Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

seanu · 03-25-2002, 11:19 PM

I was down in O-town (Orlando, Florida to all you none Floridians) last week (spring break with the kids) and go to my usual place to eat. The Race Rock Cafe, which has all kinds of racing stuff, cars, trucks, dragsters, all kinds of stuff (yes they are all real ex-racers). Any way, I happen to notice that the two NASCAR cars hanging in the opening to the building, that they use the exact trailing arms as my 71 chevy! WOW! Did any one else know this?

------------------
Sean
1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck)
83 C10 LWB (new daily driver)
Jacksonville, Florida

bgbchevy · 03-25-2002, 11:27 PM

i read somewhere that racers would use the suspensions off the 63-66 series trucks, i guess they might of done the same with the 67-72's

*Gee_Emm* · 03-25-2002, 11:41 PM

Yah I noticed that a few years ago. I always wondered if they just went and bought them from GM and slapped them on. Hmm is that why I can't find any NOS trailering arms?

------------------
1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles

They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson

Gee_Emm's Page

Help me get my truck on a soda bottle!!!!!

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2002, 11:41 PM

I can't remember which board it was on(I belong to 4 of them now) but this was just dicused recently. The long trailing arms act as ladder bars. If you were to reweld the shock mounts to the furthest point possable, it would help with cornering alot. But as far as factory set ups, this is one of the best ones made.
The reason you don't find this exact set up under cars is space problems. Many will have the shorter arms, but that isn't nearly as good as these real long ones.

------------------
'69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon.
Thanks every one!

Check out The Longhorn Webite.
If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

SCOTI · 03-25-2002, 11:41 PM

They actually use a lighter weight piece but it is designed from the GM part. I believe Jr.Johnson was one of the first back in the early days of testing the 'mystery motor'. He was looking for an efficient/simple way of transferring the power to the ground. Now you can get lowering blocks, pinion wedges & they even make a different bushing for the front thats more like a heim-joint type bushing. They also use a 3-link suspension depending on track/circuit. They mount basically the same way but instead of mounting solid to the rear end they pivot & use the third link to control axle rotation/pinion(kinda like late model f-bodies). Theres also a shop that designs suspension set-ups for cars/hotrods that use this engineering set-up...www.hotrodsfromhell.com I think was the website. Kinda' cool though...these suspensions could be made to handle good if the set-up is right. The rear sway-bar set-up they use could prob be adapted to our frames & w/adj front bar & adj spring/shock rates you would have a good start. Check out www.stockcarproducts.com for t-arms,u-bolts, blocks, & wedges.

[This message has been edited by SCOTI (edited March 25, 2002).]

seanu · 03-26-2002, 12:04 AM

Scoti...sweet, I checked out that sight they really have a lot of cool stuff, including the rear trailing arms and some perf parts that would make our trucks handle really well.

So they have been making these trailing arms for a while, and the truck gods, have made it out like they are a new product! I think they want like $300 or more for them at LMC and they are $175 there.

------------------
Sean
1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck)
83 C10 LWB (new daily driver)
Jacksonville, Florida

SCOTI · 03-26-2002, 12:11 AM

Cheaper & they offer a lighter version w/the 'mono-ball' bushing. I dont know about direct sales to the public but it would be worth a shot.

seanu · 03-26-2002, 12:12 AM

Ok, I was going to ask about that, how does that work, I can't figure it out from the photos?

------------------
Sean
1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck)
83 C10 LWB (new daily driver)
Jacksonville, Florida

ebfabman · 03-26-2002, 12:24 AM

guys, these are "race" items only. There would really be no advantage to try to make them fit in an OEM application, although I'm sure you could. They are not OEM parts, and you would have to adjust for pinion angle.

[This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited March 25, 2002).]

SCOTI · 03-26-2002, 11:29 AM

Thats the reason I went looking for the site... for the pinion wedges to adjust the pinion angle w/my stock trailing arms. I agree that they are race only pieces but if used w/correct engineering & common sense they could be used on a street vehicle...they use coil-overs on street cars & they were race only @ one time. Personally I would use GM parts only as they have that great million mile testing behind them.

