Have not seen this one before... 4x4 using trailing arms

[A1971Blazer]

with some Johnny joints at the mounting points for the trailing arms it would probably articulate better than leaf springs.
I considered making my 67 into a 4wd and I talked to ORD about this very thing, using their front 4 link kit, the guy told me that it would work just fine with the rear trailing arm suspension...

[Mike C]

For light duty trail runs/fire roads, occasional snow storm, and the boat ramp, which is my guess that most vintage 4x4’s are used for, I think keeping the trailing arm suspension would make far a great 4x4 conversion.

[CG]

Where would you get rear coil springs to bring the truck high enough in the rear to match a converted to leafs front? Seems like most all of the conversion "kits" for the front C to K are close to 4 inch lift. If I ever did this the most I would want would be 2 inch.

[LostMy65]

If I did this conversion, I wouldn't want to be any higher than what my 66 is now.

[SCOTI]

Doing the T/A flip should add ~3" to a stock trucks ride height from the change alone (housing under arms vs on top). OG style coils can easily be spaced for additional lift or longer dual pig-tail springs can be sourced. Change the rear brake hose to a 4wd unit & the Panhard bar/mounting would require some re-work as well.

I discussed the possibility of making a 2wd Pre-Runner w/the rear set-up this way & using 88-98 lift spindles up front w/a co-worker. Some 16's or 17's @ 10" width w/a 33-35" tall tire. Prob could be a fun little ride w/the ride powertrain.

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Doing the T/A flip should add ~3" to a stock trucks ride height from the change alone (housing under arms vs on top). OG style coils can easily be spaced for additional lift or longer dual pig-tail springs can be sourced. Change the rear brake hose to a 4wd unit & the Panhard bar/mounting would require some re-work as well.

I discussed the possibility of making a 2wd Pre-Runner w/the rear set-up this way & using 88-98 lift spindles up front w/a co-worker. Some 16's or 17's @ 10" width w/a 33-35" tall tire. Prob could be a fun little ride w/the ride powertrain.

don't forget coil-over....they work really well on a link suspension
One could add an upper mount in the center of the cross member, put johnny joints and heim ends, and create a triangulated 4 link, add whatever length coil-over you want to get the ride height....
For the front I would use the ORD style 4 link with coil-overs as well
No leaf spring of any kind would come close to the ride quality....

[CG]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

don't forget coil-over....they work really well on a link suspension
One could add an upper mount in the center of the cross member, put johnny joints and heim ends, and create a triangulated 4 link, add whatever length coil-over you want to get the ride height....
For the front I would use the ORD style 4 link with coil-overs as well
No leaf spring of any kind would come close to the ride quality....

That sounds expensive =)

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by CG

That sounds expensive =)

just like everything associated with these trucks….