Any body now why gm quite the trailing arms.

[Leonard60]

Just wondering why gm ceased building trailing arm suspension on there trucks. Was it so ram could start 40 plus years later and gm didn't want no more glory???

[Leonard60]

Oh and I guess that would be quit not quite dam spill chick

[andrewmp6]

You know dodge uses basicly a 4 link right?Its nothing like the gm truck arms its more like a passenger car or some jeeps.Take a look at http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/dodge/suspension.html

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Leonard60

Just wondering why gm ceased building trailing arm suspension on there trucks. Was it so ram could start 40 plus years later and gm didn't want no more glory???

Cost.

GM went to the leaf spring rear suspension for the '73 models, which is cheaper because the spring does double duty (carries the load plus positions the axle).

K

[mike16]

cost....too many parts in the invantory. buyers did not care or did not know to care.

[Leonard60]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

You know dodge uses basicly a 4 link right?Its nothing like the gm truck arms its more like a passenger car or some jeeps.Take a look at http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/dodge/suspension.html

My brother has a ram pickup with the coils and it does ride nice for sure. I've looked at it and yes you are correct it's quite different but the idea is still there.
I just wondered why gm quit I guess cost would answer it. We want caddy for VW price.

[andrewmp6]

Cost is a big thing when making any car or truck.If they can save even a few cents pre unit they will do it.What i think why dodge went to rear coils was most 1/2 ton trucks i see are used as cars and don't really haul much.So a better ride and nicer interior are on the top of the list im sure.If you want a laugh google jetta pickup,Theres a company making kits to make a jetta in to a el camino style truck.