71402BB · 03-26-2002, 11:51 AM

I think thats half the reason these trucks are so popular to build! They have a great stock suspension setup! I couldn't think of anything that would be easier to build as a drag car/truck!

------------------
71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

ebfabman · 03-26-2002, 12:06 PM

Hey SCOTI, coilovers were around long before they were they were used on race cars. I can think of a few examples. Can you think of any?

SCOTI · 03-26-2002, 12:11 PM

VW's? Fiats? Porsches? Triumphs?

70cst10 · 03-26-2002, 09:56 PM

I like to think the nascar cars have OUR style rear suspension..

------------------
milanplechata@hotmail.com

Lexington, SC

1968 c/10 lwb 250/3 on the tree
1970 CST/10 lwb no motor/trans

http://communities.msn.com/6772GMTru...68longbed.msnw

Every man dies, but not every man truly lives..

*Fast68Chevy* · 03-26-2002, 10:02 PM

i thought it was only the nascar minitrucks that ran trailing arms underneath, i remember watching a minitruck race and they had a video cam mounted under the truck and it was showing the trailing arms suspension movements as it was going around the track durign a race one day. pretty neat

63-72 use same arms, bgchevy

------------------
-71/C-10(thx teeitup and crews!)350 4+4/CH465(thx 71Chev, GMCPaul, and CPNE)longfleet bed(thnx meathead95)!still building it-
-'84 Z28(Z28) 1G1AP87GXEL100000 with H.O. 305/4bbl/190net/hp(L69) 3.73 rear(GT4/YC4) 700R4(MD8-MXO) & other goodies

-79 G20 pass van, 350/th350/10bolt,
paint is overrated
Randy- Lincoln, IL

r68c30@hotmail.com
© RSS Enterprises 2000

[This message has been edited by Fast68Chevy (edited March 26, 2002).]

oldcarfart · 09-12-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst10

I like to think the nascar cars have OUR style rear suspension..

------------------
milanplechata@hotmail.com

Lexington, SC

1968 c/10 lwb 250/3 on the tree
1970 CST/10 lwb no motor/trans

http://communities.msn.com/6772GMTru...68longbed.msnw

Every man dies, but not every man truly lives..

coils and arms used on 58-64(?) full sized GM cars.

Kurt L · 09-12-2009, 09:27 PM

hey sean where you been?good to see you back on the board.

Longhorn Man · 09-12-2009, 11:16 PM

why we bringing up 7 year old posts???

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 09-13-2009, 09:22 AM

Wow how many pages back was this thread?

LONGHAIR · 09-13-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

why we bringing up 7 year old posts???

'cause newbies don't know any better?
It is great to "reserach" back into the old stuff......but w/o a very good reason to bring it back up and somewhat of an explanation or even just a complete sentence? I don't get it either?

BTW the NASCAR guys usually refer to them as "truck arms" for just that reason.....they came from trucks originally.

SCOTI · 09-13-2009, 11:34 AM

No harm, no foul. Maybe others have joined since then & didn't know this info. If it's old news, this will go back to the closet for another few years

.

Tx Firefighter · 09-13-2009, 12:06 PM

Necroposting : verb: Reviving a dead post from 7 years past.

mr48chev · 09-13-2009, 01:58 PM

[QUOTE=70cst10;3914]I like to think the nascar cars have OUR style rear suspension..

If you watch the pre race programs or the in the garage style Nascar related programs the crew chiefs and mechanics refer to the bars as "truck bars"

In the Nascar's world of all things having to be equal between cars I believe that this style of rear suspension is required in Nascar. At least in cup cars.

ERASER5 · 09-13-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Necroposting : verb: Reviving a dead post from 7 years past.

Is that VooDoo or just the standard black magic?

*Shane* · 09-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Truck Arms ... pic taken at a top Sprint Cup team last winter ... top as in #1 in the points currently.

