55.2-59 what year C4 suspension to use - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

55_truck · 04-03-2019, 03:30 PM

What year C4 suspension did you use and why?

I know the 84-87 Corvette suspensions are approximately 1 inch narrower (then 88-96) and have 11" rotors allowing for smaller rims. The 88-96 are wider and have 12" rotors.

Reading online the 84-87 are closer to the stock width of the 55.2-59

Any advantages of using suspension from one year to another?

I know the Dana44 was introduced in 1985, so i guess that would be the earliest year wanted.

crossfire84 · 04-03-2019, 06:08 PM

The Dana 44 is only on 4spd trans models, I have a 85 Dana 36 in my 50. I'm running a big block and 6spd.

**mongocanfly** · 04-03-2019, 06:35 PM

I'm guessing from your name you have a 55....is it 1st or 2nd series?...if 2nd I'd go with the wider vett...dont know of any advantage of one over the other other than width...

svr · 04-03-2019, 10:04 PM

I used ‘88 stuff, i had an ‘85 but didnt like the E brake setup as well as the later ones. Everything is the same except the knuckles, caliper, and brake disk if i remember correctly. My ‘88 came with 11” brakes on the rear and 12” on the front.

R&B51 · 04-04-2019, 07:27 PM

I don’t know if it really fits with your question but you might check out this link

https://rick486.wixsite.com/dobbertinperformance

I am determined to take a 2005 C6 Corvette rolling chassis that I have and make some frame rails, use his adapters, and just mount the entire suspension and engine using these transverse crossmembers and adapters that he makes. Then I will throw the body panels and cab on top. Have been talking with him but have not placed an order yet. Anybody else out there used his adapters? He had the rear adapters for sale for a while but just recently started doing fronts as well. He has the ability to custom fab the Corvette crossmembers tomorrow o different widths depending on your build.

BIGglaSS · 04-04-2019, 10:41 PM

I like the early narrow rear end if you run custom back spaced wheels. Wider for the front. I have one of each rear end. Running a narrow (early) Dana 36 rear end in my '57 with C6 wheels and 2" spacers. I have a late model (wide) Dana 44 I'm saving for my next one...

04-03-2019, 03:30 PM	#1
55_truck Registered User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Canada Posts: 13	what year C4 suspension to use What year C4 suspension did you use and why? I know the 84-87 Corvette suspensions are approximately 1 inch narrower (then 88-96) and have 11" rotors allowing for smaller rims. The 88-96 are wider and have 12" rotors. Reading online the 84-87 are closer to the stock width of the 55.2-59 Any advantages of using suspension from one year to another? I know the Dana44 was introduced in 1985, so i guess that would be the earliest year wanted.

04-03-2019, 06:08 PM	#2
crossfire84 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: wind lake WI Posts: 1,751	Re: what year C4 suspension to use The Dana 44 is only on 4spd trans models, I have a 85 Dana 36 in my 50. I'm running a big block and 6spd. __________________ LIL ERV the 50-3600 396 BBC stroked to 415 cid Richmond 6spd over drive C4 rear Porter built a arms Never give the Devil a ride,because he'll want to Drive!

04-03-2019, 06:35 PM	#3
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: what year C4 suspension to use I'm guessing from your name you have a 55....is it 1st or 2nd series?...if 2nd I'd go with the wider vett...dont know of any advantage of one over the other other than width... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

04-03-2019, 10:04 PM	#4
svr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Othello washington Posts: 400	Re: what year C4 suspension to use I used ‘88 stuff, i had an ‘85 but didnt like the E brake setup as well as the later ones. Everything is the same except the knuckles, caliper, and brake disk if i remember correctly. My ‘88 came with 11” brakes on the rear and 12” on the front. __________________ 57 short box, 235, T5, C4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=739132

04-04-2019, 07:27 PM	#5
R&B51 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 235	Re: what year C4 suspension to use I don’t know if it really fits with your question but you might check out this link https://rick486.wixsite.com/dobbertinperformance I am determined to take a 2005 C6 Corvette rolling chassis that I have and make some frame rails, use his adapters, and just mount the entire suspension and engine using these transverse crossmembers and adapters that he makes. Then I will throw the body panels and cab on top. Have been talking with him but have not placed an order yet. Anybody else out there used his adapters? He had the rear adapters for sale for a while but just recently started doing fronts as well. He has the ability to custom fab the Corvette crossmembers tomorrow o different widths depending on your build.

04-04-2019, 10:41 PM	#6
BIGglaSS Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: ID Posts: 663	Re: what year C4 suspension to use I like the early narrow rear end if you run custom back spaced wheels. Wider for the front. I have one of each rear end. Running a narrow (early) Dana 36 rear end in my '57 with C6 wheels and 2" spacers. I have a late model (wide) Dana 44 I'm saving for my next one... __________________ My museum of good intentions: 1957 3100 BBW restomod -- 1970 442 W30



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