Crossmember installation

[Weezer67]

I am in need of some clarity. I have a 67 chevy short stepper frame that I am working on. It is a leaf spring set up- 6 lug with a dana rear end. I removed the dana and purchased from Randy a 71 front crossmember complete and a trailing arm frame from a pre-71. The front member is going well but I read that I need 8 grade bolts. Is that corrrect? Any other tips that you could share?
Back to the rear...I cut out the rear crossmember with the trailing arms and I have the crossmember for the spring perches. My big debate is, do I convert to the trailing arm set up or just use the leaf and put the rear on it. The truck will be a nice driver, nothing more. And finally, is it easier to have the axles drilled to the 5 on 5 or are new axles a better option. I read that if you drill a 6 drum axle you have to machine the hubs for the drums? (?) Also how do I tell the machinist what I need?
Any imput from you master fabricators would be greatly appreciated. I value your experience.
Weezer67
Dodge City, Kansas

[68gmsee]

I have some input on the leaf vs coil/trailing arms.

I own one each (GMC & Chevy) and never noticed much difference in the ride when I drove them in town. Some swear by the coils for smooth driving, though. The other thing that I would think about is the simplicity of the spring vs. the trailing arms when it comes to parts replacement.

[1969K10]

FWIW, I much prefer leaf spring set-up to the coil set-up. I feel that it is more stable as far as keeping the tires in contact with the road.

[Weezer67]

68gmsee and 1969K10. I appreciate you taking the time to give your imput. I guess I'm a little puzzled why I couldn't get a few of my questions answered from all the great builders on this board. I guess I'll just wing it...not what I wanted but oh well...
Weezer67
Dodge City, Kansas

[70C10Step]

I am swapping over from leafs to coils also. Yes it is worth is you want the ease of lowering your truck and adding bags later... I have gone through this debate and I have decided to go to coils for ease of lowering and making suspension adjustments...

[greasy68]

I have leaf springs and recently considered switching to trailing arm suspension. It's a bit expensive if you buy a CPP or ECE setup that includes the crossmember and the whole deal. I think the ride with leafs is good enough for me to just keep it but I agree with 70C10Step that if you are going to lower it you should go with the trailing arms.

Yes, You should use grade 8 bolts for the front.

[70C10Step]

I was fortunate enough to find a parts truck for my swap. There are some board members with these parts for sale at a decent price...

[corn]

I find when someone suggests to use grade 8 bolts, I usually just use them. I cant see why you would need to on a crossmember but the cost difference wont break you on a piece like this. A leaf or coil debate is something I dont want to join in on, both have advantages & disadvantages. I wouldnt really say its more work to bag a leaf truck than converting to coils & then bagging it too...