Man, I took a break trying to get front hangers off my pops 70 Ford stepside. I could not get those suckers to break free. After seeing you use the same process and having success, gave me confidence to get mean with pry bar and air hammer the seam. After partial hearing loss, and pissing off all neighbors, Yay, success! Thank you. 81 chevy SWB next...
Don't be disappointed with the drop, the leaf springs have relaxed and over time will settle and you will probably get close to the advertised ride height. Keep up the good work! Always love to see some of your tricks when working on older vehicles.
@@PandaMan02 that way of thinking would apply if the kit replaced the springs with new ones but his kit reused the worn out factory springs and moved the mounts up. The springs have relaxed by not having weight on them, they will settle down to the advertised drop.
1) I'm definitely staying dirty. 2) I've started hollering "I win" when I get something to finally come off or go on. It gives me a boost of happy. Thanks for saying it enough that I caught on!
I truly appreciate the "Dezz Nuttz" reference from Eric. Eric S, Eric O & Scotty "Money Pits" Kilmer always have me entertained with their years of certified knowledge & sense of humor. Oh, cannot forget ChrisFix.
BELT TENSIONING TOOL!! why didn't I know that existed? I remember fighting with my 02 Explorer with the 4.6 which had no clearance to do a serpentine belt; this think would have made life easier, ah well, that was a loooooong time ago; might still pick one up though, as it has other uses due to its profile - thanks for the tip. EDIT: These videos appear to have a much lighter mood than the mini series did, maybe Camera man Brian being back in the fold has something to do with it, but I think it's really the fact that you are into this project and very much enjoying it; keep the content coming, and keep having fun.
Thank you for the insight. Well, I like working on this truck more than the Mini. Not because the Mini was bad so much as I'm excited to see what my dad thinks of this truck when I'm done. Also, I'm in a better mood these days. Thanks for noticing.
10:35 Gravity check complete! I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and someone saw me watching your videos. He asked me if I don't get enough "mechanic shit" every day. lol.
Eric I loved the fairmont project but I’m almost tempted to say I like this project a little bit more cause a few years ago my stepdad owned a 93 Chevy c1500 single cab pick up truck still with its stock 5 speed manual transmission and the 5.3l v8 these videos are bringing back memories and I love it thanks
Another AWESOME video man, you really make it look easy . Thanks for taking the time to do these its really a big help. Keep up the good work brother !
If you need a shorter drive shaft, you can always get in touch with a big rig shop and get them to either make you one or alter the one you have. They do that kind of work surprisingly often from what I'm told. I'm also told they don't charge much to make it/modify it. I haven't actually needed a driveshaft cut yet, but I got the info from a buddy that has. Good luck.
Eric dont you love it when you do some work your way, rather then doing what the manual says, and it saves you time and money. #automotivehacks ty for content. The differential cover and rear brakes look good btw
I'm sure you've probably already filmed all of this, but... I'm willing to bet the suspension will settle after a bit. Obviously you only replaced the shocks, but even then, those are still brand new parts that have yet to "break in." I agree, though, it looks fantastic the way it is, and I can't wait to see the front suspension finished up!
I'm not either. More of a Ford guy. But I have to say I really do like the GMT400 body style. Always thought they were easy to work on for the most part and very flexible in terms of what you want to do.
Super nice job Eric when i do these i put the diff over the top of the leaf springs and cut a c notch weld in plates keep all neat. Ive not had a chance to make videos but some day once agin great job.
I have a 1992 C1500 single cab long box, I plan on lowering it like this as well, my wheel setup is a bit different though... Cragar SS 15x8 on the front, 15x15 on the rear. these videos should help me for when I do it to mine, thanks for these Eric, and expect videos of mine as well
If treated properly, this truck will last forever, it seems it has had a good life so far, so I suspect it will be in your family for a long time to come. Years ago, out in a driveway in the cold of February, I helped a friend make up all new brake lines for a truck very similar to this. I did not like the truck after that cold day. Glad you have a place inside to work.
