[davetc]

i have a 64 chevy truck c20. it has a stock rear end with coil springs. i am going to replace the rear end with a 14 bolt. this is a daily driver, work truck. would it be better to change the coil springs to leaf? anybody have any pros and cons for each?

[Bumpstick]

IMPO... The trailing arm setup that Chevy uses on those trucks up through 1972 (some not all) is one of the best setups for racing or ride... A leaf spring is designed to work off two things both flex and friction... With time and age both the flex and friction change because of weight and corrosion inbetween the leafs... This causes it to ride rougher than normal and or sag... We used to actually put oil on the leaf springs of our trucks and shortly there after they would start to ride better...

Back to the trailing arm suspension... They are basicly a ladder bar and with different springs shocks can be made to really hook up better and ride smoother... Mainly just depends on what your going to do with it...? (coil is for ride and hookup while leaf is more for load carrying)

[curtis73]

I swapped a 14-bolt into a 66 bonneville and I had the axle modified to accept trailing arms and coils. I'm not a fan of leaf springs. They are simple and unimaginative and the very flexible coupling they create is all that's holding it to the vehicle. In low-power applications or where ride isn't a priority, leaves are fine.

Keep in mind, retrofitting leaves isn't as easy as it seems. Getting the proper driveline angle isn't quite as simple under load as you think when engineering your mounts.

I agree with Bumpstick. That twin arm setup used for years is great.

[davetc]

thanks guys.... i think i will keep the coil spring setup. you have me convinced!!

[xntrik]

Most people don't realize that the late 60s Chevy pickup trailing arm design is what the super speedway NASCAR cars used for years...

[Don Meyer]

If you are wanting to soften the ride you can go to a softer, but longer coil. Call Eaton spring.

Don

[Bumpstick]

Most people don't realize that the late 60s Chevy pickup trailing arm design is what the super speedway NASCAR cars used for years...

And still do...!

[GRITTY454]

I have a 72c10 with trailing arms and I'm looking for insite on how to make it hook up better. Sbc, turbo 400, stock gears, limited slip, non posi. (next thing on the list-posi) or am I wasting my time trying to get it to hook without posi.

[gearheadslife]

Originally Posted by GRITTY454

I have a 72c10 with trailing arms and I'm looking for insite on how to make it hook up better. Sbc, turbo 400, stock gears, limited slip, non posi. (next thing on the list-posi) or am I wasting my time trying to get it to hook without posi.

posi would help..
they make shock brackets that put the shocks straight up and down..
helps alot.. a simple air bag inside the pass side coil to preload the rear helps.. with hooking up.. but not ride on the street..
pinion angle.. trucks that are lowered.. change this.. and i needs to be fixed.. (they make shims)
getting a full width track bar to replace the half lenth stocker..

I'd start with a posi.. then look into the other stuff..

[gearheadslife]

Originally Posted by davetc

i have a 64 chevy truck c20. it has a stock rear end with coil springs. i am going to replace the rear end with a 14 bolt. this is a daily driver, work truck. would it be better to change the coil springs to leaf? anybody have any pros and cons for each?

I'd check to see if you really have a c-20.. look at the long arms,, there should be a flat plate riveted or welded to the bottom of them and go the whole lenth of the bar..

[timothale]

Gm used the trailing arms. on Oldsmobile before they did on trucks. In the 50's we built a 36 chevy coupe using a 49 olds donor, engine, trans, rear end and the trailing arms. and we used both the olds and chevy shock absorbers at the rear . later the swap with a 31 chrysler roadster. and nobody ever beat us off the line , or was close at the other end either !

[GRITTY454]

already posted. Thanks