12-06-2011, 03:52 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sonora, ca
Posts: 39
|
Rear suspension build
Hi guys, I'm new to your forum.
I'm building a 63' Chevy SWB BBack Window truck. Any body out there have an opinion on rear suspension choices. I've ordered a 4 link (parallel) bar set up but have not yet installed it. I met an old hotrodder that told be when I drive this thing with a parallel bar set up on winding roads it will break. He suggests the triangulated 4 bar. I'll be running a tubbed rear end with Mickey Thompson SR's. |
12-06-2011, 06:54 PM | #2 |
It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Welcome! I am one of those who really likes the trailing arm suspension of these trucks. Was there a particular reason you are going with a 4-link (drag racing)? Did the previous owner of the truck get rid of the trailing arm suspension?
As far as a 4-link on the street, you'll be fine...just make sure you use a well-engineered track/panhard bar set up, or Watts link to keep the rear housing centered. Post some pics when you get a chance.
__________________
1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes |
12-07-2011, 01:48 AM | #3 |
60-66 Nut
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,252
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Welcome to the forum
I agree. The trailing arm with coils is hard to beat for a lot of different uses. There are a few forum members running some respectable times with the trailing arms. As for your question on the parallel 4 bar, is it a true 4 link, with adjustable front mounting points, or is it a 4 bar, with fixed front mounts. As long as you have a good pandard bar, or other centering link, you will be fine. If you haven't already, check out the 'Racing and High Performance' section here on the forum.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
12-07-2011, 01:09 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sonora, ca
Posts: 39
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Hi guys,
Thanks for the great responses. I had also heard positive things about the GM trailing arms, but to run the big Mickey Thompsons I'll need more clearance as the trailing arms hang a little outside of the stock frame rails (which I don't want to alter). The 4bar that I ordered is from Full Tilt Hotrods in Colorado. The rod ends are adjustable, and have poly bushings. I will b installing a panhard bar and rear sway bar. I have already done my C notch in the frame, came out real clean. I used the CCP part. The truck will not b raced, just a Sunday afternoon driver w/the wife and Pomeranian. Someone asked to post pictures in progress. I will if I can figure out how to. I'd love to see some of your trucks. Maybe that bad boy 63 swb w/the big Pontiac mill. Rick Posted via Mobile Device |
12-07-2011, 02:44 PM | #5 |
It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
|
Re: Rear suspension build
How wide of a tire/wheel combination do you plan on running? I ask because I am running an 18" wide tire with the trailing arms.
__________________
1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes |
12-07-2011, 04:14 PM | #6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,071
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Quote:
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
|
12-07-2011, 05:41 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Otis Orchards
Posts: 132
|
Re: Rear suspension build
i am running the FACTORY trailing arms in my 66 chevy long bed truck with a dana 60, the truck does a 1.35 60 foot and runs in the mid nines at 140 +.
__________________
66 Chevy P/U 1/2 ton (new best Oct 09 9.78 @ 139 w/1.3760ft) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41...erdd5d5045.gif |
12-07-2011, 11:00 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sonora, ca
Posts: 39
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Thanks for the response. Great pictures of what I knew would b a bad ass pu. So you're tucking those MT's under a non flared fender w/what looks like race/aftermarket pair of trailing arms? Can't quite see, you running coil overs or bags?
Rick Posted via Mobile Device |
12-07-2011, 11:17 PM | #9 |
It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Thanks. I'm running air springs since this is a street truck, and I needed some adjustability to clear some of the road hazards in my area. Yes, it's just a matter of backspacing...I'm running a pair of Hoosier Pro Street radials in a 31x18-16. The only thing I did to my rear fenders was stretch them to make the opening wider - more proportional to the taller diameter tire. I am running a tubular control arm since the pair that orginally came with the truck fell apart the first time I dismantled the suspension for the previous build up.
__________________
1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes |
12-08-2011, 12:28 AM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sonora, ca
Posts: 39
|
Re: Rear suspension build
That truck's got a great stance. I can see that your trailing arms connect to the axle inside the width of the frame rails. Mine, without measuring, are at least 5" outside the width of the frame. That's what I can see is the reason your wheels tuck in. What would you say is the distance between your inner tire sidwall and the frame?
Rick Posted via Mobile Device |
12-08-2011, 09:35 AM | #11 | |
It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Quote:
__________________
1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes |
|
12-08-2011, 12:33 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,071
|
Re: Rear suspension build
The main thing truck-arms will limit vs a 4-link (w/no other modifications) is back-spacing of the wheels since the 4-link bars can be mounted inside the frame.
The truck arm set-up allows for similar sized tires in a more street friendly arrangement because the springs & suspension arms are farther outboard for improved stability.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
12-08-2011, 02:33 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sonora, ca
Posts: 39
|
Re: Rear suspension build
Thanks for the help guys. Looks like what you're telling me is that the trailing arms, which ride outside of the frame rails, will end up tucked inside the wheel. Thanks for the pictures Vin. What do you use to take pictures and get them posted here?
Looks like I'm not barking up the wrong tree completely, by going the 4link route. I'm looking forward to the challenge actually. Is that a sway bar you've fabbed up that attatches to the axle housing and then on to the frame rail? Rick Posted via Mobile Device |
12-11-2011, 05:31 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Victor, Montana
Posts: 386
|
Re: Rear suspension build
I would like to run Chevy trailing arms on a narrowed twelve bolt, both off the same donor vehicle, a 70's Chevy 1/2 ton. It will be going on my tubbed Studebaker. Would I have problems if I moved the trailing arms in a few inches and then shortened the distance between the point up front where they attach? Basically shortening the arms a few inches?
__________________
04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup |
Bookmarks |
|
|