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Old 01-06-2006, 11:55 PM   #1
olblue81
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pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Just wondering if anyone has seen this done?
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1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB
355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992
700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo
3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi!

2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.
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Old 01-07-2006, 12:50 AM   #2
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

it works the other way around. The reasoning behind using the later model stuff is because the replaceable parts are cheaper and the rubber instead of metal bushings. The thing is to do it with the complete setup from one vehicle. if you try to mix and match then problems will come up.
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Old 01-07-2006, 01:26 AM   #3
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by qksilver
it works the other way around. The reasoning behind using the later model stuff is because the replaceable parts are cheaper and the rubber instead of metal bushings. The thing is to do it with the complete setup from one vehicle. if you try to mix and match then problems will come up.
Or did he mean the 'truck arm' as in a 61-72 trailing arm 3-link set-up rear suspension being swapped to the 73 & later leaf chassis?
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Old 01-07-2006, 05:21 PM   #4
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Didn't think about that, hot rods to hell has a kit to pretty much put that type of suspension in anything. Good suspension when set up right
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Old 01-07-2006, 11:32 PM   #5
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Like Scoti said, I was just wondering if anyone has done the conversion using factory parts instead of the Hotrods to Hell kit. Don't even know if they offer one for trucks.
Just like the idea of the truck arms. No spring wrap, nice coil spring ride, easy to put bags in when the time comes. Really I can't think of many disadvantages to that suspension. Other than it would take a lot of time to put one in.
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1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB
355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992
700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo
3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi!

2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.
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Old 01-07-2006, 11:59 PM   #6
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

I was going to do it, but decided against it. Going to see how the truck hooks up with just the leaf springs. I got the idea from a guy at our local drag strip who had done it to an early 90s short bed that ran 12s on motor and 10s on the bottle. Couldn't really see how it got it all bolted together though, and that truck is long gone, he sold it I have no clue were it is now.
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Old 01-08-2006, 01:30 AM   #7
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

I was out in the shop looking and measureing. The width of the frame on the 63-72 at the trailing arm crossmember is the same. The upper spring plate looks like it would be no big deal to mount, but the late model frame isn't flat there. The panyard bar go aftermarket. All the measurements i did came very close, so with a little fab and the right parts , looks like a winner. A little bit of mental masterbation!
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Old 01-08-2006, 01:40 AM   #8
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Why not just get a 4 link and run coil overs?
Like this one from www.airride.com

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Old 01-08-2006, 03:29 AM   #9
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pebbleboy
Why not just get a 4 link and run coil overs?
Like this one from www.airride.com

Installation & cost might be a factor vs. the 67-72 3-link suspension. Those Shockwaves alone are + $700.
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Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.

Last edited by SCOTI; 01-08-2006 at 03:31 AM.
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Old 01-08-2006, 07:34 PM   #10
pebbleboy
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTI
Installation & cost might be a factor vs. the 67-72 3-link suspension. Those Shockwaves alone are + $700.
I wouldn't use the shockwaves just the links. Put some coil overs in place of the shockwaves.
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Old 01-09-2006, 05:42 PM   #11
bigbluthng
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

my opinion is that although it's a pain in the ass, it can be done on the cheap. i converted my leaf spring blazer (72 4wd) to trailing arms. the hardest part was getting the trailing arm crossmember in and the holes drilled out. if i were to do it again i would go with a 4 link from jason at suicide doors. if you insist on doing it, the easiest way is to bolt up your axle to the trailing armsl, bolt the trailing arms to the crossmember (once you got it in the frame) then you can center the axle in the wheelwell, take measurements and make surew the axle is square in the frame then drill your holes and mount everything again. recheck your measurements. you don't want the truck dog-walking down the road.
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Old 01-11-2006, 11:55 PM   #12
olblue81
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Re: pre-73 truck arm suspension in post-73-anyone done it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pebbleboy
Why not just get a 4 link and run coil overs?
Like this one from www.airride.com

I don't know, just wondered if anyone has done the factory way. I think they look cool in their own way.

With all the things that need to be done to my truck, there's no way I'll put any budget to doing something like this. I thought I'd just put it out there.
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1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB
355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992
700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo
3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi!

2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.
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