Are Trailing Arms Needed?

[jim-bob]

I have a 67 GMC Short Step..Have read that it did not come with trailing arms from the factory..I'm going with new front and rear suspension and looking at RideTech and Hotchkis I noticed that Ridetech has the stuff to put trailing arms on and Hotchkis doesn't (or I didn't see it)..
My question is are the arms necessary for better handling and if so why GMC wasn't equipped with them?
Also what suspension do you guys choose for best Handling and Ride Qualities?? THANKS

[summitflier]

I don't think leaf springs were so much for "better handling" as just being
tried and true and able to take "the load". I think Chevy was trying to be innovative
and try something new with the trailing arms in a truck. My personal opinion is that
if you're going for the "stock" look, it probably doesn't matter that much. If you want a custom (lowered, raised, raked, etc...) look, the trailing arms have more options.

[67 chevelle]

trailing arm trucks and cars handle better , in general , with few exceptions , worn out old component trailing arm suspension , compared to new leafs with upgrades as an example , the trailing arm suspension is superior , example , nascar

[Grumpy old man]

WOAH! He has a leaf spring rear gmc he DoEs not need triling arms , he's thinking he may need both stay with what you have
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[jim-bob]

Thanks for the replies fellows.. I'm wanting New updated Coil-Over suspension front and rear with trailing arms ..Im thinking on lowering a tad only 2/4..
Just now reading ROB @ NoLimit's thread and thinking that may be the way to go..Kit offers the cross member to install trailing arms..
..What are other folks using as far as "handling" quality and "riding" quality, street only?
..(My set up so far will be a 327 eng/4L60 tranny/rear end converted to 373 and wheel hubs to 5x5 pattern and gas tank put in rear of frame) Plus NoLimit has the tank kit.

[bbcmudtruck]

I converted a leaf spring frame to coils using the kit from ECE. I bought the entire rear trailing arm package that included the cross member. I bought a tubular rear shock cross member as you'll need that as well if you decide to make the swap. All the bolt holes are there and its just a matter of bolting in the new stuff. I only swapped over because all of the leaf spring stuff on my rig needed replaced or at the very least repaired. Plus as mentioned earlier, you'll have a little better ride with more options available. Big question is, "is it worth it to change over?". Only your wallet can answer that. If you're doing a mild drop and making a fun sunday driver, I'd probably just replace bushings in your existing leafs and upgrade the shocks. That's my two cents, however there are guys on this forum with tons of more knowledge that I'll ever gain!

[special-K]

It's either coils with trailing arms or leaf springs for suspension. If you have to have coils you could, get ready for a heap of work. You can easily lower your leaf rear 4" and skip all that.

I read the title and was prepared to answer, "Not if you want your truck to ride like a tot lot pony!"

[truckster]

Originally Posted by jim-bob

My question is are the arms necessary for better handling and if so why GMC wasn't equipped with them?

Your 67 GMC truck wasn't exactly designed to be a road racer. It was built as a truck, and handling probably didn't get any more attention from the engineers than, "Will hit handle that load?"

[67 chevelle]

quality shocks , and front and rear sway bars will go along way for either suspension , tires have a slight influence also , I like coopers , since Im driving a truck ,I put 10 1-2 x 31 x 15 lts on , if you want a lowered corner carver , another tire would apply