Converting from leafs to trailing arms

[Ackattack]

I was thinking of converting to coil springs on my truck. Is there an advantage to do this? Right now I've lowered my truck by removing a leaf out of the stack, so my load capacity isn't as much. If I converted to the trailing arm setup I would use airbags.

So is there an advantage of using the trailing arms over coil springs?

To do this I figure I can find the brackets for the trailing arms, and the trailing arms fairly easily. I figure I'll probably end up making my own panhard bar that is longer than the stock one (better geometry). What else would I need?

Another thing is that I'll probably have to redue my exhaust to clear the trailing arms. No big deal though as I've been thinking of redoing it anyways.

[chevy_fatman]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

So is there an advantage of using the trailing arms over coil springs?

Trailing arms do have coil springs don't you mean trailing arms over leafs?

If you do some hauling with your truck just stay with the leafs, I had a trailing arm truck and that thing swayed all over the place, bags may help more.
I don't know I guess is just preference leafs vs. trailing arms.

[roj2323]

advantages
better ride
hooks up better
easier to lower/bag

as far as converting honestly it would be easier to just change the frame over. here's a list of everything i can think of to change over using your existing frame:

t-arm crossmember
t-arms
u bolts
shock mount plates
t-arm to rear end brackes - there called something specific but i forgot
panhard bar
custom plates to mount the top of the springs or bags
parking brake cables
2 peice driveshaft- if long bed.

that was the short list now don't forget the hours of fabercation, making parts and finding parts to do it. long story short, find a rolling trailing arm frame and just do a frame swap. if you clean up the frame and do every thing you want to do to it like adding the bags and such before you swap it, your truck will only be undriveable for a day max, provided you have some help.
ondrew

[68C15]

I did this excact same thing 3 years ago and love it. I regularly use it for heavy loads (5500 #) and have no sway problems. although anything above 4000 # tends to squish the firestone bags. what I did was find an old truck converted to a trailer. that way I had everything all in one fell swoop. it all bolted right on with no fabrication except for a couple holes for the upper spring plates had to be drilled. I removed the bed to make it easier, that way I didnt have to use a creeper and the truck drivers dictionary.
in my opinion air bags are God's way of saying "you CAN have it all"

[truckdude239]

Originally Posted by roj2323

2 peice driveshaft- if long bed.

short beds with coils come with 2 piece drive shaft too

[Ackattack]

the more and more I think about it, maybe I'll just buy a shortbed pickup, and swap my whole front end/cab and front suspension over. Basically use the shortbed frame, rear suspension, and box. Might be an easier way to go.

Darn it, I thought I was getting close to being done with this thing!

[chevy_fatman]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

Darn it, I thought I was getting close to being done with this thing!

Man! we'll never be done with these trucks

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

short beds with coils come with 2 piece drive shaft too

Correction... SOME SWB trucks came with a 2 piece shaft.