Ladder Bars for Our Trucks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 05:47 AM

Has anyone ever seen them? What would be the benefit?

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:47 AM

These are trailing arm replacements right? The benefits should be a stronger and lighter set up. I don't see any spring pads either. My guess would be your supposed to change over to coil-overs?

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 09:51 AM

I have no clue...lol

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:51 AM

Also, looking at those, it looks the axle mounting pad is much higher which would lower the truck and I think maybe give it more traction when you nail the gas. I use to be all on top of suspension designs and stuff, but I think by having them designed like that may give you more "anti-squat", not for sure though, gottta read back up on my suspension books.

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:53 AM

man, where did you find these things at?? I'm gettin intersted, i'd like to look into them.

Beast388 · 06-21-2002, 10:01 AM

The factory trailing arm type suspension on 2wd trucks is a ladder type setup. These suspensions have been described as excellent if good bushings are installed. Ladder bars are designed to reduce/eliminate axle wrap or hop. They are best used with coil spring suspensions but leafs can be used with special brackets to "float" the axle housing.

I would say there is no reason to use these on a stock trailing arm suspension unless your truck is an all out 9 second truck or similiar. Put some good bushings in and you should have little problem with wheel hop.

slam33 · 06-21-2002, 10:03 AM

they don't look long enough to be trailing arms for these trucks

68 Suburban · 06-21-2002, 10:05 AM

I dont think they mount in the same position as the trailing arms. They come with frame mounts. I have no clue, that is why I am asking

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 10:16 AM

I'm with beast, theres no real reason to trash our rear suspensions, unless your going with an independent rear. But I also want to learn as much as I can from this. Who knows, i might decide to build the worlds fastest truck one day.

Jesse 67 c-10 · 06-21-2002, 02:06 PM

I'd go for a four link set up anyday, lighter, better susp geometry, fully adjustable and it would free up a lot of room for gas tanks, exhaust etc. If you got the axle and frame brackets you could easily piece together a setup with some good tubing and 3/4" rod ends, You can easily play with the susp to get the right amount of lift on takeoff, the possibilities are endless! I definitly want to go with a setup like this some day. The stock susp is great for an old truck but I would change just for easier exhaust routing!
Jesse

imaindianoutlaw · 06-21-2002, 02:27 PM

I would like to have a set to replace my crappy control arms I have now

CustomChevy · 11-17-2002, 06:17 PM

if you are still interested in 4links or ladder bar setup, try these links.

www.competitionengineering.com

www.airride.com

06-21-2002, 05:47 AM	#1
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Ladder Bars for Our Trucks? Has anyone ever seen them? What would be the benefit? __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 09:47 AM	#2
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	These are trailing arm replacements right? The benefits should be a stronger and lighter set up. I don't see any spring pads either. My guess would be your supposed to change over to coil-overs? __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 09:51 AM	#3
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	I have no clue...lol __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 09:51 AM	#4
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Also, looking at those, it looks the axle mounting pad is much higher which would lower the truck and I think maybe give it more traction when you nail the gas. I use to be all on top of suspension designs and stuff, but I think by having them designed like that may give you more "anti-squat", not for sure though, gottta read back up on my suspension books. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 09:53 AM	#5
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	man, where did you find these things at?? I'm gettin intersted, i'd like to look into them. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 10:01 AM	#6
Beast388 Suburbans RULE! Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clinton, IA 52732 Posts: 689	The factory trailing arm type suspension on 2wd trucks is a ladder type setup. These suspensions have been described as excellent if good bushings are installed. Ladder bars are designed to reduce/eliminate axle wrap or hop. They are best used with coil spring suspensions but leafs can be used with special brackets to "float" the axle housing. I would say there is no reason to use these on a stock trailing arm suspension unless your truck is an all out 9 second truck or similiar. Put some good bushings in and you should have little problem with wheel hop. __________________ --Ben 71 GMC Suburban 4X4 The "Beast" 388 CID Stroker, TH350, NP205, 8-lug D44, 14BFF w/ Detroit, 4.10:1 gears, 4-Wheel Disks 4" Lift, 35" MT/R's.

06-21-2002, 10:03 AM	#7
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	they don't look long enough to be trailing arms for these trucks __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

06-21-2002, 10:05 AM	#8
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	I dont think they mount in the same position as the trailing arms. They come with frame mounts. I have no clue, that is why I am asking __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

06-21-2002, 10:16 AM	#9
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I'm with beast, theres no real reason to trash our rear suspensions, unless your going with an independent rear. But I also want to learn as much as I can from this. Who knows, i might decide to build the worlds fastest truck one day. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 02:06 PM	#10
Jesse 67 c-10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 599	I'd go for a four link set up anyday, lighter, better susp geometry, fully adjustable and it would free up a lot of room for gas tanks, exhaust etc. If you got the axle and frame brackets you could easily piece together a setup with some good tubing and 3/4" rod ends, You can easily play with the susp to get the right amount of lift on takeoff, the possibilities are endless! I definitly want to go with a setup like this some day. The stock susp is great for an old truck but I would change just for easier exhaust routing! Jesse __________________ Edmonton, Alberta, 67 c-10, Long fleet, front disks, 5 lug rear end, 327 with Vortechs, edlbrock manifold, comp cams XE 256, 600cfm carb. Backed by a getrag 5 speed and 1 piece driveshaft. 1993 Dihatsu Hijet Jumbo cab 4x4, currently converting to battery electric power.

06-21-2002, 02:27 PM	#11
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	I would like to have a set to replace my crappy control arms I have now __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

11-17-2002, 06:17 PM	#12
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 462	you want info, go here. if you are still interested in 4links or ladder bar setup, try these links. www.competitionengineering.com www.airride.com



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.