trailing arm vs leaf

[kashimus]

so i bought a 64 gmc. it has the leaf springs on the rear. I really want to bag it. im looking for some help deciding what to do.
my options are putting a 4 link in. can anybody give me a good link for a bolt in kit. somebody recommended putting a trailing arm system in instead. do they make these in a bolt in kit? ive been trying to research but im not finding my golden thread with all this info yet. thanks for the help

[vin63]

It depends on what you plan to do with your truck. The leaf spring rear end is great for hauling and towing duties. If you want to convert it to a trailing arm suspension, here are a couple of links to the Classic Performance Parts and Ridetech kits (but you can piece it together to replace the coil springs with air springs).
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6372TRS-K.htm

http://www.ridetech.com/store/1963-1...ar-system.html

There are numerous 4-link kits from No Limit, etc., that address all kinds of applications and installation skill levels.

[Brad54]

If you want to convert it to trailing arm, the Chevys of the same year came from the factory with a trailing arm suspension. They're still plentiful in junkyards--you could either find one and cut out the t-arm cross member and add it to your GMC frame, or even just swap frames completely.

I'm a long-time hot rodder, and always opt for aftermarket stuff, but in this case, it's tough to beat the simplicity and price of a factory trailing arm installation.

-Brad

[jtrichard]

The cross member in my 63 GMC with leafs IS already the correct one for trailing arms (assume it is in the right location)and another GMC i just made into a trailer 68ish was the same just bolt the trailing arm brackets to the member (holes already there) and GO

[Captainfab]

I agree with just sourcing the parts from a '63-'72 Chevy. As said, the trailing arm crossmember should already be there.

[kashimus]

thanks guys