Trailing Arms, 4 Bar, Flip leafs inside frame

[Dirt20]

Has anyone tried putting Trailing Arm Kit on a 73 - 87 pickup?

I flipped the rear end in my 85 on top of the leafs. I now have a shock problem with the shocks being an an extreme angle(maybe a 25 degrees angle[little adjuration]). I have wanted to put a Triangulated 4 bar system on it. I have even thought about trying a Trailing arm setup or just flipping the leafs inside the frame. I want to box the frame, and have it powder coated. I don't want to put the truck on air, although it may be a better ride, i just don't want to do it.

what do you guys think will work best ?

[N2TRUX]

All of the mentioned are options, it's just a matter of what fits your needs. I have had a triangulated 4-link and I wasn't pleased. It might work better on a LWB truck, but did not control the rear sway properly on my Blazer or a buddies SWB truck.

You can build a trailing arm system, or buy one. Some of or forum Vendors sell conversion kits. Check out CPP, Suicide Doors, and Porterbuilt for their conversion kits.

You can flip the leaves inside the frame as well with a bit of fabrication.

[shimp]

What about just doing a 2 link instead of a 4 link? Without putting it on air, would be simple as hell either way and would work fine for most purposes. My 76 was bagged with a 2 link in the back and only problem I had was that at extremely high speeds in tight curves the inside back wheel would lift off the pavement, but never spun out in a curve. I am talking 80-90mph in 35-40mph curves. So for most peoples driving habits, would not be an issue.

[shimp]

Originally Posted by Dirt20

Has anyone tried putting Trailing Arm Kit on a 73 - 87 pickup?

I flipped the rear end in my 85 on top of the leafs. I now have a shock problem with the shocks being an an extreme angle(maybe a 25 degrees angle[little adjuration]). I have wanted to put a Triangulated 4 bar system on it. I have even thought about trying a Trailing arm setup or just flipping the leafs inside the frame. I want to box the frame, and have it powder coated. I don't want to put the truck on air, although it may be a better ride, i just don't want to do it.

what do you guys think will work best ?

Also, back when I used to do drops, they sold shim kits to correct the angle problems you are having. If you cannot find the shims anymore (this was 15 years ago) then you could probably make some your self or have a local fab shop do it. Would be the easiest route to go to correct your issues.

[shimp]

Actually, now that I think about it, the shims were for extended cab trucks to correct pinion angle, the shock extender brackets were for the shock problems. I probably have a set of those extenders around here somewhere still.

[shimp]

Hey N2TRUX, I know you I am sure, you are just down the road from where I am, I see you been here since 2000, so I am pretty sure I must know you.

Sorry for thread jack. Just had to say hi.

[westofb]

Originally Posted by Dirt20

Has anyone tried putting Trailing Arm Kit on a 73 - 87 pickup?

I flipped the rear end in my 85 on top of the leafs. I now have a shock problem with the shocks being an an extreme angle(maybe a 25 degrees angle[little adjuration]). I have wanted to put a Triangulated 4 bar system on it. I have even thought about trying a Trailing arm setup or just flipping the leafs inside the frame. I want to box the frame, and have it powder coated. I don't want to put the truck on air, although it may be a better ride, i just don't want to do it.

what do you guys think will work best ?

The cheapest fix for your shock problem would be to add a set of shock relocators. They lower the lower shock mounting point which helps with the angle of the shocks and shock travel (you may be having issues with the shocks even bottoming out without them on flip kit truck).