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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Dodge City, Kansas
Posts: 63
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Crossmember installation
I am in need of some clarity. I have a 67 chevy short stepper frame that I am working on. It is a leaf spring set up- 6 lug with a dana rear end. I removed the dana and purchased from Randy a 71 front crossmember complete and a trailing arm frame from a pre-71. The front member is going well but I read that I need 8 grade bolts. Is that corrrect? Any other tips that you could share?
Back to the rear...I cut out the rear crossmember with the trailing arms and I have the crossmember for the spring perches. My big debate is, do I convert to the trailing arm set up or just use the leaf and put the rear on it. The truck will be a nice driver, nothing more. And finally, is it easier to have the axles drilled to the 5 on 5 or are new axles a better option. I read that if you drill a 6 drum axle you have to machine the hubs for the drums? (?) Also how do I tell the machinist what I need? Any imput from you master fabricators would be greatly appreciated. I value your experience. Weezer67 Dodge City, Kansas |
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#2 |
Active Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area.
Posts: 7,947
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Re: Crossmember installation
I have some input on the leaf vs coil/trailing arms.
I own one each (GMC & Chevy) and never noticed much difference in the ride when I drove them in town. Some swear by the coils for smooth driving, though. The other thing that I would think about is the simplicity of the spring vs. the trailing arms when it comes to parts replacement. |
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana
Posts: 733
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Re: Crossmember installation
FWIW, I much prefer leaf spring set-up to the coil set-up. I feel that it is more stable as far as keeping the tires in contact with the road.
__________________
1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12) |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Dodge City, Kansas
Posts: 63
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Re: Crossmember installation
68gmsee and 1969K10. I appreciate you taking the time to give your imput. I guess I'm a little puzzled why I couldn't get a few of my questions answered from all the great builders on this board. I guess I'll just wing it...not what I wanted but oh well...
Weezer67 Dodge City, Kansas |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lompoc California
Posts: 366
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Re: Crossmember installation
I am swapping over from leafs to coils also. Yes it is worth is you want the ease of lowering your truck and adding bags later... I have gone through this debate and I have decided to go to coils for ease of lowering and making suspension adjustments...
__________________
All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit! |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: austin texas
Posts: 202
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Re: Crossmember installation
I have leaf springs and recently considered switching to trailing arm suspension. It's a bit expensive if you buy a CPP or ECE setup that includes the crossmember and the whole deal. I think the ride with leafs is good enough for me to just keep it but I agree with 70C10Step that if you are going to lower it you should go with the trailing arms.
Yes, You should use grade 8 bolts for the front.
__________________
Mike 68 C10 LWB midnight blue metallic 307ci, 700R4, HEI front discs, leaf spring rear tilt steering wheel, stock ride height, rally wheels, 2007 Dodge Charger(Hemi) |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lompoc California
Posts: 366
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Re: Crossmember installation
I was fortunate enough to find a parts truck for my swap. There are some board members with these parts for sale at a decent price...
__________________
All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit! Last edited by 70C10Step; 01-19-2008 at 04:58 AM. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: here
Posts: 5,789
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Re: Crossmember installation
I find when someone suggests to use grade 8 bolts, I usually just use them. I cant see why you would need to on a crossmember but the cost difference wont break you on a piece like this. A leaf or coil debate is something I dont want to join in on, both have advantages & disadvantages. I wouldnt really say its more work to bag a leaf truck than converting to coils & then bagging it too...
Last edited by corn; 01-19-2008 at 10:08 AM. |
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