How do I convert my leafs to coils?

[Anthony Fremont]

I have a 66 GMC 1/2 ton w/leaf springs. How hard is it going to be to convert it to coil suspension? I've searched around and haven't been able to find a good description of what needs to be done.

1) Are all the frame holes already present? Do I need to weld or drill?
2) What do I need besides trailing arms and a trackbar?
3) Can I use my existing rear-end? Do I need to weld spring mounts or anything else on it?

I want to lower my truck and I'd rather have the ride of coil springs anyway. I can get a rearend from an IROC with disc brakes for $200 locally. Anyone have any idea how hard it would be to put that in?

[protrash64]

Hey there........There are a bunch of aftermarket set-ups now that would be complete. I dont think it would be difficult to change over, but it mite not be much fun, if ya know what I mean!!

[1966gmc]

I wanna do the same thing to mine but I know it will be a PITA.........
Therefore it won't happen for awhile

[Spray-Bomb]

You will need to get some other parts too, such as

Trailing arm brackets for the cross member
Trailing arm perches for your axle (or get a trailing arm axle)
Trailing arms
Pan Hard bar

I think thats the most of it

You just need to grind / torch off the old rivets & when you put the new stuff on, just use good bolts
If your rear end doesnt have the stud for the pan hard bar to attach to, then you'll need to get one (I think they're cheap, like $12 bucks)

If your frame doesnt have the pan hard bar bracket, you'll need one

I dont see it as any big deal, just crawl under it & make a parts list, then when you have everything there just cut out the old & bolt in the new

Only thing you'd have to weld would be the axle perches (leaf spring ones are strait & trailing arm ones are angled)

Hope I got all that right & hope it helps, Matt

Heres a link to where GringoLoco did it
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281629

[Anthony Fremont]

Thanks for the reply, looks like some work is in store for me. :-)