Thanks Eric for the video of your dad's truck. I have a 1990 Chevrolet Scottsdale K1500 I want to restore so i have been very interested in this series you are doing
I did this same kit on my 91 Extra cab long ago and it was perfect as you say not slammed but nice rake using the 2 - 4 drop kit. I so miss that truck it was t boned back in 1997. I do have a picture of it before though ;-)
Eric, anyone ever tell you that you are SUPER MANLY? I coud not have remoed that hanger with a cut off wheel and air chisel, but you did it like a seasoned pro. Because you have lots of experience do such things, because you have lived your life in a manly way.
done the same type spring relocation kit on my ck 1500 extra cab .. got my nuts on the inside looks tidier just takes a few more swear woods .. i lifted the rear of the trans with 1 inch spacer and put 6 degree wedges between the springs and diff to correct the pinion angle .. the drive shaft length is fine .. no real vibration problems ... the drop was not 4 inches as advertised ... people looking for the wedges may look at a 4x4 shop as theyre also used in a lift kit in the front with solid axle .. i notice on your u bolts some u tightened up and some you torqued down .. witch is best
Good tip using the cut off tool and air hammer combo to remove those rivets. I would have wasted a lot of time with a grinder that doesn't want to fit and would have gouged everything in the surrounding area. :)
Nice Video. By not dropping the gas tank you showed how a person would be able to perform a chasis lower without the use of a lift. Lets face it dropping a gas tank on your back in your garage/driveway is a BIG "B". I like the fact that ETCG still thinks about the people doing the work without lifts and major shop tools.
Future tip: use some like 22g welding wire or some thin bailing wire wrapped around the threads of the bolts will make it super easy to thread bolts through the holes
You have done a good 👍 job on repairing the Rear suspension Drop on your dad truck I love ❤️ your video 📷 the are best thing I can't wait for the next video 📷
It should settle a bit when you drive it. I've also had a drive shaft shop tell me that when lowering that much you'll most likely need to have the driveshaft shortened. I have a 4 inch drop that I'll be putting in my Dakota soon and I know I'm going to have to bring the driveshaft back to them to have them shorten it (I had a driveshaft made for it when I swapped the trans and rear end, since a Dakota never came with an 8 3/4).
These old c1500 trucks have a really nice look and when they get lowered they have great stance. My 93 chevy cheyenne 1500 needs a lowering like your dads truck
Eric, As always it was another great video. I would like to comment that style of lower u-bolt retainer was a bad design. It collects dirt and water and I have seen them rust through. Yours has held up this long so it probably won't be a problem for you but you might consider replacement them.
"I like getting punched in the face every now and again, cause, y'know, from my MMA days" I was too busy laughing to hear whatever you said for the next few minutes 😂
I had to loosen the ebrake cable treaded bit on my Ford E150 van with the undercoating getting sucked in. I finally removed the cable and cleaned it as you did. Ugh!
I usually tighten the shackles and spring eyes with the weight of the truck on them . You can actually bind up the rubber bushing . Kind of a pain but doable on jack stands or 4 post lift .
in the future grab the belltech street scene shocks.They are the silver colored shocks. better handeling shock then the nitro's. Nitros are more or less a budget shock . i use the Street Scene shocks used them on my 02 blazer xtreme(on my second set) to replace factory bilstiens and also running them on my 83 malibu wagon. For sthe front bumpstop i used an energy suspension poly bump pad about 3/4" thick bolted to where factory bump stop went. also the truck will drop more as the springs settle and break in . they also make pinion angle plates to correct the pinion angle if needed.
Could you put the slip yoke in a lathe or something and shorten it a little? I’m with you on this one Eric. I don’t see how you could run a stock length with a rear drop either. I would also be concerned about that thing slamming into the back of the trans. It’s kind of like running with stock suspension bottomed out all day and then have to travel in some more.
That's what I was thinking too, maybe the full 4" comes after it has actually driven a bit and the springs have bounced up and down a bit. Now it's all new and stiff.
I just did drop shackles on my 89 5 speed Scottsdale and I didn’t move the driveshaft. My truck is a little rusty and the two bottom bolts on the factory shackles gave me a run for my money I used a sledge and a air hammer still took forever.
