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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
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Leaf springs to trailing arms
Alright. I've searched and searched on here and have been unsuccessful in finding out if it's possible to change from leaf springs to trailing arms....and if it's a good idea? What's better...leafs or trailing arms? Give me the pros and cons of both. I want a setup that will hook up.
70 SWB, 6.0, big cam, turbo, 4l80. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Whitehorse yukon
Posts: 1,218
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Yes it do able
The bigger differences are from the c to k series frames A c series c10 c20 frame will be wider at the diff to provide support for the coils Your trailing arm cross member is already in your truck its only missing the trailing arm brackets You will have to add the brackets for mounting the coils to the frame shocks will need to be relocated Ece has a kit to with trailing arm axle mounts shock mounts and panhard bar bracket |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,903
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
In my experience (I've owned about a dozen of these trucks) for 2WD trailing arms are better than leaf springs. In my opinion, they ride better and hook up better.
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 101
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
See my build. Link in signature.
__________________
71 Cheyenne LWB - RideTech Air, zz502, 20" Torq Thrusts 16 Sierra - Bilstein 6112/5160, 33" Duratracs, Method Race Wheels, GMPP Intake, Borla Exhaust 15 4Runner - Icon Coilovers, 33" Duratracs, Pro Comp Wheels, NFABs 16 Malibu Response TXi |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: huntington beach ca
Posts: 341
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Yes very easy and much better ride
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Whitehorse yukon
Posts: 1,218
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Here are a few pics of the back cross members and a reference picture of K 10 truck you can see how the C frame is wider at the axle
I was going to use this truck for parts to convert a 69 C20 to 1/2 with trailing arms going to build a different truck now and use it to convert over to 5 bolt |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Thanks for all the good info. Seems like trailing arms are the way to go but with a little added expense for the conversion. I see ECE has a kit. Does anyone else have any other recommendations? I won't be putting air ride on it.
By the way, great rig P7M! |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Unfortunately, ECE is out of business.
Cal-Trac traction bars allow the leaf spring trucks to hook up as well as the coil trucks. It is more expensive to get the height where you want it on the leaf truck, but running exhaust is significantly easier.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 101
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Thanks. RideTech does offer a coilover version. Still $$.
__________________
71 Cheyenne LWB - RideTech Air, zz502, 20" Torq Thrusts 16 Sierra - Bilstein 6112/5160, 33" Duratracs, Method Race Wheels, GMPP Intake, Borla Exhaust 15 4Runner - Icon Coilovers, 33" Duratracs, Pro Comp Wheels, NFABs 16 Malibu Response TXi |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Lenexa, KS
Posts: 547
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
I did this exact conversion. I documented the whole process on YouTube. Check my channel out. Search for Rusty Wrenches on YouTube. I ended up buying a back half of a coil frame and using all of the crossmembers, brackets, etc... to complete the conversion with a Ridetech Streetgrip kit. But you can do it will other suspension parts as well.
Hope it helps you out. -Nick |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Cal-tracs were the way I was going to go but now not entirely sure. I've heard good things about them but I'd have to buy new leafs for just under $500 and cal-tracs for $450. Adds up there as well.
If I do go with trailing arms, would it be best to remove the leaf spring mounting brackets? |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 974
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
I swapped my '68 GMC over from leaf springs to trailing arms. It was an easy swap, and well worth the effort. If you're gonna source a stock set of trailing arms, I think that it would be worth your time to make sure that you find a set without any cancerous rust, and spend a little time stitch welding and reinforcing them. I was happy with my swap!
__________________
'59 Apache - 383" SBC/TH-350 '68 GMC - BBC/TH400 |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Whitehorse yukon
Posts: 1,218
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
ECE is still in business it is now owned by the Holly group
When i get to the stage of suspension i will be going Ece as they have many great reviews on here and elsewhere One company i would steer away from is cpp with there unknown spring rates and many reviews of rough rides |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Cheraw
Posts: 1,305
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
Please note that you must be a supporting member to post classified items. This includes but is not limited to What Its Worth, Want To Buy, Want To Trade, and For Sale. Please consider supporting the forum by subscribing. Further information on the subscription levels available are located here
If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help. Last edited by LockDoc; 09-14-2020 at 08:49 PM. Reason: WTB by Non-Premium member |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
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Re: Leaf springs to trailing arms
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Bookmarks |
Tags |
conversion, hook up, leaf spring, traction, trailing arms |
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