Ladder Bars for Our Trucks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 05:47 AM

Has anyone ever seen them? What would be the benefit?

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:47 AM

These are trailing arm replacements right? The benefits should be a stronger and lighter set up. I don't see any spring pads either. My guess would be your supposed to change over to coil-overs?

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 09:51 AM

I have no clue...lol

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:51 AM

Also, looking at those, it looks the axle mounting pad is much higher which would lower the truck and I think maybe give it more traction when you nail the gas. I use to be all on top of suspension designs and stuff, but I think by having them designed like that may give you more "anti-squat", not for sure though, gottta read back up on my suspension books.

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:53 AM

man, where did you find these things at?? I'm gettin intersted, i'd like to look into them.

Beast388 · 06-21-2002, 10:01 AM

The factory trailing arm type suspension on 2wd trucks is a ladder type setup. These suspensions have been described as excellent if good bushings are installed. Ladder bars are designed to reduce/eliminate axle wrap or hop. They are best used with coil spring suspensions but leafs can be used with special brackets to "float" the axle housing.

I would say there is no reason to use these on a stock trailing arm suspension unless your truck is an all out 9 second truck or similiar. Put some good bushings in and you should have little problem with wheel hop.

slam33 · 06-21-2002, 10:03 AM

they don't look long enough to be trailing arms for these trucks

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 10:05 AM

I dont think they mount in the same position as the trailing arms. They come with frame mounts. I have no clue, that is why I am asking

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 10:16 AM

I'm with beast, theres no real reason to trash our rear suspensions, unless your going with an independent rear. But I also want to learn as much as I can from this. Who knows, i might decide to build the worlds fastest truck one day.

Jesse 67 c-10 · 06-21-2002, 02:06 PM

I'd go for a four link set up anyday, lighter, better susp geometry, fully adjustable and it would free up a lot of room for gas tanks, exhaust etc. If you got the axle and frame brackets you could easily piece together a setup with some good tubing and 3/4" rod ends, You can easily play with the susp to get the right amount of lift on takeoff, the possibilities are endless! I definitly want to go with a setup like this some day. The stock susp is great for an old truck but I would change just for easier exhaust routing!
Jesse

imaindianoutlaw · 06-21-2002, 02:27 PM

I would like to have a set to replace my crappy control arms I have now

CustomChevy · 11-17-2002, 06:17 PM

if you are still interested in 4links or ladder bar setup, try these links.

www.competitionengineering.com

www.airride.com

06-21-2002, 05:47 AM	#1
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Ladder Bars for Our Trucks? Has anyone ever seen them? What would be the benefit? __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 09:47 AM	#2
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	These are trailing arm replacements right? The benefits should be a stronger and lighter set up. I don't see any spring pads either. My guess would be your supposed to change over to coil-overs? __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 09:51 AM	#3
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	I have no clue...lol __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 09:51 AM	#4
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Also, looking at those, it looks the axle mounting pad is much higher which would lower the truck and I think maybe give it more traction when you nail the gas. I use to be all on top of suspension designs and stuff, but I think by having them designed like that may give you more "anti-squat", not for sure though, gottta read back up on my suspension books. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 09:53 AM	#5
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	man, where did you find these things at?? I'm gettin intersted, i'd like to look into them. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 10:01 AM	#6
Beast388 Suburbans RULE! Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clinton, IA 52732 Posts: 689	The factory trailing arm type suspension on 2wd trucks is a ladder type setup. These suspensions have been described as excellent if good bushings are installed. Ladder bars are designed to reduce/eliminate axle wrap or hop. They are best used with coil spring suspensions but leafs can be used with special brackets to "float" the axle housing. I would say there is no reason to use these on a stock trailing arm suspension unless your truck is an all out 9 second truck or similiar. Put some good bushings in and you should have little problem with wheel hop. __________________ --Ben 71 GMC Suburban 4X4 The "Beast" 388 CID Stroker, TH350, NP205, 8-lug D44, 14BFF w/ Detroit, 4.10:1 gears, 4-Wheel Disks 4" Lift, 35" MT/R's.

06-21-2002, 10:03 AM	#7
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	they don't look long enough to be trailing arms for these trucks __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

06-21-2002, 10:05 AM	#8
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	I dont think they mount in the same position as the trailing arms. They come with frame mounts. I have no clue, that is why I am asking __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 10:16 AM	#9
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I'm with beast, theres no real reason to trash our rear suspensions, unless your going with an independent rear. But I also want to learn as much as I can from this. Who knows, i might decide to build the worlds fastest truck one day. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 02:06 PM	#10
Jesse 67 c-10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 599	I'd go for a four link set up anyday, lighter, better susp geometry, fully adjustable and it would free up a lot of room for gas tanks, exhaust etc. If you got the axle and frame brackets you could easily piece together a setup with some good tubing and 3/4" rod ends, You can easily play with the susp to get the right amount of lift on takeoff, the possibilities are endless! I definitly want to go with a setup like this some day. The stock susp is great for an old truck but I would change just for easier exhaust routing! Jesse __________________ Edmonton, Alberta, 67 c-10, Long fleet, front disks, 5 lug rear end, 327 with Vortechs, edlbrock manifold, comp cams XE 256, 600cfm carb. Backed by a getrag 5 speed and 1 piece driveshaft. 1993 Dihatsu Hijet Jumbo cab 4x4, currently converting to battery electric power.

06-21-2002, 02:27 PM	#11
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	I would like to have a set to replace my crappy control arms I have now __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

11-17-2002, 06:17 PM	#12
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 461	you want info, go here. if you are still interested in 4links or ladder bar setup, try these links. www.competitionengineering.com www.airride.com

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