trailing arm suspension

[Wild83C10]

So has anyone attempted to fabricate there own trailing arm suspension? If so lets see some details. Thanks

[boxrodz]

Quite a while back, someone on here was gonna try to swap a 73-87 body onto a late 60s chevy frame. He was also gonna swap the front crossmember/suspension from the 73-87 frame onto the 60s frame. I don't know if he made any leeway.

It's not quite what you're asking, but maybe you can borrow the setup from a late 60s rear suspension. I've entertain the offer, but there might be some interference problems between the trailing arms and the narrow frame. But, I haven't studied it enough to be sure. It does seem that a trailing arms may be a better setup then a parallel 4-link, but I'm not sure. Though, it seems a 4-link would be easier to setup. I do see alot of 4-link setups. But, in Herb Adams' Chassis Engineering book, he advises against 4-links. Maybe because of the lack of articulation. Long, near-center frame-mounted trailing arms may work out like those on the older chevy suspensions.

[Wild83C10]

I have thought about a 4-link but that wouldn't really ride that nice and would limit my handeling. I think the trailing arm set-up would be the best all-around rear suspension as it moves your IC farther forward. This will help with weight transfer. Check out Hot Rods to Hell they build these set-ups for a bunch of '60's cars.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

I have thought about a 4-link but that wouldn't really ride that nice and would limit my handeling.....

Ok you have me on this one. I'm curious why you think a 4 link would not ride well, or limit handling?

A true 4 link (which actually has 5 links?) has as much if not more articulation than leaf springs do if set up properly. Of course "set up properly" has to include the proper length parallel bars. If these bars are too short they will have an adverse effect and cause binding as the suspension travels. Ride will not be affected by the 4 link as much as it will be buy the type of springs used. If you go with a properly set up air suspension the ride will be much better than a stock truck. Handling is also a matter of suspension design. Again with a properly designed 4 link and air suspension your handling will be greatly improved.

Maybe your thinking of ladder bars...

[Wild83C10]

Who makes a four link for our trucks? I still believe the trailing arm coil spring suspension would be a better solution. Do you agree with that?

[SanitysBane]

All depends on what you want it to do. Hotrod had a long article about the pro's and con's of the trailing arm suspension a couple of articles back.

[Prerunner1982]

i have thought of trailing arm design as well, but not for the same reason you are..

[70short/step]

My 4 link rides bettter than any trailing arm suspension truck I have been in. True I also have QA-1 coil overs with the 4 link, But it rides ohhh sooo nice!

[Wild83C10]

Originally Posted by SanitysBane

All depends on what you want it to do. Hotrod had a long article about the pro's and con's of the trailing arm suspension a couple of articles back.

Do you know if that was the article about the Hot Rods to Hell truck arm setup? I subscribe to Hot Rod, what issue was that article in?

[Wild83C10]

70 short/step
Where did you get your four link set-up from?
It rides better bet how does it hook and handle? Although if you still don't have your bed on it may not be a fair question.

[70short/step]

Hooks Awsome!
Handles Great!
With or without the bed it rides fine!
Those QA-1 coil overs have a 12 setting dial on them so you can go from no bed and it rides nice to hauling stuff and it still rides well.
The 4 link is Air Ride Technologies.
ValleyCustom from here on the board set it up for me.
There was a link on here about the whole thing but it is gone now.