Rear end thoughts

[panhandler62]

sheesh.. sounds like a porn title! lol


anyway ..

I have a 68 C-20. I'm getting around to finalizing my plans for the suspension. What I'm going for overall is going to be a generaly stock look but I want to get ride/stance/handling similar to my long lamented 72 Camaro.

I have most stuff more or less figured out but one thing I could use some input on is the rear end. (Prepare for 1000 questions when I comitt to purchasing and actually installing parts!)

I want to keep the 8 lug 16" wheels but I'm not so sure that I want to re-use the original rear end. It's one of those big buggers that looks like it came out of a dump truck. Prior to parking and dismanteling the truck it worked well, was quiet and, if a few back-roads indulgences in youthfull exuberance are any indication, a posi of some sort, but it is also huge, fugly and has a bit of a leak.

What would be a good replacement and will I have to fabricate the arm perches?

-- or --

Would I be better off with a 10bolt from a period truck with 8 lug disks?

Just not real sure what approach yields the best result and/or creates the largest nightmare or even if I should just try to clean up and reused the rea that came in the thing.

(There are pictures in the link below, but be warned.. money got tight in the middle, so it's far from the eye-candy I see on other threads in here!)

[N2TRUX]

Keith- The problem I see is your trying to go in two different directions. You want low slung sports car handling, with the load carrying capability of a heavy duty truck. While it's not impossible, it's not that easily accomplished on a budget with the limitations that you have set forth.

Be forwarned that lowering a C-20 is going to be pricey and have limitations. You might try breaking things down by priority. How important are the 16" wheels? Are you willing to consider an 8 lug 18" with low(er) profile tires? What about lighter duty springs with helper bags?

[panhandler62]

One of the thoughts on the current wheels is that I would like to get the contraption rolling (not driving, just pushable) again for ~ $3000.

I'm not concerned with retaining the load capacity. She's worked hard for decades, she can rest now. I was thinking more in terms of appearance. I do plan to run the whole thing on air because I want some adjustibility. I do not plan on putting it into the weeds.