Question about the rear?

[jrsmith_2010]

hey guys, i have been looking to different ways to set up the rear end for my next project, its a newer style square body, not sure the exact year, but about 85-87 longbed, and i plan on bagging it. what im wandering is can i use the rear suspention set up like on the 67-72s with the coils in the rear instead of the leafs? and just not run a 4link setup? can anyone help me out some?

[N2TRUX]

Well if anyone has proven that where there is a will, there is a way it would be your project endeavors. With that disclaimer out of the way, I will say that it "can be done" but it wouldn't be practical.

To do a trailing arm set up on a 73-87 frame you would need a T/arm crossmember, two T/arms, a panhard bar or Watt's link.

By the time you buy, build, or convert all of this to work on your frame you may as well run a 4 link.

[jrsmith_2010]

yea i kind of figured that part, im just a little lost on the bag placement of the rear with a 4link

[N2TRUX]

The back half of the 67-72 frame is completely different. It would require some $$$, but I think someone actually makes a kit.

What are you trying to accomplish? Maybe we can guide you in the right direction.

[jrsmith_2010]

im wanting to have it completly law out, then do a body drop so it will be laying body

[N2TRUX]

Then you are headed in the wrong direction. If your looking to lay body, it's not going to happen with a 67-72 trailing arm suspension.

You will need a step notch in the rear with an independent link system.

Up front you will need a sectioned or lowered crossmember, a dropmember, or a frame Z.

[boatpuller]

not sure j.r....but like ken said.if anybody would tackle it.it would be you.good luck on it.

[jrsmith_2010]

ok so the trailing arms are out now, but what would be the best 4link? ive seen like 3 different types for different locations. i kno how to do the rest of the bagging process, im going to do most of it myself except the frame welding which i have a guy that can do that for me, im just a little lost on the 4link possabilites

[N2TRUX]

I hate to tell you to "search" but that's your best answer here. Spend some time in the suspension forum searching and reading.

There are tons of posts there regarding 3 and 4 links. You will have to determine what style best fits your needs. Here's a good one to look at-LINK

[68 TT]

I know it is not what you need to get your truck as low as you want to go but we did this swap to my friends 79 short bed drag truck.

His 79 started out as a leaf spring truck and he grafted in the truck arm back half from a donor 67 C-10 that we picked up for $400.

The frame rails are the same 34" apart so it is as easy as Z-cutting the donor and recipient frames so they slide together and give you the desired rear wheel location.

It took us all of two hours to do the swap. We even put the 67 C-10 back together with the leaf spring rear clip and he uses it as a parts hauler.

Hope this helps.

[74 C-30]

check out this guys setup, pretty simple, using stock front spring hangers for a 3 link setup (or 2 link with a panhard bar?) link is that what you mean?

[Rollinsqrbdy]

jrsmith- Your already starting on another project? What ever happened to the truck in primer? You never showed the finishes on the caddy lights.

[jrsmith_2010]

74 c30, yea thats what im looking to do, i just didnt kno how to describe it, do they sell them? what exactly r the called?

rollin, i kno i kno, ill upload some pics right now

[jrsmith_2010]

http://www.*****************/4-link-p...-poly-bushings

is this what they are?

[smashingchuck]

I don't think that recomending a two link is really the way to go. Look at four links and three links. There's pictures of mine in my build thread. It's about as basic as it gets.

[74 C-30]

whats wrong with the setup i linked to? i dont know much about link suspensions and was just wondering