chevy C/10 Coil and Leaf frames

[71chevswb]

I have a 71 c10 swb Leaf sprung rear end truck. I was wondering if c10 swb frames are different for coil and leaf spring.

My plans were to swap to coil sprung and do a 4/6 ece lowering kit and a cpp c-notch. I have heard that frames differ between coil and leaf. Is this true? Are the shapes of the frames different?

Can I convert my 71 c10 swb leaf spring rear end for a 72 c10 swb coil rear end?

I know I have to add and remove a couple things like some cross members and stuff, as well as add trailing arms/crossmember and the whole nine yards.

Depending on the answers, my plans can change dramatically, and I will have to do a complete frame and suspension swap.


Please let me know your thoughts and knowledge on this subject.

Thanks!
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[special-K]

Frames are the same except for crossmember for trailing arms and upper track bar mount/crossmember. You can do this with the right pieces.

[71chevswb]

Good to know and thanks!

That is certainly good news as I have a complete 72 swb coil roller that I can grab everything I need off of it.
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[BHyatt]

You need to get under your truck and really check out what is under there. My '71 Chevy was ordered with a leaf spring rear and I considered making the swap to a coil spring rear. I started looking to see what would need to be changed and discovered that my cross-member has the brackets for the trailing arms. Pretty much everything was there except the coil springs and the trailing arms. It appear that the track bar mount was there as well. I had read here on the board that on a leaf spring truck the rear brake line made the transition from the frame to the rear end near the side of the frame where the coil spring made the transition from the center of the frame. Mine did as was described of coil spring trucks.

[eagleuh1]

Aren't the crossmembers the same, just have to put the hanger brackets for the trailing arms on. At least thats the way mine looks. Has the holes there for them, just no hangers.

[71chevswb]

Since I'm lowering it with a 4/6 ece kit, do I need the ece trailing arm crossmember for more clearance? Or will stock work?


I will crawl under the truck later tonight and check things out again.

[special-K]

You don't 'need" the crossmember for a 4/6 drop,but if you are using a 1pc driveshaft there is more clearance given on ECE's part. Also,holes to route the exhaust. A 1pc shaft will work w/stock crossmember,but since you have work to do there,it might be the best move to go with the ECE. I'm hinging on whether to do it or not on mine,mainly because it's all together now w/new bushings and all. I have planned to make passages for the exhaust,but between that and I need to pull my rear to do a ring & pinion has me considering going ahead with ECE's part.
And for those who need things spelled out more specifically,the frames are the same and the only work needed is in providing mounting for the trailing arms and panhard bar. The focus here was to let 71chevswb know what he plans to do is good to go.

[C10_ustacould]

I would consider buying the PorterBuilt trailing arm crossmember. I have the ECE piece and it is a good quality product, but the PorterBuilt cossmember provides more adjustability at about the same price. You will find that the rear wheels will move back in the wheel well when you go with 6" or more drop in the rear and the PorterBuilt piece has provisions to correct it. Just my .02.

[71chevswb]

Special-K , thanks for the clarification on the crossmember. Since I'm going to be swapping axles and doing the lowering kit, mind as well just add a ece or porterbuilt crossmember while I'm at it.


BucksSS- , thanks for the heads up on your experience with the ece crossmember. I will definitely research some more on both crossmembers and get porterbuilt in mind.

Thank you all a bunch, I appreciate it a lot.
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[C10_ustacould]

As has been stated above, you don't have to change it, but if you do I think the PorterBuilt piece provides the greatest benefit for the money. I will be swapping my ECE crossmember for the PorterBuilt piece at some point.