07-24-2016, 08:04 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: spokane wa
Posts: 3
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trailing arm vs leaf
so i bought a 64 gmc. it has the leaf springs on the rear. I really want to bag it. im looking for some help deciding what to do.
my options are putting a 4 link in. can anybody give me a good link for a bolt in kit. somebody recommended putting a trailing arm system in instead. do they make these in a bolt in kit? ive been trying to research but im not finding my golden thread with all this info yet. thanks for the help |
07-24-2016, 08:47 AM | #2 |
It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
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Re: trailing arm vs leaf
It depends on what you plan to do with your truck. The leaf spring rear end is great for hauling and towing duties. If you want to convert it to a trailing arm suspension, here are a couple of links to the Classic Performance Parts and Ridetech kits (but you can piece it together to replace the coil springs with air springs).
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6372TRS-K.htm http://www.ridetech.com/store/1963-1...ar-system.html There are numerous 4-link kits from No Limit, etc., that address all kinds of applications and installation skill levels.
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07-24-2016, 01:22 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Athens, Georgia
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Re: trailing arm vs leaf
If you want to convert it to trailing arm, the Chevys of the same year came from the factory with a trailing arm suspension. They're still plentiful in junkyards--you could either find one and cut out the t-arm cross member and add it to your GMC frame, or even just swap frames completely.
I'm a long-time hot rodder, and always opt for aftermarket stuff, but in this case, it's tough to beat the simplicity and price of a factory trailing arm installation. -Brad
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07-24-2016, 04:47 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: joshua tree ca.
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Re: trailing arm vs leaf
The cross member in my 63 GMC with leafs IS already the correct one for trailing arms (assume it is in the right location)and another GMC i just made into a trailer 68ish was the same just bolt the trailing arm brackets to the member (holes already there) and GO
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07-25-2016, 01:38 AM | #5 |
60-66 Nut
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,252
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Re: trailing arm vs leaf
I agree with just sourcing the parts from a '63-'72 Chevy. As said, the trailing arm crossmember should already be there.
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07-25-2016, 02:28 AM | #6 |
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Re: trailing arm vs leaf
thanks guys
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