Hotchkis TVS

[chevyguy_72]

I am currently thinking I am going to do the full Hotchkis TVS kit for my truck. Wondering if anyone has used aftermarket trailing arms with this kit?
Also looking for the best price on this kit. Summit and JEGS seem to be the best I can find... Anything else?
Thanks

[chevyguy_72]

Anyone?

[68Stepbed]

I think Rob Philips used ECE arms on his 69 C10. Mike Holleman used reinforced stock arms. That's really the only two people I know that have the Hotchkis kit.

[Jon @ Hotchkis]

Hi Chevyguy, our TVS kit should work just fine with aftermarket trailing arms that are direct replacements. One issue you may run into is the sway bar end link-mount on the trailing arm; on the stock arms you have to drill a hole and weld on a brace, so depending on the design of the aftermarket arms this may not be possible. Make sure that the arms you purchase do not have any additional drop built into them, otherwise you will run into axle to frame issues.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[68ls1]

Hi Jon, rather than start a new thread I thought I'd join in on this one.

I too am considering the TVS Kit for my 72 Stepside, I was also planning on installing the Early Classic Extreme Drop Center Crossmember & Trailing arms





Do you see any issues with installation of sway bar end links & anti squat brackets?

I also plan to use the CPP Modular drop spindles, in installation PDF it advises use of 73-87 version, will I be able to use my original disc brake set up with this version or can I use 71-72 version with ball joints, Part # FA683

Big brake & wheel upgrade is next planned upgrade

thanks Roger

[Jon @ Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by 68ls1

Hi Jon, rather than start a new thread I thought I'd join in on this one.

I too am considering the TVS Kit for my 72 Stepside, I was also planning on installing the Early Classic Extreme Drop Center Crossmember & Trailing arms

Do you see any issues with installation of sway bar end links & anti squat brackets? I don't see any glaring issues why not. It looks like their drop member uses the same bolt pattern for the trailing arm mounts, and with their arms being boxed already all you would need to do is drill the hole for the sway bar end links.

I also plan to use the CPP Modular drop spindles, in installation PDF it advises use of 73-87 version, will I be able to use my original disc brake set up with this version or can I use 71-72 version with ball joints, Part # FA683
This part is really up to you, as you can go either way. You are correct about the ball joint though, to run the 71-72 spindle you would need the FA683 ball joint and a 5/8 inner tierod to be used as an outer.

Big brake & wheel upgrade is next planned upgrade

thanks Roger

[chevyguy_72]

Originally Posted by Jon @ Hotchkis

Any possibility of a forum hookup on this kit Jon?
Thanks

[Jon @ Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by chevyguy_72

Any possibility of a forum hookup on this kit Jon?
Thanks

PM me and I'll see what we can swing.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Originally Posted by 68ls1

Hi Jon, rather than start a new thread I thought I'd join in on this one.

I too am considering the TVS Kit for my 72 Stepside, I was also planning on installing the Early Classic Extreme Drop Center Crossmember & Trailing arms

Attachment 1139180

Attachment 1139181

Do you see any issues with installation of sway bar end links & anti squat brackets?

I also plan to use the CPP Modular drop spindles, in installation PDF it advises use of 73-87 version, will I be able to use my original disc brake set up with this version or can I use 71-72 version with ball joints, Part # FA683

Big brake & wheel upgrade is next planned upgrade

thanks Roger

I used those arms and cross member with the Hotchkis Blade Style sway bar and they worked great. One thing I did was drill out the bolt hole oversized and welded in a piece of DOM Tubing to help keep from over tightening the bolt and keep the tubing from crushing. I also flipped the trailing arm mounting brackets in the cross member to gain in anti squat, but the TVS will have that covered with the new brackets.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by GEARBOXGARAGE

I used those arms and cross member with the Hotchkis Blade Style sway bar and they worked great. One thing I did was drill out the bolt hole oversized and welded in a piece of DOM Tubing to help keep from over tightening the bolt and keep the tubing from crushing. I also flipped the trailing arm mounting brackets in the cross member to gain in anti squat, but the TVS will have that covered with the new brackets.

Thanks for feedback, much appreciated