truck arm suspension swap?

[59chev]

Has anyone here done a 60-72 truck arm suspension swap into a 55-59?

I put a camaro clip in the front and need to figure out the rear. I want ride height to be equivalent to flipped on top of the stock leafs. I plan on running air bags and a small c-notch.

Any feedback on the difficulty level, ride,ect would be greatly appreciated. Pictures would really help.

Thanks

[dwcsr]

There are several done on AD trucks so I don't see why it wouldn't also work for TF trucks

[59chev]

Looks good. Is the 55-59 frame wider or narrower than the 60-72 frames? I'm wondering how the stock crossmember would fit in the 55-59 frame?

[dwcsr]

At the point where your going to mount the cross member for the truck arms its almost the same. AD's have an A shaped frame 23 across the front axle and 44 at the back and TF's have a straight rail 34"

The AD was a little wide at that point so we made some clamps that will be welded on one side. The issue on yours is what to do with the spring/bag mounts they would be outside the rails most likely and that cuts down on running very wide tires. Its about 40 inches from center line of the coil mount on the arm to the other one and the frame being 34 so its going to require an outboard mount of some sort. I think its very doable, I was going to use it on my 58 fleet side if I ever get to it.

[59chev]

Thanks for the info. Now I need to be on the lookout for a donor truck. When i look at CPP's catalog they list their crossmember and arms as 63-72. Are the 60-61-62's different than the rest?

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by 59chev

Thanks for the info. Now I need to be on the lookout for a donor truck. When i look at CPP's catalog they list their crossmember and arms as 63-72. Are the 60-61-62's different than the rest?

Not sure, I got mine new from early classic enterprises.

[lowrodderchev]

Jimenez brothers makes a trailing arm kit for 55-59 Chevy trucks

[LEEVON]

Check out my "Popeye" build linked below.

[dubds10]

If you want airbags why not run a 4-link setup? No point in using other years when a 4-link is easy and clean to do provided you are a welder or know a welder.

[59chev]

Just considering my options. I was originally just going to flip the rear end on top of the stock leaf springs and found out that they were completely wore out and one side has a broken spring. Apparently the ride is pretty good with the truck arm setup and should be cheaper than a 4 link if I can find a decent donor truck. If I end up buying all new parts, I figure 4 link or the truck arm setup would be pretty close in cost and I'de probably go 4 link. I like the look of No Limit's Fatbar

[59chev]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Check out my "Popeye" build linked below.

I've read through your thread a couple of times LEEVON. It looks pretty straight forward. Your truck is looking good. Stance is perfect.

[lowrodderchev]

In my area there's always at least 3-4 trucks at the junkyard with trail arm suspension can't beat junkyard prices