Me and a buddy did this by moving the rear end from mounted under the leaf springs to mounted on top of the leaf springs. Number of parts bought. Two shocks.
Without any load in the back it looks really good. People often go too far and make a vehicle look really silly, just my old man opinion of cause. Those rivit heads just didn't stand a chance :-D. Gotta love good tools.
did you check to see if your locator pin on your leaf springs is centered from one end of the spring to the other? some of them are just a fraction of an inch front or back which if you got the leafs swapped end to end could move your rear end forward
Excited to watch this build even though I’m a Ford guy at heart. I know you said you didn’t have the pump yet, but couldn’t you have dropped the tank still in preparation? Going to drive it around after the suspension first? Either way great vid.
EricTheCarGuy that makes perfect sense. Get the suspension dialed in and perfect before the performance mods. I remember you now explaining the tank could get loosened as well.
I was wondering if the kit that you used to lower your truck would work on a 1994 C2500 Silverado with a long bed? I have been enjoying all the uploads on this truck that you have done so far. Am looking forward to see what you do with the engine.
Instead of shortening the drive shaft couldn't you find a shorter front yoke? Just asking as I really don't know for sure if that can be done,,,, Nice work!
Never get tired of watching someone wrenching on old Chevy's...it's therapeutic...
Cool!!! I can't wait to try it!!!
Absolutely
Man, I took a break trying to get front hangers off my pops 70 Ford stepside. I could not get those suckers to break free. After seeing you use the same process and having success, gave me confidence to get mean with pry bar and air hammer the seam. After partial hearing loss, and pissing off all neighbors, Yay, success! Thank you. 81 chevy SWB next...
Don't be disappointed with the drop, the leaf springs have relaxed and over time will settle and you will probably get close to the advertised ride height. Keep up the good work! Always love to see some of your tricks when working on older vehicles.
I did a similar kit. My rear settled after driving it after a few miles. It settled down another 1”. Total drop just under 4”
its 4 inches is probably compared to stock height, not worn out old suspension height.
@@PandaMan02 my thought exactly!
@@PandaMan02 that way of thinking would apply if the kit replaced the springs with new ones but his kit reused the worn out factory springs and moved the mounts up. The springs have relaxed by not having weight on them, they will settle down to the advertised drop.
1) I'm definitely staying dirty. 2) I've started hollering "I win" when I get something to finally come off or go on. It gives me a boost of happy. Thanks for saying it enough that I caught on!
Good one! That air chisel is oddly satisfying to watch!
I truly appreciate the "Dezz Nuttz" reference from Eric. Eric S, Eric O & Scotty "Money Pits" Kilmer always have me entertained with their years of certified knowledge & sense of humor. Oh, cannot forget ChrisFix.
BELT TENSIONING TOOL!! why didn't I know that existed? I remember fighting with my 02 Explorer with the 4.6 which had no clearance to do a serpentine belt; this think would have made life easier, ah well, that was a loooooong time ago; might still pick one up though, as it has other uses due to its profile - thanks for the tip.
EDIT: These videos appear to have a much lighter mood than the mini series did, maybe Camera man Brian being back in the fold has something to do with it, but I think it's really the fact that you are into this project and very much enjoying it; keep the content coming, and keep having fun.
Thank you for the insight. Well, I like working on this truck more than the Mini. Not because the Mini was bad so much as I'm excited to see what my dad thinks of this truck when I'm done. Also, I'm in a better mood these days. Thanks for noticing.
10:35 Gravity check complete! I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and someone saw me watching your videos. He asked me if I don't get enough "mechanic shit" every day. lol.
Well, I appreciate you watching!
hi eric thanks for all the videos man love these ol trucks
Thank you!
Eric I loved the fairmont project but I’m almost tempted to say I like this project a little bit more cause a few years ago my stepdad owned a 93 Chevy c1500 single cab pick up truck still with its stock 5 speed manual transmission and the 5.3l v8 these videos are bringing back memories and I love it thanks
No offense taken. I'm just happy you're watching. Thanks for the comment.
Ughhh I'm loving this series but damn you I need MOAR. Keep up the good work cant wait for the new videos
I'm editing as fast as I can. ;)
Another AWESOME video man, you really make it look easy . Thanks for taking the time to do these its really a big help. Keep up the good work brother !
