Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

prostreetC-10 · 10-14-2012, 11:29 AM

My truck has the same problem that many of your have in that the rear axle/tires sits too far forward in the fenderwell after lowering. I also have a very slight pinion angle difference which doesn't really affect anything at this point. Once my 496 is done, I think those little things might become critical to have dead-on. Finally, I want to take about another inch off the back in ride height. I saw a thread awhile back where a guy did a very neat job of building his own trailing arms out of req tubing. I was thinking what a great way to nail all these areas in one shot with building my own trailing arms. I could make them a tad longer, adjust the rake of the mounting pads and put a 1" step at the point the trailing arm would angle up. I would probably over build them since weight would not be an issue and I would want to make sure they didn't come apart.

You can see from the pics that I have more than enough frame clearance with the C notch. Yes......I will be relocating the rear shock mounts at the same time!!! lol

Anyone ever try this with the step built in??? The goal is to get away from the need for block and I already have 6" drop springs.

shawno72 · 10-14-2012, 11:43 AM

Sounds like a good idea
Posted via Mobile Device

crazy longhorn · 10-14-2012, 11:20 PM

My longhorn , suffers the same deal I call it altered wheel base)

No doubt, you can fab up a nice set of arms , for the old truck.....but if you are building the step into the arm? Are you really gaining anything? Those arms pretty much work.....why mess with that? My thoughts are, put the bucks in that bad AZZ stroker.....sort the azz end out later , if you need to

Roast some rubber......but shiny side up

crazyL

crazy longhorn · 10-14-2012, 11:29 PM

Back at you....it looks like the shocks are setting a little too "flat". You might like it better, if they were a little more "straight up"? Not pickin....bad azz ride , how she sets

crazyL

prostreetC-10 · 10-14-2012, 11:30 PM

The step is to lower the truck 1" at the same time. Did you read the original post?? Are you hitting the sauce again?? lol

That stroker is a whole other mess. I've been looking at Merlin heads as apposed to having my 781s worked. Made the mistake of looking at 496's on youtube. There goes a perfectly good hour. I have a feeling that tonight, as I sleep, I'm going to be chased by 4.250 cranks and 6.385 rods!!! lol

crazy longhorn · 10-15-2012, 12:10 AM

Bud, I hit the "juice" , on a daily bassis

I run leafs on my old truck/ slappers....she wigles a bit, but pretty much a straight ride

My thoughts, are still.....if those long bars are workin? Let them ponies run! Just my thoughts, take it , for what its worth, it my opinion? Those old trail arms will "hook", & run straight on your 1340 ride.....again, my opinion

Have fun, but DAMMIT....SHOW US

crazyL

prostreetC-10 · 10-15-2012, 09:38 PM

Does anyone know if the LB arms are longer or is the crossmember just farther back? Would be super easy to shorten some longer ones to move the axle back.

**lolife99** · 10-15-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

Does anyone know if the LB arms are longer or is the crossmember just farther back? Would be super easy to shorten some longer ones to move the axle back.

Lwb arms are the same.
Crossmember is just closer to the rear of the cab.

I would install a Porterbuilt tubular trailing arm crossmember.
Position it 1" back and adjust the pinion angle with one of it's four set points.
Plus you get a good way to tuck your exhaust up, by running it thru the crossmember.

**lolife99** · 10-15-2012, 09:44 PM

Porterbuilt 3" drop trailing arms will get it low.
But lowering blocks will be cheaper.

And you gotta get some shock relocators!

crazy longhorn · 10-15-2012, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Porterbuilt 3" drop trailing arms will get it low.
But lowering blocks will be cheaper.

And you gotta get some shock relocators!

My thoughts in fewer words

Honestly, a 1 " block wont hurt, & you can have it cut on a "wedge", to fix the pinion angle. It wont fix the axle being moved foward, due to the drop tho... I think the stock bars will take the "guff", & am just trying to save you some time & money? It should be a fun build

crazyL

prostreetC-10 · 10-16-2012, 01:07 AM

You guys are missing me here. I realize that blocks are easy and pinion shims are easy too. The original post says that I am going to relocate my shocks so get off my back Mr. Lolife!! LOL

The point was to move the axle back. That requires fabricating new arms which means that requires cutting and welding. I figured that since I was already there....it would be cool to make the cuts to dial in the pinion angle and buy an extra 1" drop at the same time. sheeeeeeesh.

I'm having fun with this thread but must also realize that the answer to my initial question is NO!

Andy4639 · 10-16-2012, 01:44 AM

Just a thought. Why not move the trailing arm mount crossmember back 1" and leave the arms alone. Ok yes it doesn't get you 1" drop but would be a lot simpler I would think.
The "No Limit" shock relocator kit is a nice one by the way.

chevy_mike · 10-16-2012, 11:56 AM

Another idea to move the axle back would be to make spacers for the actual trailing arm mounts. Cut the rivets, put a steel block between the bracket and the crossmember. Use Gr8 bolts and you should be good to go.

