Leaf springs to trailing arms

[dag19]

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.

[gmc684x4]

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

[truckster]

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.

[P7M89MM]

See my build. Link in signature.

[camtoys1]

Yes very easy and much better ride

[gmc684x4]

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

[dag19]

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!

[Mike C]

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.

[P7M89MM]

Originally Posted by dag19

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!

Thanks. RideTech does offer a coilover version. Still $$.

[beaterku]

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

[dag19]

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?

[dag19]

Originally Posted by beaterku

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

Sweet, thanks Nick! I'm definitely gonna watch your channel.

[nikwho]

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!

[gmc684x4]

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

[BigBird05]

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[dag19]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

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Deal! Now I may just have to go through with the conversion if I have a taker for my spare parts.