If you need a shorter drive shaft, you can always get in touch with a big rig shop and get them to either make you one or alter the one you have. They do that kind of work surprisingly often from what I'm told. I'm also told they don't charge much to make it/modify it. I haven't actually needed a driveshaft cut yet, but I got the info from a buddy that has. Good luck.
Love this “building dads truck series”!! 👍🏼 great job Eric
Thanks!
Eric dont you love it when you do some work your way, rather then doing what the manual says, and it saves you time and money. #automotivehacks ty for content. The differential cover and rear brakes look good btw
Literally just got done watching the first episode and was searching for this episode when I got the alert
I've just started working on my own channel. Editing is a beating and yours is awesome. Nice work sir! Really liking the Dad's truck series so far!
Thanks. Good luck with your channel!
I'm sure you've probably already filmed all of this, but... I'm willing to bet the suspension will settle after a bit. Obviously you only replaced the shocks, but even then, those are still brand new parts that have yet to "break in." I agree, though, it looks fantastic the way it is, and I can't wait to see the front suspension finished up!
Very nice . Glad the truck is not too low , it looks better at that height and is still a Usable TRUCK .
I'm not really a Chevy guy, but I'm digging this project. Can't wait to see the final stance.
I'm not either. More of a Ford guy. But I have to say I really do like the GMT400 body style. Always thought they were easy to work on for the most part and very flexible in terms of what you want to do.
Great job!! I did the same thing on my Tahoe. But I for sure got the full four inch drop. I love the way she looks!!
Thanks for your time and help. I've got a 1999 Chevy Silverado that I'm slowly doing a drop in it and your a great help with the videos
I don’t care for dropped trucks but that does look good. You spent some time cleaning and painting all of those parts and frame rails. Nice work. 👌🏻
I would highly recommend adding a rear sway bar. It really transforms the way a truck drives.
I have considered it.
How I can do that I need video
Super nice job Eric when i do these i put the diff over the top of the leaf springs and cut a c notch weld in plates keep all neat. Ive not had a chance to make videos but some day once agin great job.
Just to give you a heads up Eric. Did this to an 89, ran into the same problem with the drive shaft. It all worked flawlessly after it settled.
Chiseling bolt or rivet heads is suuuch a cathartic experience especially when your chisel is sharp. Like cuttin' buttah! :)
Looks very good. Perfect. And keep the truck still very usable.
You can never go too low. My 95 ranger had the frame sitting on the axle. It was literally a hard tail. It was awesome.
I had a 4/6 on my 95 ranger, it was pretty damn awesome except that damn transmission cross member that liked to hit everything!
At work with this playing and I laughed out loud at the “de’s nuts” haha
I have a 1992 C1500 single cab long box, I plan on lowering it like this as well, my wheel setup is a bit different though... Cragar SS 15x8 on the front, 15x15 on the rear. these videos should help me for when I do it to mine, thanks for these Eric, and expect videos of mine as well
If treated properly, this truck will last forever, it seems it has had a good life so far, so I suspect it will be in your family for a long time to come. Years ago, out in a driveway in the cold of February, I helped a friend make up all new brake lines for a truck very similar to this. I did not like the truck after that cold day. Glad you have a place inside to work.
Thanks Eric for the video of your dad's truck. I have a 1990 Chevrolet Scottsdale K1500 I want to restore so i have been very interested in this series you are doing
"Well if it was easy, everyone would do it!" I don't remember which wise man told me that. Great progress.
I did this same kit on my 91 Extra cab long ago and it was perfect as you say not slammed but nice rake using the 2 - 4 drop kit. I so miss that truck it was t boned back in 1997. I do have a picture of it before though ;-)
My type of ride height, not too low but low enough. Looking good,Eric!
I agree.
Eric, anyone ever tell you that you are SUPER MANLY?
I coud not have remoed that hanger with a cut off wheel and air chisel, but you did it like a seasoned pro. Because you have lots of experience do such things, because you have lived your life in a manly way.
