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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: kaw753 on October 21, 2011, 09:12:41 pm

Title: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: kaw753 on October 21, 2011, 09:12:41 pm
Got my '79 C10 LWB stripped down to the frame today, and the more I think about it, I would really like to do something with the rear suspension, besides using leaf springs. I've seen the bolt-on 4 link systems using air bags, but was wondering if anyone knew of a system that used coil overs or similar instead. Once the truck is back together, it will be a driver only, its working days are over so towing and weight ratings are not a concern. I want a suspension that rides better and is "different".
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: Captkaos on October 21, 2011, 10:09:08 pm
RideTech use either Bags or Coil overs.
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: slammed79 on October 22, 2011, 08:39:51 pm
Anymore... different is hard to come by. One of the least used methods is an independent rear suspension setup.

Bags are cool, but can be expensive to get into. The Ridetech system Chris mentioned, is uber pricey.

If you can weld, it gets cheaper. All depends on your budget and skills.
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: VileZambonie on October 23, 2011, 06:43:52 am
I used the FATBAR from no limit. It's not the best system but I like it better than the leaf spring set up. It's all weld on and I had to modify their system to work correctly with a few minor tweaks. What's your budget?
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: kaw753 on October 23, 2011, 12:31:15 pm
Thanks for the replies and info, I really appreciate it. I don't really have a set budget, I just figured I would do what I could when I could. I've taken this truck apart (down to the cab) and put it back together so many times in the past (hurried, cut corners, etc), this time I just want it to be right, and to do it the way I've always wanted. No matter how old I get (had this truck since I was 15, looking at 40 in the near future), my mom always reminds me I've spent enough on this truck in the past to buy 5 new trucks (lol).
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: Captkaos on October 26, 2011, 02:38:45 pm
Vile what did you have to mod on the No Limit setup.
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: VileZambonie on November 06, 2011, 11:10:08 am
Well first of all they make it sound like it's engineered for this series but if it is then they need to spend some more time on product development. I went through heck at first becuase they sent me a bunch of parts that didn't match up. Once I got that all figured out measure 3,000 times, weld once. They could have easily made the frame brackets bolt to the factory locations. The documentation they send if they send it will be all wrong and will include a hand drawn sketch of how it should be laid out. I guess they couldn't take the prints to someone who knows cadd. The track bar will not work without making a drop bracket. The shock extender bracket for an axle flip was the perfect donor for that. The kit could definitely be beefier and more of a direct fit.
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: Captkaos on November 06, 2011, 11:20:02 am
Good to know...
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: roadrage41 on November 08, 2011, 04:59:09 am
What about the thorbecke stuff? Other than waiting forever for it to show up....
Title: Re: 1979 C10 rear suspension
Post by: Captkaos on November 08, 2011, 11:24:14 am
Call Boris at Street Machinery (http://www.streetmachinery.zoomshare.com)  Tell him Chris Lucas at 73-87chevytrucks.com sent you.