What rear setup ???

[Spray-Bomb]

ok guys, Im having a hard time filtering through all the different set ups I could run on the rear of my 77

It was no big deal on my 67, as all I really had to do was swap the springs for bags, but beings how the 77 is a leaf sprung truck I just dont really know what set up to run

Parallel 4, triangulated 4, canti setup, watts link, panhard bar... What I just dont know

So I guess, give me your input on which rear set up works best or the advantages & disadvantages of each

I want to roll LOW, I doubt I have anything bigger than 18's on it, but I do like some rubber around my wheels
Also not a big fan of notches & will either Z, Back half, or build a new frame for it

Travel isnt the biggest importance either, I would rather it ride SMOOTH
So I guess I also would like to know about bag positions, & what would give the best of both worlds

And while on the subject of bags, I really dont know which ones to run on it
I really dont have any plans of hauling anything, but I may throw a 4-wheeler in the bed
I have a pair of RE-7's & a pair of F-9000's & really dont know which would be better for this aplication

Now after all that, Im gonna be picky bout what info I take in
Im not gonna buy anybodys kit or bolt on thing, so dont tell me to go buy so N so's whatever

Not looking for any over stuffed opinions either, just what you have done & what you would do different

Sorry if I come across a lil rude or too picky, just dont want a big debate going on in my thread

[HotRodYJ]

I plan to Z the back of my frame to get the drop I need. I would like to build an all new back half, but it is less costly to Z what is already there. Actually instead of a true Z, I'm toying with the idea of cutting and mittering out a little where the factory bends are for the frame kick up. By mittering out a little more at each bend, I can tweak the factory frame to kick up higher. Then of course weld, fish plate (the inside out of sight) then box this section of frame where the cuts are made for strength. Should end up with a much more factory kind of look. Make people wonder what exactly was done.

[Spray-Bomb]

I have thought of this & like the idea
Just the same as you, I'd prolly rather Z it than back half it


Anybody else ???

[SCOTI]

How low are you wanting to go?

[Spray-Bomb]

I'd say probably something like 5" to rocker at ride height... That is what the drop member is capable of with 3" drop spindles correct ???

Im not exactly sure on tire height either, as Im not sure what im going to wind up running... but it most likely wont be over an 18" wheel, so I guess somewhere around a 27" to a 29" tall tire ???

[Spray-Bomb]

Ok, just so I can narrow it down some Ima make a guess as to what Im leaning towards

Lets just say that Im going to run a 28" tall tire in the rear & Im going to do stepped Z or whatever & raise my frame up behind my cab, do a bed floor raise & what not

What is the best set up to hold my rear axle in place, whats the best bag placement & which bags are better for this application ???

Matt

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Spray-Bomb

I'd say probably something like 5" to rocker at ride height... That is what the drop member is capable of with 3" drop spindles correct ???

Im not exactly sure on tire height either, as Im not sure what im going to wind up running... but it most likely wont be over an 18" wheel, so I guess somewhere around a 27" to a 29" tall tire ???

I measured my truck w/a static drop for reference. It has 3" spindles w/cut coils up front & flip-kit w/drop shackles out back. Behind the front wheel @ the rocker 'pinch' = 6.75 (27.7" tire). In front of the rear wheel @ the rocker 'pinch' = 8" (29" tire).

[Spray-Bomb]

Thats sounds like a pretty nice ride height, where can I get some more pics of your truck ???

[SCOTI]

Best one I have (someone else took the pic @ TX HeatWave in 03).....

[Spray-Bomb]

Love your truck bro

I would think that would be a good ride height, but I would definitely want it to lay frame at dump

I already know what Im doing up front, & I know what i want to do with the frame in the rear, just dont know what suspension is the best for the rear

[N2TRUX]

I'm confused. You say you don't want a kit. Does that mean your going to buy the parts and build it yourself, or you just don't want a bolt in kit?

[Spray-Bomb]

I dont want to buy a kit, bolt on or otherwise

I will build it, if I have to buy a few parts here & there thats just a part of it

But Im not going to go buy KP's rear canti setup or Thorbecke Bros 4-link, see what Im saying

Im not going to have someone ask me what rear suspension do you have & me tell them I bought SO n So's kit & installed it... Plus I dont have the money for a that stuff

[N2TRUX]

Ok, I'm with you. I think most will agree that a 4 link is the best way to go. Then your going to have to decide how you want to locate the rear. Do prefer a watt's link or a panhard bar?

[Spray-Bomb]

Well Im leaning towards a Watts link

Now what do yall think about a parallel trailing arm set up instead of a 4 link ???
I would think that with a watts link that it would stay centered just fine & then the track bars would be similar to the 67-72s but instead of running at an angle I would run them outside the frame & attach them to the spring perches of my axle

[N2TRUX]

Doesn't sound stable to me. The arms need to be triangulated to control the sway, even with the watts link. Personally I don't like the clutter of a watts link. I prefer a 4 link with a panhard.

Thanks to KP Components for their quality pics-

[Spray-Bomb]

How is the 4-link any more stable ???

Here is a pic of what Im talking about (Im pretty sure this us a board members truck)