OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

When modifying a frame and differential from leaf spring to trailing arm/coil setup. Why does no one work off the front leaf spring mount on the frame? Seems like it is A, in place accurately, B, looks fairly strong, ?????? Anybody want to weigh in on this one?

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

I don't see why you would have a problem using it. I have my wishbone set up using the factory front hangers.

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

Have a link to any pictures?

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

Why would you want to? Why not use the factory mounts in factory positions?

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

a few reasons...

1. the axle would fail to articulate if it had a solid mount to the axle like factory trailing arms.
2. You would then have to fabricate upper and lower coil spring pockets since the arms would not pass under the frame.
3. without the trailing arms passing under the frame I think you would be hard pressed to achieve a comfortable ride with a coil spring with such a short bar. Fitting it under the bed would be another problem.
4. Why fix what isn't broken? The factory arms WORK, and its a direct swap.

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

What smashingchuck described is all the reasons not to do what I call a "2-link".
These are really popular for guys wanting a quick air bag set up on the 73-up leaf spring trucks.
Below is one of the correct ways to convert to "factory" trailing arms.
They were written up by member gringoloco.

Truck thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281629

Blazer thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218156

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

Sorry, I may be getting confused and talking about something totally different then what your looking for. But here is the only pic I have when I first did the rear a few years ago.


http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...99/photo-2.jpg

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

oh my ... those welds are a bit frightening. :eek:

Re: OK suspension gurus, I have a question
 

HAHA. Yes they were. I have since removed and re-did it. After I learned how to weld. Prolly what I should have done in the first place.