03-25-2002, 11:27 PM	#2
bgbchevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 486	i read somewhere that racers would use the suspensions off the 63-66 series trucks, i guess they might of done the same with the 67-72's __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C/20 LWB, BB 402, Tach, Bedside Toolbox, Posi, Factory AC, Factory AM/FM, cruise, Dana 60

03-25-2002, 11:41 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	They actually use a lighter weight piece but it is designed from the GM part. I believe Jr.Johnson was one of the first back in the early days of testing the 'mystery motor'. He was looking for an efficient/simple way of transferring the power to the ground. Now you can get lowering blocks, pinion wedges & they even make a different bushing for the front thats more like a heim-joint type bushing. They also use a 3-link suspension depending on track/circuit. They mount basically the same way but instead of mounting solid to the rear end they pivot & use the third link to control axle rotation/pinion(kinda like late model f-bodies). Theres also a shop that designs suspension set-ups for cars/hotrods that use this engineering set-up...www.hotrodsfromhell.com I think was the website. Kinda' cool though...these suspensions could be made to handle good if the set-up is right. The rear sway-bar set-up they use could prob be adapted to our frames & w/adj front bar & adj spring/shock rates you would have a good start. Check out www.stockcarproducts.com for t-arms,u-bolts, blocks, & wedges. [This message has been edited by SCOTI (edited March 25, 2002).] __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

03-26-2002, 12:04 AM	#6
seanu Too many projects!!! Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 508	Scoti...sweet, I checked out that sight they really have a lot of cool stuff, including the rear trailing arms and some perf parts that would make our trucks handle really well. So they have been making these trailing arms for a while, and the truck gods, have made it out like they are a new product! I think they want like $300 or more for them at LMC and they are $175 there. ------------------ Sean 1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck) 83 C10 LWB (new daily driver) Jacksonville, Florida __________________ Sean 1995 Buick Roadmaster Sedan 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 5.3L V8 1963 Chevy Biscayne 4D Sedan 1971 Chevy C10 (now have 70 cab & frame) 1968 Chevy C10 (parts for the 70) 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (Chevy 355 motor) 1937 Pontiac 8 4D Touring Sedan (in pieces) Jacksonville, Florida

03-26-2002, 12:11 AM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Cheaper & they offer a lighter version w/the 'mono-ball' bushing. I dont know about direct sales to the public but it would be worth a shot. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

03-26-2002, 12:12 AM	#8
seanu Too many projects!!! Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 508	Ok, I was going to ask about that, how does that work, I can't figure it out from the photos? ------------------ Sean 1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck) 83 C10 LWB (new daily driver) Jacksonville, Florida __________________ Sean 1995 Buick Roadmaster Sedan 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 5.3L V8 1963 Chevy Biscayne 4D Sedan 1971 Chevy C10 (now have 70 cab & frame) 1968 Chevy C10 (parts for the 70) 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (Chevy 355 motor) 1937 Pontiac 8 4D Touring Sedan (in pieces) Jacksonville, Florida

03-25-2002, 11:19 PM	#1
seanu Too many projects!!! Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 508	Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! I was down in O-town (Orlando, Florida to all you none Floridians) last week (spring break with the kids) and go to my usual place to eat. The Race Rock Cafe, which has all kinds of racing stuff, cars, trucks, dragsters, all kinds of stuff (yes they are all real ex-racers). Any way, I happen to notice that the two NASCAR cars hanging in the opening to the building, that they use the exact trailing arms as my 71 chevy! WOW! Did any one else know this? ------------------ Sean 1971 SWB Frame up Project (going to be street truck) 83 C10 LWB (new daily driver) Jacksonville, Florida __________________ Sean 1995 Buick Roadmaster Sedan 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 5.3L V8 1963 Chevy Biscayne 4D Sedan 1971 Chevy C10 (now have 70 cab & frame) 1968 Chevy C10 (parts for the 70) 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (Chevy 355 motor) 1937 Pontiac 8 4D Touring Sedan (in pieces) Jacksonville, Florida

03-25-2002, 11:41 PM	#3
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Yah I noticed that a few years ago. I always wondered if they just went and bought them from GM and slapped them on. Hmm is that why I can't find any NOS trailering arms? ------------------ 1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson Gee_Emm's Page Help me get my truck on a soda bottle!!!!!

