Porterbuilt Dropmember

[thotfulspot]

I was going to go with coils for my '57, but was told the air system would be better for towing.

[IronGorilla]

Another question for you. The drop members are based off of c4 corvette suspension correct? Have you ever thought about doing a crossmember to use the rear IRS from the c4? Im building the 55 for pro touring and goodguys autocross so I want this thing to handle. I have a 502 and a t56 combo going into it so the rear end needs to be tough too.

[thotfulspot]

I did a lot of research about the Corvette IRS. There are just too many weak points when running high horsepower through the IRS with the weight of the truck. Every vendor I talked too said go with a 9". There are some exotic IRS setups out there. They just cost exponentially more than a good 4-link and 9". A solid axle can handle as well as IRS if set up right.

[IronGorilla]

Originally Posted by thotfulspot

I did a lot of research about the Corvette IRS. There are just too many weak points when running high horsepower through the IRS with the weight of the truck. Every vendor I talked too said go with a 9". There are some exotic IRS setups out there. They just cost exponentially more than a good 4-link and 9". A solid axle can handle as well as IRS if set up right.

Yeah that's been my biggest concern especially with the aluminum crossmember. But that's why I was thinking if porterbuilt used the geometry but with his crossmember and arms maybe it would be strong enough. Just looking at all the options but thankyou for the input.

[thotfulspot]

Originally Posted by IronGorilla

Yeah that's been my biggest concern especially with the aluminum crossmember. But that's why I was thinking if porterbuilt used the geometry but with his crossmember and arms maybe it would be strong enough. Just looking at all the options but thankyou for the input.

When I talked to some rear end companies, they said the weak points are the bearings and shafts. Dynatrac makes a new IRS setup for the new Challengers. I've dealt with them a lot for Jeep differentials. They laughed when I said I wanted to put in the IRS with 500HP.

You can get heavier duty parts for almost everything in the IRS. I was looking at 8-10K when it was all said and done. I could buy a crate LS3, 4L80, and a built 9" for not much more.

I don't think the Porterbuilt stuff is based on the C4 Corvette parts. It's more of a standard 4-link setup in the rear. The front is different also. I had actually bought a C4 front clip to use with another manufacturers front end. There isn't a lot of difference when it come to a-arms. The Porterbuilt seems to have more adjustment for camber and caster. I haven't gotten my Porterbuilt stuff yet, but that's what it looks like from the pictures.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by IronGorilla

Another question for you. The drop members are based off of c4 corvette suspension correct? Have you ever thought about doing a crossmember to use the rear IRS from the c4? Im building the 55 for pro touring and goodguys autocross so I want this thing to handle. I have a 502 and a t56 combo going into it so the rear end needs to be tough too.

IronGorilla-

We use to make a Dropmember that utilized the C4 components.... but our other variations of Dropmembers are NOT based off the C4 suspension.

We have a handful of different geometry designs that we use... but they are all of our own design, and work with a C10 spindle.

In regards to the rear C4 question, we used to use the C4 rear on a lot of our builds, but they are more of an eye candy piece and they take a lot of money to build up to hold power.

With the power you are looking at, I would also recommend a 9" or even a built 12 bolt. The IRS just has a lot of moving parts and more possibilities in regards to failure points.

Nate

[IronGorilla]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm def looking for best bang for the buck on this build while still being competitive so it looks as if the solid rear axle is the way to go. I've built a few road race cars and two drift cars with IRS and it took a lot of money and time to figure out a combination to hold 500hp and not to mention a lot of money. The last setup I used was a winters quick change center section with custom Porsche axles and custom tubular IRS. It held the abuse but also cost a lot of money. And I'm def not looking to go that crazy with this build.

[Bennett68C10]

Today was a good day for me, first time I layed the truck out with some sheet metal bolted on Suspension consists of Touring front dropmember, Extreme Rear dropmember, 2.5" drop spindles and 28" tall front tires.

[classicchev]

Sweet!!! Even the painters tape wheels. You cutting a huge hole in the hood for the air cleaner and carb to stick out?? What are your plans for that?

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by classicchev

Sweet!!! Even the painters tape wheels. You cutting a huge hole in the hood for the air cleaner and carb to stick out?? What are your plans for that?

no I have a 2" carb spacer that I have to take out plus I'm running a cowl hood

[classicchev]

White roof, silver??? gunmetal??????
Whats the colour scheme, any mouldings??

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by classicchev

White roof, silver??? gunmetal??????
Whats the colour scheme, any mouldings??

Haven't figured that out yet, can't nail down exactly what I want to do yet

[PBFAB.COM]

Here's a cool pic of the cover of the new Street Trucks C10 Builder's Guide. If you look closely you will see that there are 3 Porterbuilt Equipped C10s on the cover. That feels pretty dang good!!!! Congrats to our buddy Delmo for all the exposure he has been receiving... well deserved.

[lolife99]

I'd also say congrats to Porterbuilt Fabrication,... for changing the way we now look at air ride suspensions for C10 trucks.
(as well as other year trucks, and coilover suspended truck chassis')

[Rusbuilt]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I'd also say congrats to Porterbuilt Fabrication,... for changing the way we now look at air ride suspensions for C10 trucks.
(as well as other year trucks, and coilover suspended truck chassis')

Agree!

[oldman3]

X2...Jim

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I'd also say congrats to Porterbuilt Fabrication,... for changing the way we now look at air ride suspensions for C10 trucks.
(as well as other year trucks, and coilover suspended truck chassis')

Originally Posted by Rusbuilt

Agree!

Originally Posted by oldman3

X2...Jim

Thanks guys! It's been quite the ride over the past several years! Thanks for all the support! We owe a ton to our loyal customers!

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by Porterbuilt Street Rods

Thanks guys! It's been quite the ride over the past several years! Thanks for all the support! We owe a ton to our loyal customers!

so any updates on the AD front drop member yet? or did i miss it? thanks.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by crossfire84

so any updates on the AD front drop member yet? or did i miss it? thanks.

I am starting on the fixture for the front kit tomorrow.

I will post some updates soon. It will be production ready before we know it!

We will have a coil over and airbag option available by the end of the year.

Nate

[classicchev]

Got the frame braces ready yet??

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by classicchev

Got the frame braces ready yet??

You referring to this guy? If so, it's close.

[Rusbuilt]

That looks wicked! Whats the purpose of the bracket in the middle?

[classicchev]

Is that mine. Is there enough room to get 3" pipes through the maze??

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Rusbuilt

That looks wicked! Whats the purpose of the bracket in the middle?

It's the trans mount. Has to be adjustable for the different variations. I will post more pics in a week or two. I'm happy with how it turned out.

Here's a couple pics of a C10 running some Porterbuilt goodies. It's being built in Colorado by Big Willies Garage.

[PBFAB.COM]

The second pic...