1960 Suspension Help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Omaha_Man · 01-13-2010, 12:07 PM

I just started working on my 1960 GMC Short box step side and im looking for some advice on what I should use for the suspension and drive train. I’m wanting to be able to run the truck down the road and then take it to the tracks for circuit coarse racing. Currently looking at adding a fat man fab bolt on IFS with a 4in drop and coil over’s and possibly up grading to their 4 link in the rear. I would like to know if anyone has tried this setup or has a better Idea. Thanks.

62gmc910 · 01-13-2010, 12:26 PM

the 73-79 1/2 ton front suspension works very well , I ran a '79 GMC C25 on a paved banked figure eight course with 10 inch wide slicks, the front stuck like it was on rails the rear was loose because of the over axle leafs (stock susp rules) I think that trailing arm rear and the coil front would be hard to beat. 4 link can work better but tuning can be a nitemare. As for aftermarket front end stuff most is built for cars and will not have the strength for the trucks weight.
I know a bunch of "book smart" guys are going to argue with this and I am not going to participate in arguments, but if you chose this suspension route I will help you all that I can

**Captainfab** · 01-14-2010, 12:52 AM

I agree with 62gmc910.....go with the '73-'87 truck suspensiom. It works well and there is a ton of aftermarket support for it should you want to upgrade brakes, bushings, control arms, and such. That and I think you will be money ahead and still have a suspension that performs well. Also stay with the trailing arms and coils. They are proven to work well......NASCAR and the aftermarket can't be all wrong.

Omaha_Man · 01-14-2010, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the input, I was under the impression that the frame on the 60-62 was narrower then the frame on the 63-66 and would require quite a bit more modification. What did it take to make it work on you’re 62?

62gmc910 · 01-14-2010, 08:05 PM

I still have torsion bars with discs
I am pretty sure the cross member fits check on pg 2 or 3 ther is a thread about the conversion

markeb01 · 01-14-2010, 08:18 PM

Here's a thread on installing the later suspension in the 60-62 models.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366850

Eagletucky · 01-15-2010, 11:28 AM

I have a 78 crossmember in my 61. Went in with little difficulty. I think its a little harder that installing one in a 63 to 66, but very doable.

01-13-2010, 12:07 PM	#1
Omaha_Man Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 11	1960 Suspension Help I just started working on my 1960 GMC Short box step side and im looking for some advice on what I should use for the suspension and drive train. I’m wanting to be able to run the truck down the road and then take it to the tracks for circuit coarse racing. Currently looking at adding a fat man fab bolt on IFS with a 4in drop and coil over’s and possibly up grading to their 4 link in the rear. I would like to know if anyone has tried this setup or has a better Idea. Thanks.

01-13-2010, 12:26 PM	#2
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: 1960 Suspension Help the 73-79 1/2 ton front suspension works very well , I ran a '79 GMC C25 on a paved banked figure eight course with 10 inch wide slicks, the front stuck like it was on rails the rear was loose because of the over axle leafs (stock susp rules) I think that trailing arm rear and the coil front would be hard to beat. 4 link can work better but tuning can be a nitemare. As for aftermarket front end stuff most is built for cars and will not have the strength for the trucks weight. I know a bunch of "book smart" guys are going to argue with this and I am not going to participate in arguments, but if you chose this suspension route I will help you all that I can __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

01-14-2010, 12:52 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,248	Re: 1960 Suspension Help I agree with 62gmc910.....go with the '73-'87 truck suspensiom. It works well and there is a ton of aftermarket support for it should you want to upgrade brakes, bushings, control arms, and such. That and I think you will be money ahead and still have a suspension that performs well. Also stay with the trailing arms and coils. They are proven to work well......NASCAR and the aftermarket can't be all wrong. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE Last edited by Captainfab; 01-14-2010 at 12:54 AM.

01-14-2010, 07:18 PM	#4
Omaha_Man Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 11	Re: 1960 Suspension Help Thanks for the input, I was under the impression that the frame on the 60-62 was narrower then the frame on the 63-66 and would require quite a bit more modification. What did it take to make it work on you’re 62?

01-14-2010, 08:05 PM	#5
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: 1960 Suspension Help I still have torsion bars with discs I am pretty sure the cross member fits check on pg 2 or 3 ther is a thread about the conversion __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

01-14-2010, 08:18 PM	#6
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 1960 Suspension Help Here's a thread on installing the later suspension in the 60-62 models. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366850

01-15-2010, 11:28 AM	#7
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: 1960 Suspension Help I have a 78 crossmember in my 61. Went in with little difficulty. I think its a little harder that installing one in a 63 to 66, but very doable. __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....



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