Suspension options - opinions appreciated

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by loridr

Here's where I'm at: I have a 69' C-10 shortbed with 72' suspension I built in the late 90's. I just retired and plan on blowing it apart again and bringing it up to date.
Couple of questions:

1. How much better off would I be in the front by switching to spindles/springs and ditching the boxed lower arms? And if I do that, would my old tubular upper arms be compatible with most manufacturers non-dropped lowers or will I need new uppers as well?

2. In the back I’ve been thinking of going to something trick like the CPP Totally Tubular complete kit or the complete ECE setup. Has anyone had any experience with the way these systems perform? Also, other than the exhaust clearance and pinion angle benefits, will one of these systems give me any better ride/handling than just relocating my shocks correctly and installing a good adjustable track bar? I plan on notching the rails no matter which way I decide to go. Bucks aren’t really an issue, but as you all know a dollar saved here is easily spent somewhere else on the ride!

I would really appreciate opinions and input from you guy’s, this forum is great.

You didn't mention anything about your fabrication skills so I'm going to assume you have the welder and the skill to use it, along with the other tools to make miscellaneous bracketry and lugs for the rear. I just do not like either tubular rear you mentioned. I haven't used them so it could just be my lack of familiarity with them but I think you could introduce more flex than you already have and that will not please you. If I were going to re-do my truck ( 3/5 drop, ECE super track bar & shock relocator with reinforced stock trailing arms) I would convert to a triangulated 4 bar (or a ladderbar rear) and switch the front as you suggest with drop spindles and springs.