So any you guys had experience w/ the install of the early classic disc swap/drop. is there anything that I should watch for? and if you guys had the choice betewn the trailing arm rear suspension and leaf spring rears ---- what would you want? Thanks
I did the install ! It went like clockwork. Advice: Take the time NOW to rebuild the ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends (outer), and idler arm. The results will be all the more pleasing. Replace the springs too if you haven't considered it. The kit went in in less than 8 hours in my garage using a set of modest hand tools. Trailing arms are my choice. If I would be towing a trailer a lot ?? Leafs ! Val
I Did The Same As D Valintine. I Completly Agree. The Swap Is A Piece Of Cake. Like Dennis Says, Definetly Install New Steering, And Suspension Components As The Truck Will Drive Like A New Vehicle Again. I Also Preffer The Trailing Arms Because Its Like Have A Factor Ladder Bar Set Up!!
ok, they said that kit comes w/ everything, ball joints, tie rod ends, so do you need anything else to in stall the kit? <- they said all I need was grease for the bearings and brake fluid. springs -> how critical is it to replace them, and would you use lowering springs or stock springs, I did order the 2.5" drop spindles. (both the wife and I are college students, money comes at a premium) and with the rear suspension, my GMC's has factory leafs, is it possible to convert over to the trailing arm style suspension. I've looked at a few trucks here at a place called hopkins that have 3 great donor trucks for the rear suspension I'm just concerns it work than I comfortable tackling, any thoughts? Thanks Tony
If you are talking to Early Classic Ent,, and they said thats' all you need? THEN That's All You Need. I did need to get a brake line T fitting, you may not need to. I think it was $1.75... New springs and shocks are the icing on the cake. Imagine how tired and saggy You would be after almost 50 years ! ( I don't need to imagine. I just look in a mirror.) Early Classic also supplies drop leaf springs for the rear of GMCs. Stay with leafs. Trying to retro-fit Chevy trailing arm suspension would be a lot of work. You can also consider lowering blocks for the rear to bring it down. If money is tight do the disk brake upgrade now, then budget for replacing the front & rear springs & shocks later. Val
When Lowering And/or Upgrading To New Suspension Youll Want To Go With Earlyclassics Bigger Sway Bar, Its Much More Stable For Handling And It Comes With Lowered Brackets To Match Up To The Rest Of Your Lowering Kit. Its Not Much Fun To Be Dragging Your Sway Bar.
cool, thanks guys, I'm doing the disc brake conversion, as soon as it comes in and the springs and shocks are going to have to wait a couple of months, and then I'll do the sway bar upgrade. you guys are amazing info gurus about these trucks!!!!! thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
new question...... on the early classic conversion kit the prop valve on the front has a brass point w/ rubber boot and on the top it has white plastic thing....... Help!!!!
Call EARLY CLASSIC on their 800 number. If the advice you get here or on any other forum is incorrect it could give you problems with the results. Don't be afraid to call EC. They are great about answering questions. DV