Just a thought.

aggie91 · 10-16-2012, 02:09 PM

I agree with this last post. Put a spacer in between the crossmember and the brackets. Flip the brackets to fix your pinion angle too.
Posted via Mobile Device

aggie91 · 10-16-2012, 02:11 PM

Moving the crossmember back works too, BUT there are more rivets to take out and you don't get the pinion angle fixed.
Posted via Mobile Device

tubbedII · 10-18-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Another idea to move the axle back would be to make spacers for the actual trailing arm mounts. Cut the rivets, put a steel block between the bracket and the crossmember. Use Gr8 bolts and you should be good to go.

Just a thought.

+

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie91

I agree with this last post. Put a spacer in between the crossmember and the brackets. Flip the brackets to fix your pinion angle too.
Posted via Mobile Device

=

**Hart_Rod** · 10-23-2012, 10:37 AM

If you flip the front trailing arm mounting brackets, it will move the rear approximately .5" to the rear.

*Note: this will only work if you have a 4 to 6" drop in the rear.

10-14-2012, 11:29 AM	#1
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? My truck has the same problem that many of your have in that the rear axle/tires sits too far forward in the fenderwell after lowering. I also have a very slight pinion angle difference which doesn't really affect anything at this point. Once my 496 is done, I think those little things might become critical to have dead-on. Finally, I want to take about another inch off the back in ride height. I saw a thread awhile back where a guy did a very neat job of building his own trailing arms out of req tubing. I was thinking what a great way to nail all these areas in one shot with building my own trailing arms. I could make them a tad longer, adjust the rake of the mounting pads and put a 1" step at the point the trailing arm would angle up. I would probably over build them since weight would not be an issue and I would want to make sure they didn't come apart. You can see from the pics that I have more than enough frame clearance with the C notch. Yes......I will be relocating the rear shock mounts at the same time!!! lol Anyone ever try this with the step built in??? The goal is to get away from the need for block and I already have 6" drop springs. Attached Images __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

10-14-2012, 11:43 AM	#2
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Sounds like a good idea Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

10-14-2012, 11:20 PM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? My longhorn , suffers the same deal I call it altered wheel base) No doubt, you can fab up a nice set of arms , for the old truck.....but if you are building the step into the arm? Are you really gaining anything? Those arms pretty much work.....why mess with that? My thoughts are, put the bucks in that bad AZZ stroker.....sort the azz end out later , if you need to Roast some rubber......but shiny side up crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-14-2012, 11:29 PM	#4
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Back at you....it looks like the shocks are setting a little too "flat". You might like it better, if they were a little more "straight up"? Not pickin....bad azz ride , how she sets crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-14-2012, 11:30 PM	#5
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? The step is to lower the truck 1" at the same time. Did you read the original post?? Are you hitting the sauce again?? lol That stroker is a whole other mess. I've been looking at Merlin heads as apposed to having my 781s worked. Made the mistake of looking at 496's on youtube. There goes a perfectly good hour. I have a feeling that tonight, as I sleep, I'm going to be chased by 4.250 cranks and 6.385 rods!!! lol __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

10-15-2012, 12:10 AM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Bud, I hit the "juice" , on a daily bassis I run leafs on my old truck/ slappers....she wigles a bit, but pretty much a straight rideMy thoughts, are still.....if those long bars are workin? Let them ponies run! Just my thoughts, take it , for what its worth, it my opinion? Those old trail arms will "hook", & run straight on your 1340 ride.....again, my opinion Have fun, but DAMMIT....SHOW US crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-15-2012, 09:38 PM	#7
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Does anyone know if the LB arms are longer or is the crossmember just farther back? Would be super easy to shorten some longer ones to move the axle back. __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

10-15-2012, 09:44 PM	#9
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Porterbuilt 3" drop trailing arms will get it low. But lowering blocks will be cheaper. And you gotta get some shock relocators! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-16-2012, 01:07 AM	#11
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? You guys are missing me here. I realize that blocks are easy and pinion shims are easy too. The original post says that I am going to relocate my shocks so get off my back Mr. Lolife!! LOL The point was to move the axle back. That requires fabricating new arms which means that requires cutting and welding. I figured that since I was already there....it would be cool to make the cuts to dial in the pinion angle and buy an extra 1" drop at the same time. sheeeeeeesh. I'm having fun with this thread but must also realize that the answer to my initial question is NO! __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

10-16-2012, 01:44 AM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Just a thought. Why not move the trailing arm mount crossmember back 1" and leave the arms alone. Ok yes it doesn't get you 1" drop but would be a lot simpler I would think. The "No Limit" shock relocator kit is a nice one by the way. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

10-16-2012, 11:56 AM	#13
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Another idea to move the axle back would be to make spacers for the actual trailing arm mounts. Cut the rivets, put a steel block between the bracket and the crossmember. Use Gr8 bolts and you should be good to go. Just a thought. __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

10-16-2012, 02:09 PM	#14
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? I agree with this last post. Put a spacer in between the crossmember and the brackets. Flip the brackets to fix your pinion angle too. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

10-16-2012, 02:11 PM	#15
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? Moving the crossmember back works too, BUT there are more rivets to take out and you don't get the pinion angle fixed. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

10-23-2012, 10:37 AM	#17
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Has anyone extended and stepped their rear trailing arms?? If you flip the front trailing arm mounting brackets, it will move the rear approximately .5" to the rear. Note: this will only work if you have a 4 to 6" drop in the rear. __________________ Rob* - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3



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