A quick update. I have been working on getting the new rear end ready and working on the trailing arms. I picked up a '74 rear end with 3.40 gears (no posi though) which not only converts me to 5 lug but also a more highway friendly gear ratio unlike the 4.11's the truck had stock. I am converting it to use Camaro/Impala disc brakes so the axles and drums had to be removed. That went without a hitch. I put new outer axle seals in while I had the axles out.
I also modified the trailing arms base on some info I found on this site. I place 2" long welds, about 6" apart along the seam top and bottom. I also put welds in between the holes for the spring and u-bolt mounts. I added a piece at the front to box in the bushing area, to help keep this from flexing. I popped out the old bushing and have new ones to put in. I cleaned up the arms and got two coats of Rust Encapsulator primer. Tomorrow I should get the Chassis Black paint on the arms and rear caliper brackets.
Once that's all dry, I can start reassembling things and get the axle mocked up. Need to weld the new mounts on, that I got from ECE.
Drums coming off, already cut off the old spring pads and shock mounts (forgot to take pics)
Axle read to get new seal and put back together
One trailing arm welded up, one to go
Front plate on trailing arm
This should help keep some flexing down
In primer, awaiting paint