Great look Eric and great work love it ♥️♥️!! Makes me miss my old square body even moreee
done the same type spring relocation kit on my ck 1500 extra cab .. got my nuts on the inside looks tidier just takes a few more swear woods .. i lifted the rear of the trans with 1 inch spacer and put 6 degree wedges between the springs and diff to correct the pinion angle .. the drive shaft length is fine .. no real vibration problems ... the drop was not 4 inches as advertised ... people looking for the wedges may look at a 4x4 shop as theyre also used in a lift kit in the front with solid axle .. i notice on your u bolts some u tightened up and some you torqued down .. witch is best
Don't stop the shock with your face. Lol love it. Great video man.
Good tip using the cut off tool and air hammer combo to remove those rivets. I would have wasted a lot of time with a grinder that doesn't want to fit and would have gouged everything in the surrounding area. :)
blowtorch and a noisemaker works even better
Nice Video. By not dropping the gas tank you showed how a person would be able to perform a chasis lower without the use of a lift. Lets face it dropping a gas tank on your back in your garage/driveway is a BIG "B".
I like the fact that ETCG still thinks about the people doing the work without lifts and major shop tools.
Future tip: use some like 22g welding wire or some thin bailing wire wrapped around the threads of the bolts will make it super easy to thread bolts through the holes
You have done a good 👍 job on repairing the Rear suspension Drop on your dad truck I love ❤️ your video 📷 the are best thing I can't wait for the next video 📷
Thank you!
Loving this series so far. Can't wait for more
It should settle a bit when you drive it. I've also had a drive shaft shop tell me that when lowering that much you'll most likely need to have the driveshaft shortened. I have a 4 inch drop that I'll be putting in my Dakota soon and I know I'm going to have to bring the driveshaft back to them to have them shorten it (I had a driveshaft made for it when I swapped the trans and rear end, since a Dakota never came with an 8 3/4).
Some fish wires used in trailer hitch installation would've been perfect for those bolts. Surprisingly handy with vehicle frames
The Shock part about watch it grow was the utmost comic relief. Some minds were most likely in the gutter.
Those wheels look great with that ride height!
Looking good .... Makes me wanna get these trucks again and do this haha. Keep it up, love your vids :)
Great job - love the way you work & present this. Oh, did you see that our friend Scotty "cleaned" his garage ?
Can’t wait to see this truck done
Rule of thumb for 88-98s... If the cab corners are mint, you have yourself a decent truck worth restoring.
These old c1500 trucks have a really nice look and when they get lowered they have great stance. My 93 chevy cheyenne 1500 needs a lowering like your dads truck
Wow, a harbor freight drill that didn't just fall apart when you pulled the trigger color me impressed.
Very cool, looking forward to the next video!
Eric, As always it was another great video. I would like to comment that style of lower u-bolt retainer was a bad design. It collects dirt and water and I have seen them rust through. Yours has held up this long so it probably won't be a problem for you but you might consider replacement them.
"I like getting punched in the face every now and again, cause, y'know, from my MMA days"
I was too busy laughing to hear whatever you said for the next few minutes 😂
I had to loosen the ebrake cable treaded bit on my Ford E150 van with the undercoating getting sucked in. I finally removed the cable and cleaned it as you did. Ugh!
Really enjoyed that. Thanks for making it 👍
Just a suggestion, create a door in the box for future fuel pump removals. Other wise its drop the tank or lift the box ..............so much work !
nothing i like hearing more that air hammer blasting after hearing air hammer blasting all day at work
All us Maintenance guy are watching this on our lunch at Robert Mondavi Woodbridge wines ETCG1!
Awesome. My wife would request a tour and tasting.
Any time you are In the Sacramento area in ca you can come visit we are about 40 mins south, I will give you guys the Mechanics tour !!!
Seeing that adjuster, I understand now why it's still available from GM for my Fiero, looks like it's the same part number.
I usually tighten the shackles and spring eyes with the weight of the truck on them . You can actually bind up the rubber bushing . Kind of a pain but doable on jack stands or 4 post lift .
looks real nice Eric
His dry sense of humor just kills me sometimes🤣
I like how it sits. Perfect height for a street truck without sacrificing drivability.
