Lets build a 4 link from scratch

[chevy72blu]

My SWB (LWB w/ cut frame) 72 currently has the stock 3/4ton leaf suspension (riding on 3 leafs ~ level with front). The truck is a street/strip vehicle with a definate emphasis on the strip. Its powered by a 496BBC on the spray that I built (~~550 HP) a couple years ago. Still haven't finished the project or fired the motor, but im starting to plan out my suspension.

Im going to use the stock control arms to save money, with a different spring and adjustables. I'd appreciate recommendations about which springs and shocks you have experience with. Looking for at least a 2" drop up front.

A buddy of mine recently built a triangulated 4 link for his TJ and said he didnt have much difficulty. He had never built one before. Still though, you can understand me wanting to get as much information about this as I can. Does anyone have a detailed series of pictures or a walk through of construction? Would I be better off buying a kit from someone? I can cut and weld just fine, and I have access to a pretty capable machine shop.
What size hiems and tubing should I use? Can someone recommend an adjustable coil-over that they are happy with?

Thanks! I cant wait to get this thing on the track... Im sure Ill make a few passes still on the stock suspension for comparison. Then comes the 4 link and the roll bar .

[djracer]

don't 4 link it! put trailing arms under it. That's what's under mine with an anti roll and long qa1 coilovers!

[chevy72blu]

which is easier/cheaper? I am even less familiar with trailing arm assemblies than 4 link setups. Dont 4 links provide the best tune ability?

[djracer]

its more adjusable but if you don't know what you are doing its allot easier to screw up! the trailing arm stuff is whats under most of these trucks from the factory. I converted my uncles 66 gmc to trailing arms and coilovers and it was easy. the crossmember is already there. I would buy an adjustable panhard bar, housing brackets and a coilover kit new then get the trailing arms and brackets from a donor truck. they are the same short or long bed.

[71Dragtruck]

I know that stock arms work well, but if I were you I'd 4-link it, by the time you track down all the parts you need it will be alot less hastle. Just buy a Comp. Engineering kit, universal cross member and a QA1 coil-over kit and be done with it. If you want it more street friendly go with poly rod ends, hard core race go steel hiems.

[chevy72blu]

The trailing arm set up seems much easier to fabricate on my own, so im leaning towards it.

I have been using this thread to get me on the right track (found it on accident):
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=torker

The crossmember, arms, and panhard bar would be a snap to make, as well as the rear cross member for the springs/panhard bar to mount to. I would need to buy spring perches/shock mounts.
Is it desirable to use a coil-over type shock with this set up in a drag racing application? If not, where should I mount the shocks? I found this picture from a company who sells it for 41-55 trucks. Concept should be the same


Where should I mount the panhard bar? It looks to me like I should weld a brace up over the pumpkin, and then take it from there(center) to the frame. Or, is it better to do as that picture has it?

Sorry I have so many questions, im just very new to this.

[chevy72blu]

found a pic of a coil over set up that apparently CPP makes.

[69trk]

Originally Posted by chevy72blu

found a pic of a coil over set up that apparently CPP makes.

That looks exactly what i've been looking for, thanks. Do you know how much that costs by chance?

[djracer]

If you guys are looking to put trailing arms on a leaf truck its pretty easy. The front crossmember is already there! All you do is get the pieces from a donor truck (front brackets, Trailing arms, ubolts and plates for the axle) I would use grade 8 bolts where the trailing arm brackets go to the crossmember. You would want to buy a coilover kit, new adjustable panhard bar and perches for the rearend housing. Be careful to mount the top coilover crossmember as high as you can. You will have to go through the bed floor to get very low! Hope this helps!

[Alex1]

Hey guys, can this be done to the newer style trucks? 73-87?

[71Dragtruck]

Originally Posted by chevy72blu

found a pic of a coil over set up that apparently CPP makes.

I think the coil-overs in that kit mount on the outside of the frame rails, so not sure what you guys are running for tires, might want to check on that.

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by 69trk

That looks exactly what i've been looking for, thanks. Do you know how much that costs by chance?

I dont, and I cant find on their website. Seems like it would be pretty easy to buy some QA1 coil overs (as others have recommended) and use it on a factory (or fabbed) trailing arm set up.

It looks like im just going to need to start it, and figure out where to go at each hang up. Ill make brackets to bolt to the original cross member (or make a tubular one), make the arms, mount the rear end (most likely ill buy the little mounting plate- at 50 bucks, its not really work what a PITA it would be to make), buy the coil overs, figure out how to mount them, rig the panhard, and whalha!

I'll let you guys know when I tear into it. Lotsa' more projects, very little time.

[bigjimzlll]

They don't offer that kit anymore

[djracer]

Originally Posted by Alex1

Hey guys, can this be done to the newer style trucks? 73-87?

It could be done it would just be a little more work!

[regan wilson]

I have seen alot of badass trucks with trailing arms . Makes me wish I would have worked with mine a little more instead of ladder bars and then a 4 link .

[Outlaw72]

I am definately keeping the arm setup on mine. If I modify anything, I will adapt a coil over to it and cut the wells out for a larger tire.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by Alex1

Hey guys, can this be done to the newer style trucks? 73-87?

Airride Technologies makes a kit to convert that body style truck over to trailing arms and air bags. I saw it in one of the truck mags a few months ago...here is their web site: http://www.ridetech.com/

It looks similar to this one for the 63-72 trucks...
http://www.ridetech.com/products/Che...ms-931-48.html

here is another product from CPP that could be adapted to the 73-87 trucks...or just use the cross member and trailing arms...
http://www.classicperform.com/NewPro...ionPackage.htm

They also have the spring perches and kits for swaping rear ends...
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...ck/6072RAS.htm
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6072DRCK.htm

I plan on just modifing what I already have since I have the stock trailing arms on my 65.