64 C20 with 71/72 12 Bolt Swap

['64C20]

Has anyone dropped a 12 bolt into the back of their 64-66 C20?

Along with this, has anyone lowered theirs at all?

I have a '64 that I've dropped a 72 12 bolt into while also using a 3/5 spring lowering kit. The issue I am running into is the track bar. The current one is too long and I would need some sort of dog leg to connect to the factory 12 bolt stud.

I contacted CPP asking if one of their drop bar kits would work with the factory C20 trailing arm factory reinforcement plates. To my surprise, they said yes...to my surprise the trailing arm mount does not work with the plates. Before I start grinding rivets and removing the plates, has anyone come up with an off-the-shelf solution to this?

[The Rocknrod]

The 72 trac bar mount is cast into the 12 bolt center section.
You coud buy theyre (CCP) custom trac bar with a bend in it for custom rear end covers - https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...caiMaViNxPNgvM
Or a straight unit for stock rear end covers - https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-bar-trac-bar/

[Mack B]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Or a straight unit for stock rear end covers - https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-bar-trac-bar/

From experience this won’t work as is. The frame mount for the panhard is at the wrong angle on 63-64s for putting the 65-72 rears into. I put a bend into mine which I don’t know is the right way, also makes it more difficult to adjust. I couldn’t open the link to the other you posted but that might be a better option.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by Mack B

From experience this won’t work as is. The frame mount for the panhard is at the wrong angle on 63-64s for putting the 65-72 rears into. I put a bend into mine which I don’t know is the right way, also makes it more difficult to adjust. I couldn’t open the link to the other you posted but that might be a better option.

It can work, but definitely is tight. I didn't realize it at the time I did mine (65-70 axle in my 63) but got the track bar on and torqued. Haven't noticed any issues from it over the past about 6 years. I do have a 65-72 frame side bracket to replace the 63-64 bracket next time I take the bed off

[Mack B]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

It can work, but definitely is tight. I didn't realize it at the time I did mine (65-70 axle in my 63) but got the track bar on and torqued. Haven't noticed any issues from it over the past about 6 years. I do have a 65-72 frame side bracket to replace the 63-64 bracket next time I take the bed off

You using the adjustable aftermarket rod? Reason i ask the bushings are smaller and harder than stock. Also i definitely knew I was doing wrong by the effort it took to get it installed.

I experienced bushing failure a few years after first install. I can’t say for certain this was the cause but feel it likely was.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by Mack B

You using the adjustable aftermarket rod? Reason i ask the bushings are smaller and harder than stock. Also i definitely knew I was doing wrong by the effort it took to get it installed.

I experienced bushing failure a few years after first install. I can’t say for certain this was the cause but feel it likely was.

Yes, I'm using an aftermarket adjustable one. I haven't noticed any issues with bushing failure yet, but then again, I also haven't looked at it in a couple years

['64C20]

I got this to work. I used the deluxe bent trac bar. I cut the plates off the C20's trailing arms and it slid right on.