5 or 4/5 you probably want a drop spindle and spring combo for the front. Using drop spindles instead of just springs keeps more suspension travel for a better ride. Out back you can get a 5 inch drop with just springs but using 1” or 2” lowering blocks to get part way there seems to be preferred. Lowering blocks, like drop spindles maintain more suspension travel helpin ride. For the rear you will want an aftermarket adjustable panhard bar kit to center the rear axle side to side after lowering.

If you want a more handling oriented build there are various suspension kits out there. They range from bolt on components to replacement front crossmembers with suspension and whole rear suspensions to whole chassis. Obviously these are a more complete package and the price reflects that. Companies like No Limit, RideTech, Hotchkis, and others listed in the “suspension marketplace” on this site.

[WhiteCST]

That’s great info, and being new to the site I wasn’t aware there was a specific suspension section so thank you for that. I do intend to keep the trailing arm suspension and would like pretty decent handling as this is likely to become a decent hp/torque street truck with the engine build. Guess I’ll have to check out the suspension section and take a look at some of those kits. Thanks again for the info