trailing arms vs 4 link rear

[a1953mdl]

I have a 67 short wide I am making a drag truck out of.
It has a 500 cad engine with a 400 trans.
Currently the frame has been cut off about mid kick up, but the trailing arms are still attached.
I am planning on getting the cad to between 6-700 hp. This will be a race only truck. I will run slicks or drag radials. I plan on installing a full cage plus what else will need to be done to stiffen up the frame.

Okay, will the stock trailing arms and coil over work best for this or should I go ahead and install a 4 link? I have to back half this truck anyway.

Lee

[Tmiller]

I'd just go ahead and 4link it, alot more adjustability, and better suited for a drag race set up.

[regan wilson]

I have a 4-Link but I believe I would just do the Trailing Arm setup . Though my 4-Link works good for me ! It is also kind of a headache becuase I am all the time having to scale it to make sure all the weights are right . DJ puts allot more than 600 or 700hp to his and his truck flies .

[Garagedude]

My plan is to stick with the trailing arms and do a coil over suspension, eventually I am going to either build or buy a set of tubular trailing arms.

[custom72c20]

I would personally stick with the trailing arms, but I would make some out chromoly. Djracer runs trailing arms and his truck is quick. It would be cheaper in the long run too.

[djracer]

Another vote for Trailing Arms. Another advantage is if you keep it somewhat stock you can run some stock suspension classes. My full frame is still there front to rear with a c notch to get it lower. My front suspension is also bolt on so if the class allows Kmembers then my stuff is legal. I would also leave the firewall as stock as possible. There is allot of strength in a stock floor and firewall.

[Super73]

Originally Posted by djracer

another vote for trailing arms. Another advantage is if you keep it somewhat stock you can run some stock suspension classes. My full frame is still there front to rear with a c notch to get it lower. My front suspension is also bolt on so if the class allows kmembers then my stuff is legal. I would also leave the firewall as stock as possible. There is allot of strength in a stock floor and firewall.

+1

[a1953mdl]

Originally Posted by djracer

I would also leave the firewall as stock as possible. There is allot of strength in a stock floor and firewall.

Unfortunately the firewall was already cut by the PO.

I appreciate the input. I had thought the trailing arm would win out, especially since djracer was running one and going quicker.

I am only planning to bracket race, is the non-stock firewall a potential problem for that?

Regan, thanks for the feedback, i was just thinking of looking up the info on yours to see what you are running.

Okay, that brings up the next question. What can i do to stiffen up the frame? I plan to install a 8 pt cage. Should that do enough? And is there a way to install the cage to where the cab is still removable?

[custom72c20]

I don't have any answers to the questions you have above, but I am curious why are you running that caddi motor besides the fact that it came with the truck when you got it. You could build a big block chevy cheaper and they are easier to find parts for. Just curious. Thanks

[hotrod 80]

I vote trailing arms or ladderbars

[a1953mdl]

Originally Posted by custom72c20

I don't have any answers to the questions you have above, but I am curious why are you running that caddi motor besides the fact that it came with the truck when you got it. You could build a big block chevy cheaper and they are easier to find parts for. Just curious. Thanks

I like the idea of being different.
After getting the truck, I got to reading on the big block cads and thought I'd try it. They are suppose to have better blocks (higher nickel content), better factory machining (more square than most) and they only weigh 60 lbs more than a sbc. The real limiting factor seems to be the valve train. I plan to turbo it soon after getting it going, that should help make up for the port design and the weak rocker system. I don't plan twisting it past 5200. At that it should be in the 6-650 HP and 650 to 700 lbs of torque.
They are cheaper around here than big block chevs and aren't that hard to come by. I am going the csob route and seeing how much fun i can have for the dollar.
Time will tell how well this plan works.
Lee

[djracer]

how much of the firewall is cut out?

[a1953mdl]

full from side to side, even the wire gutter/channel is gone. He put 16 ga. sheet in with a modded wheel barrow tubs for the recess of the engine.

[custom72c20]

Originally Posted by a1953mdl

I like the idea of being different.
After getting the truck, I got to reading on the big block cads and thought I'd try it. They are suppose to have better blocks (higher nickel content), better factory machining (more square than most) and they only weigh 60 lbs more than a sbc. The real limiting factor seems to be the valve train. I plan to turbo it soon after getting it going, that should help make up for the port design and the weak rocker system. I don't plan twisting it past 5200. At that it should be in the 6-650 HP and 650 to 700 lbs of torque.
They are cheaper around here than big block chevs and aren't that hard to come by. I am going the csob route and seeing how much fun i can have for the dollar.
Time will tell how well this plan works.
Lee

sounds like fun.

[hotrod 80]

I like it . Put a 3.08 or 3.42 in it and make it grunt . Lots of torque right there . What bell housing bolt pattern is it ?

[phipp13]

check out my homemade ladderbars. they should work real good 48" long. good luck phipp13

[a1953mdl]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

I like it . Put a 3.08 or 3.42 in it and make it grunt . Lots of torque right there . What bell housing bolt pattern is it ?

It is regular BOP. I even have an extra or two. I was thinking maybe even high 2.XX but at least a 3.08.
Lee

[a1953mdl]

Originally Posted by phipp13

check out my homemade ladderbars. they should work real good 48" long. good luck phipp13

I'll be watching to see how they work, look good.
Lee

[hotrod 80]

Ladder bars are kinda set it and forget it . Kinda depends on how fast your gonna go . Lot's of 10.5 guys been really fast on ladder bars . Of coarse im still a nobody with a stock suspension , small block , on DOTs .

[phipp13]

ya, im a long way off 10.5s this year anyway. shauns dyno says about 11.47 got to get it built first and then repower it next year.

[a1953mdl]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

Ladder bars are kinda set it and forget it . Kinda depends on how fast your gonna go . Lot's of 10.5 guys been really fast on ladder bars . Of coarse im still a nobody with a stock suspension , small block , on DOTs .

You mighty fast for a "nobody".

[w/gcd72]

hey this is about the engine. check the april '08 edition of hot rod, the built a 541 ci stroker out of a 500 ci caddy and made 526 hp, and 649lb-ft n/a with bulldog aluminum heads from Maximum Torque Specialists. Just thought that might be helpful!

[a1953mdl]

I'll have to dig thru and see if I can find that one.
Thanks for the heads up.
Lee