Low budget rear suspension builds..

[robroller]

Has anyone here built/put together a cheap rear suspension that looks and functions well? I have a 54 GMC I picked up dirty cheap that already had a Heidts Superride 2 front suspension now I just need a decent rear setup but dont want to pay 800-1200 for heidts/tci/etc..I love the idea of using current automotive factory pieces from junkyards but havent seen any other than Jag rears which seem to be more work than its worth. I did notice recentley I think on a newer durango it appeared to have a watts rear link setup..

[mr48chev]

A couple of the guys are running Mopar Mini van rear leaf springs but I don't know if they are the long or short ones. Real simple and dirt cheap and they unbolt from the van with all of the brackets real easy. I've got both a Grand Caravan and a Mini Ram van to look under for measurements to see how they work for my truck.

Years ago I used to check out every different suspension setup I saw on a rig I worked on to figure out if it could be used on a hot rod or truck. Since I don't work in a shop anymore I've lost track of what is out there.

[focusedontheprize]

Look into Ford 8.8 rears. Running one in my '49. They are available in the Ford Explorers, see the article below. I believe someone in here is running the complete rear from the Explorer (leafs, rear end, and sway bar).

I am running the rear and am putting the rear sway bar in.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...plorer8_8.html

[buggy5872]

I have a low budget 4 link in my 59. The 4 link kit was around $200 from summit. The coil over shocks were around 250. The 51" wide dana 44 out of a 75 Jeep CJ5 was 100 bucks. I made it disc brakes but you really do not need to. I'm sure there is a couple things I missed but not a lot of money for a 4 link and narrow rear.

[mknittle]

I have $300 into mine mostly coil overs. I used a 76 Monty Carlo rear end control arms/ sway bar and made a cross member and mounts.
It is spread through the first and second pages of my GMC build thread.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by buggy5872

I have a low budget 4 link in my 59. The 4 link kit was around $200 from summit. The coil over shocks were around 250. The 51" wide dana 44 out of a 75 Jeep CJ5 was 100 bucks. I made it disc brakes but you really do not need to. I'm sure there is a couple things I missed but not a lot of money for a 4 link and narrow rear.

looks good. A guy can save quite a bit of money buying parts the way you have. I go back and forth from Summit and Jegs. however summit recently built a store 100 miles from where I live so shipping is super fast

[hotrodrookie]

+1 on the exploder 8.8's for an axle. easy to find, tons of parts, and tough. I put one under my 59 and held it into place with a 4/watts link I put together. Check out welder series kits. The guys on the TV show Trucks used them for some suspension kits. http://www.welderseries.com/blog/online-store/

[1959Chev]

Rookie, you just gave me what I needed to get back on my project. I'm sure you all think I've given up just had other priorities getting my race car together.

[NEWFISHER]

Ford/lincoln IRS set ups look extemely easy to install as a complete system ride well, carry a load and lay out nice.
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[robroller]

I have an 94 mercury cougar 8.8 IRS in my full size 94 bronco with 06 crown vic front IFS and like the way it works. I found a complete TCI parallel rear kit with coilovers and panhard for 850 to my door so I think I am just gonna go that route as i already have the explorer 8.8 with discs and 3.73's. Also found a 1949 chevy deluxe cab complete truck this week that I am dragging home.

[f18delta]

I'm in the same boat. Looking at a complete set up for $875, but they're telling me that the shock mount won't fit a 3/4 ton Chevy. Anybody got a lead on one or measurements that I can use to make one?

[PurdueSD]

Ive got about 600 in mine. I think it was money well spent.

TCI rear leaf kit
99 Explorer 8.8 Discs, Ebrakes and posi.

[Coach529]

Mine is really low buck.

$75.00 for '97 blazer rear end (3.43)
$25.00 S-10 leaf springs
$50.00 for KYB rear shocks
$40.00 for 1" lowering blocks
$25.00 for misc metal for fab