Rear supsension question

[nogaroa4]

I've done searching on this site and other sites, and I'm trying to make up my mind on rear suspension. I know ultimately it will be my decision, but your feedback would be great.

I originally planned on doing a flip kit on the rear but I soon realized untill I was done buying new shackles, flip kit, new spring, new shocks I would be up around how much a 4 link would run

Then I looked into a 4 link that would cost around 700-800 when I was all done

I want the truck low/very low and I'm trying to build this truck on a budget.

I would also like to eventually put a motor in that would be around 350-400hp

Any suggestions on which route to go

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by nogaroa4

I've done searching on this site and other sites, and I'm trying to make up my mind on rear suspension. I know ultimately it will be my decision, but your feedback would be great.

I originally planned on doing a flip kit on the rear but I soon realized untill I was done buying new shackles, flip kit, new spring, new shocks I would be up around how much a 4 link would run

Then I looked into a 4 link that would cost around 700-800 when I was all done

I want the truck low/very low and I'm trying to build this truck on a budget.

I would also like to eventually put a motor in that would be around 350-400hp

Any suggestions on which route to go

what year of truck are you working on and is it the original rear axle? Are you C-notching your frame? Are you going with stock 15" wheels, 17's, 20's?

[1-ton of fun]

a flip can be done pretty cheap. it will require a c-notch in the frame.

if you are buying all new parts (springs, shackles, etc.) i guess it could add up to what a 4-bar costs.

the 4-bar that most places sell is good for a street truck, but it would likely make the rear squat a lot on launch. that is unless the links converge in side view; then the instant center will determine rear squat or rise.

if your springs are in decent shape, just clean and paint them, maybe add a leaf, c-notch it, order one of the flip kits (i think they're $150) and get new shocks.


now with that said, i decided to go with a converging offset 3-link

[nogaroa4]

It's a 1955 Chevy Step Side Truck
Now it has 14's on it, eventually when its painted It will have 17's on it.
I am c notching the rear frame for the axle to have clearance in.
I'm deeply considering a triangulated 4 link. ( I have to check on exhaust issues, could just put side pipes on it)

The only reason why I mentioned getting new shackles and springs, Is just because the truck is 52 years old, and I'm one of those people, that even know I'm working on a tight budget, I would rather replace the parts now, vs a year or two down the line.

Prices I’ve thrown together quick

Leaf setup
From CPP-479


4 Link
4 link bars---300
coil overs---350



So I guess with out shipping the prices would be 479 vs 650

And the only reason why I was swaying towards 4 link was because I can tune the height up the suspension a better, and if I decide to drop more hp in, I can just buy a heavier spring rate

Opinions?

[dwcsr]

This suspension will let you get very low. Its a coil over ladder bar.

[**grumpy**]

I wanted my 53 Suburban low, real low...so I ended up buying a "FatBar" 4-link with air ride from No Limit Engineering.

We did a 6" step notch on the frame, and it's now low!

The whole kit was under $1000.

Here it is just after we put the motor/trans. in.

And those are just junk 14" rollers. It'll have 15x6 Chrome OE steeleis and wide whitewalls.

BTW, that is ride height up front, no bags!

[BobTheTrucker]

That's LOW!!!
Has anyone ever heard of turning stock springs over?
Not flipping them from top to the bottom of the axle but leaving them on the top of the axle and just turning them over??

[1-ton of fun]

the axle would hit the frame, actually it would not even bolt up like that i don't think...unless you want the axle above the frame

[tiggerstoy]

this whole setup cost me about $50. bucks.....it sit's prity low, holds about 600 pounds in the box before bottoming out on a good bump.

[bfink]

tiggerstoy what size tires are you running on the back ? they look like N-50's , thats what i had on mine befoe i wore them out (now 305/60's but i like the N-50s better , they are taller. also what rear are you running?

bfink
55 chevy

[BobTheTrucker]

tiggerstoy you said "this whole setup cost me about $50. bucks.....it sit's prity low, holds about 600 pounds in the box before bottoming out on a good bump.
Where can I get a set up like that??

[PDW HOTRODS]

Can't see much in the pic. What is your $50 set up? Is it car springs?

[56chevy1300]

could be something like this (in the pic)...mine cost me $70 USD from CPP.

[tiggerstoy]

Originally Posted by bfink

tiggerstoy what size tires are you running on the back ? they look like N-50's , thats what i had on mine befoe i wore them out (now 305/60's but i like the N-50s better , they are taller. also what rear are you running?

bfink
55 chevy

yes they are h 50-15's and it looks like ill be geting rid of the rear rim's and tires as soon as i get back to work on the truck.

[tiggerstoy]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

could be something like this (in the pic)...mine cost me $70 USD from CPP.

pritty close....i lost all but 3 leafs, added 2 overloaders,homemade flip kit (u-bolts,relocate plate, shock mounts) 4.5" tube cut in half for the frame notch, box it in..all cost more time than money( $50.00 in parts), and had a fun time fabing on my truck! btw...90-10 drag shocks