03-25-2002, 11:41 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I can't remember which board it was on(I belong to 4 of them now) but this was just dicused recently. The long trailing arms act as ladder bars. If you were to reweld the shock mounts to the furthest point possable, it would help with cornering alot. But as far as factory set ups, this is one of the best ones made. The reason you don't find this exact set up under cars is space problems. Many will have the shorter arms, but that isn't nearly as good as these real long ones. ------------------ '69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon. Thanks every one! Check out The Longhorn Webite. If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio

03-26-2002, 12:24 AM	#9
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	guys, these are "race" items only. There would really be no advantage to try to make them fit in an OEM application, although I'm sure you could. They are not OEM parts, and you would have to adjust for pinion angle. [This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited March 25, 2002).]

03-26-2002, 11:29 AM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Thats the reason I went looking for the site... for the pinion wedges to adjust the pinion angle w/my stock trailing arms. I agree that they are race only pieces but if used w/correct engineering & common sense they could be used on a street vehicle...they use coil-overs on street cars & they were race only @ one time. Personally I would use GM parts only as they have that great million mile testing behind them. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

03-26-2002, 11:51 AM	#11
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	I think thats half the reason these trucks are so popular to build! They have a great stock suspension setup! I couldn't think of anything that would be easier to build as a drag car/truck! ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

03-26-2002, 12:06 PM	#12
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	Hey SCOTI, coilovers were around long before they were they were used on race cars. I can think of a few examples. Can you think of any?

03-26-2002, 12:11 PM	#13
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	VW's? Fiats? Porsches? Triumphs? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

03-26-2002, 09:56 PM	#14
70cst10 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Gaston, SC Posts: 580	I like to think the nascar cars have OUR style rear suspension.. ------------------ milanplechata@hotmail.com Lexington, SC 1968 c/10 lwb 250/3 on the tree 1970 CST/10 lwb no motor/trans http://communities.msn.com/6772GMTru...68longbed.msnw Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.. __________________ Milan 1964 Chevelle SS 283/M20

03-26-2002, 10:02 PM	#15
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	i thought it was only the nascar minitrucks that ran trailing arms underneath, i remember watching a minitruck race and they had a video cam mounted under the truck and it was showing the trailing arms suspension movements as it was going around the track durign a race one day. pretty neat 63-72 use same arms, bgchevy ------------------ -71/C-10(thx teeitup and crews!)350 4+4/CH465(thx 71Chev, GMCPaul, and CPNE)longfleet bed(thnx meathead95)!still building it- -'84 Z28(Z28) 1G1AP87GXEL100000 with H.O. 305/4bbl/190net/hp(L69) 3.73 rear(GT4/YC4) 700R4(MD8-MXO) & other goodies -79 G20 pass van, 350/th350/10bolt, paint is overrated Randy- Lincoln, IL r68c30@hotmail.com © RSS Enterprises 2000 [This message has been edited by Fast68Chevy (edited March 26, 2002).]



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09-12-2009, 09:27 PM	#17
Kurt L Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: ne florida Posts: 2,665	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! hey sean where you been?good to see you back on the board.

09-12-2009, 11:16 PM	#18
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! why we bringing up 7 year old posts???

09-13-2009, 09:22 AM	#19
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! Wow how many pages back was this thread? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-13-2009, 11:34 AM	#21
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! No harm, no foul. Maybe others have joined since then & didn't know this info. If it's old news, this will go back to the closet for another few years . __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 09-13-2009 at 11:34 AM.

09-13-2009, 12:06 PM	#22
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! Necroposting : verb: Reviving a dead post from 7 years past. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

09-13-2009, 01:58 PM	#23
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,446	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! [QUOTE=70cst10;3914]I like to think the nascar cars have OUR style rear suspension.. If you watch the pre race programs or the in the garage style Nascar related programs the crew chiefs and mechanics refer to the bars as "truck bars" In the Nascar's world of all things having to be equal between cars I believe that this style of rear suspension is required in Nascar. At least in cup cars.

09-13-2009, 05:11 PM	#25
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Our trucks have a NASCAR style rear suspension! Truck Arms ... pic taken at a top Sprint Cup team last winter ... top as in #1 in the points currently.

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