53 truck with 60-62 frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PDW HOTRODS · 02-21-2016, 11:10 PM

I got a 53 Chevy pickup that someone put on a 60-62 Chevy pickup frame. They did not finish, it's a project. I will not be using the front suspension, it's too wide, and they torched off the T bars, but I am thinking about using the frame and rear suspension. Has anyone here used the rear coil spring suspension? How does it compare to leaf springs, or 3 or 4 link? The truck would be for street use only.

**Advanced Design** · 02-21-2016, 11:24 PM

I haven't experienced one though No Limit Engineering makes a trailing arm rear suspension for the 47 to 54 truck. http://nolimit.net/products#!/Rear-T...tegory=6257097

**mr48chev** · 02-22-2016, 03:24 AM

I've tossed the idea of putting a trailing arm rear suspension under my 48 as I have a trailer made out of a 70 longbed that we used to have before I rolled it 25 years ago.

I'd take a serious look under yours before doing anything though and see how the cab bed and nose were mounted and what the workmanship looks like. You may be better off scrapping that whole chassis and putting and S-10 or stock 3100 frame under it.

**jweb** · 02-22-2016, 11:30 AM

Here's a build where they are using a trailing arm suspension:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=569491&page=7

I'm also just starting to install a trailing arm suspension but I don't have a build thread. I think it will ride really well. But if it were me, I would start with a stock frame or S-10. Seems like it would be alot of work to make the 60's frame work.

PDW HOTRODS · 02-22-2016, 12:38 PM

The 60-62 Frame is uncut other than the torshon bars were torched off. The cab mounts are not welded to the frame, but are with the cab. The bed looks like it will mount to the frame fine. I have a 78 Malibu I will use the front suspension out of. I have used it before and it works and fits great. I have always used stock frame with leaf springs in back, but thought this might work ok.

**jweb** · 02-22-2016, 01:35 PM

I say go for it. The Malibu front should be a good width if you can adapt it to the 60 frame. The trailing arm rear and '60 axle width will be good for the back
Posted via Mobile Device

02-21-2016, 11:10 PM	#1
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	53 truck with 60-62 frame I got a 53 Chevy pickup that someone put on a 60-62 Chevy pickup frame. They did not finish, it's a project. I will not be using the front suspension, it's too wide, and they torched off the T bars, but I am thinking about using the frame and rear suspension. Has anyone here used the rear coil spring suspension? How does it compare to leaf springs, or 3 or 4 link? The truck would be for street use only.

02-21-2016, 11:24 PM	#2
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 53 truck with 60-62 frame I haven't experienced one though No Limit Engineering makes a trailing arm rear suspension for the 47 to 54 truck. http://nolimit.net/products#!/Rear-T...tegory=6257097 __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

02-22-2016, 03:24 AM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: 53 truck with 60-62 frame I've tossed the idea of putting a trailing arm rear suspension under my 48 as I have a trailer made out of a 70 longbed that we used to have before I rolled it 25 years ago. I'd take a serious look under yours before doing anything though and see how the cab bed and nose were mounted and what the workmanship looks like. You may be better off scrapping that whole chassis and putting and S-10 or stock 3100 frame under it. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

02-22-2016, 11:30 AM	#4
jweb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,208	Re: 53 truck with 60-62 frame Here's a build where they are using a trailing arm suspension: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=569491&page=7 I'm also just starting to install a trailing arm suspension but I don't have a build thread. I think it will ride really well. But if it were me, I would start with a stock frame or S-10. Seems like it would be alot of work to make the 60's frame work.

02-22-2016, 12:38 PM	#5
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: 53 truck with 60-62 frame The 60-62 Frame is uncut other than the torshon bars were torched off. The cab mounts are not welded to the frame, but are with the cab. The bed looks like it will mount to the frame fine. I have a 78 Malibu I will use the front suspension out of. I have used it before and it works and fits great. I have always used stock frame with leaf springs in back, but thought this might work ok.

02-22-2016, 01:35 PM	#6
jweb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,208	Re: 53 truck with 60-62 frame I say go for it. The Malibu front should be a good width if you can adapt it to the 60 frame. The trailing arm rear and '60 axle width will be good for the back Posted via Mobile Device



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