Exactly!
A guy at work was listening to the Joe Rogan podcast the other day. Joe mentioned Eric The Car Guy.
Liking this build series!
9:06-9:07 that meme may be dead but it's still funny😂
EricTheCarGuy=EricTheMemeGuy
great work eric..looks awesome..
Eric that looks great
Thank you!
Hey Eric, sometimes it can take a few hundred miles to get the suspension to settle to a full advertised drop.
in the future grab the belltech street scene shocks.They are the silver colored shocks. better handeling shock then the nitro's. Nitros are more or less a budget shock . i use the Street Scene shocks used them on my 02 blazer xtreme(on my second set) to replace factory bilstiens and also running them on my 83 malibu wagon. For sthe front bumpstop i used an energy suspension poly bump pad about 3/4" thick bolted to where factory bump stop went.
also the truck will drop more as the springs settle and break in . they also make pinion angle plates to correct the pinion angle if needed.
Thanks for the info!
next tool on the shopping list , magnetised bolt holder
Could you put the slip yoke in a lathe or something and shorten it a little? I’m with you on this one Eric. I don’t see how you could run a stock length with a rear drop either. I would also be concerned about that thing slamming into the back of the trans. It’s kind of like running with stock suspension bottomed out all day and then have to travel in some more.
What do you think about welding the nuts to the tank side of the frame when you pull the tank off?
Shouldn't it settle some after a few miles?
That's what I was thinking too, maybe the full 4" comes after it has actually driven a bit and the springs have bounced up and down a bit. Now it's all new and stiff.
Love it...are the leaf springs different lengths to center possibly? Maybe there in backwards
What brand air hammer is that?? That thing is a beast!!!
CP
That stance looks amazing
great video eric 😊
I just did drop shackles on my 89 5 speed Scottsdale and I didn’t move the driveshaft. My truck is a little rusty and the two bottom bolts on the factory shackles gave me a run for my money I used a sledge and a air hammer still took forever.
Me and a buddy did this by moving the rear end from mounted under the leaf springs to mounted on top of the leaf springs. Number of parts bought. Two shocks.
Normally you have to notch the frame when you do that.
Hi Eric..Great job 👍... what is the off set on your rims..
I'll have to remember that belt tensioner trick. 👍
Peeped the new rotor swap and diff cover at the end of the video 👀
Those videos will be out in a few weeks after I finish the edits.
Eric I think they used a camaro driveshaft instead and it worked without cutting it. Something to check on the interwebz 😂
I was wondering did you ever record the rear brake conversion I am thinking about doing that. Thank you sir.
Without any load in the back it looks really good.
People often go too far and make a vehicle look really silly, just my old man opinion of cause.
Those rivit heads just didn't stand a chance :-D.
Gotta love good tools.
I love my air chisel.
hello Eric. you should spray some rust protection allover underneath
“Watch it grow! WATCH IT GROWWWW!!!!”
Turned into one of those channels, has it now Eric? :D
Cant wait for the next episode!
did you check to see if your locator pin on your leaf springs is centered from one end of the spring to the other? some of them are just a fraction of an inch front or back which if you got the leafs swapped end to end could move your rear end forward
No I did not.
Excited to watch this build even though I’m a Ford guy at heart. I know you said you didn’t have the pump yet, but couldn’t you have dropped the tank still in preparation? Going to drive it around after the suspension first? Either way great vid.
Yes, I wanted to keep it drivable. Also, the guy at McGaughy's said you could just loosen the tank to gain access.
EricTheCarGuy that makes perfect sense. Get the suspension dialed in and perfect before the performance mods. I remember you now explaining the tank could get loosened as well.
Love it when Eric says "fasteners". lmao!!!
I was wondering if the kit that you used to lower your truck would work on a 1994 C2500 Silverado with a long bed? I have been enjoying all the uploads on this truck that you have done so far. Am looking forward to see what you do with the engine.
Instead of shortening the drive shaft couldn't you find a shorter front yoke? Just asking as I really don't know for sure if that can be done,,,, Nice work!
I like it!!! I am concerned about drive shaft length too