Trailing arms on 73-87 swb frame

[Silveradobs]

Has anyone put the Chevy truck trailing arms (60-72) on a later model frame. I have a 56 swb pickup on a 74 frame and want to install truck arms. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Tom

[Slmd92DIME]

I dont know about that man. The crossmember on the newer style is not made for the trailing arms. Make your own and give it a shot

[panteratron]

Try HOTRODS TO HELL they might be able to help they make kits for cars they should point you in the right direction. WWW.HOTRODSTOHELL.NET

[Silveradobs]

Thanks, I've talked with the owner of "Hot Rods to Hell" several times, they really have the best trailing arm suspension. Actually, its an easy deal to do-I just thought someone may a new idea on it. I have the axle saddles and U bolts, ECE is sending me the front hangers, I will make a cross member, I've got all the specs as to width and angle etc. $2000 from Hot Rods to Hell is alittle out of budget, Thanks again Tom

[Wild83C10]

I am planning on doing this swap as well on my '83 stepside. I bought everything I need, except for the springs. I bought the ECE crossmember and I plan on modifying it. Let me know how you make out. I'm not sure when I will be starting my swap.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

We were looking at actually building our rear trailing arm kit for the 73-87's but we ended up going the four bar route because of frame clearance issues....

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

We were looking at actually building our rear trailing arm kit for the 73-87's but we ended up going the four bar route because of frame clearance issues....

You say stuff like this & then leave us hangin'.......


What clearance issues?

[Big H]

Tony's old and doesn't have anything "hanging" anymore. It's shriveled up and blown away.

As for the trailing arms on a '73 - '87 truck, it could be done but the frame styles are different. The '73 - '87 frame is much flatter due to the design and leafspring rear suspension. On the trailing arm trucks, the frame is much higher so as to make the necessary room for the rear coils to fit in place and still have suspension travel. If the plan was to to do a custom frame back half with airbags, then adding the trailing arm suspension would be a matter of setting up your own geometry and airbag mounts.

Easy right?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Big H

Tony's old and doesn't have anything "hanging" anymore. It's shriveled up and blown away.

As for the trailing arms on a '73 - '87 truck, it could be done but the frame styles are different. The '73 - '87 frame is much flatter due to the design and leafspring rear suspension. On the trailing arm trucks, the frame is much higher so as to make the necessary room for the rear coils to fit in place and still have suspension travel. If the plan was to to do a custom frame back half with airbags, then adding the trailing arm suspension would be a matter of setting up your own geometry and airbag mounts.

Easy right?

To design this as a kit, I would imagine the use of Shockwaves would eliminate the air bag placement issues w/the 73-87 frame rail.

[jkaylor68gmc]

I have a complete set-up if you need it.

[Big H]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

To design this as a kit, I would imagine the use of Shockwaves would eliminate the air bag placement issues w/the 73-87 frame rail.

You are absolutely correct. Some fabrication above a basic knowledge level would still be required, I believe. I am actually surprised that nobody on this board hasn't attempted it. My guess is the availability of aftermarket two-links and four-links makes a conversion like this just something to do for conversational rights.

[Wild83C10]

Well I bought everything I needed to do the swap but decided to wait until I build my new garage. I hope to do the conversion this winter. I was trying to figure out what to do with the rear coil springs since the frame does sit lower. I was going to cut the frame and put some steel tubing in. I dont want to cut into the bed(stepside with wood bed). I want to look like it came with the coil suspension.

[Big H]

It goes without saying that it would be great if you could take detailed pics as you move through the project so we can gawk at your conversion.

[Wild83C10]

I will certainly take pictures when I get around to doing the swap. Hope you are paitient. Its hard to start a big project like this when the weather is warm. Lets see if someone beats me to it though.