Hey guys,
My new DVR has been recording the "Project Copperhead" series for me, so now I have finally been able to watch the buildup on that C10 pickup. I only have a few episodes recorded but I noticed that the suspension look a LOT like what's underneath my own C20 'Burb....coilspring front and rear and those LONG rear trailing arms... It was nice to see that Early Classic Enterprises sells the obscure bushings and stuff to rebuild the worn suspension parts...the Burb drives pretty nicely, but wanders a little (worn idler arm maybe, and I'm getting some ball joint "clunks" from time to time) so I'll take a cue from the show and order up some new stuff soon.
Here's where I get conflicted:
Their buildup used basically 1/2-Ton parts (5-Lug spindles, brakes, etc) and a D60 rear end from DTS. I know that a 3/4-Ton Burb like mine (with 8-Lug wheels) doesn't have as many options for wheels and the custom stuff seems to cater to the 1/2-Ton truck crowd. I'm having a hard time thinking about potentially swapping out 3/4-Ton rated parts for 1/2-Ton as an "upgrade"....
I guess for the front suspension it's not as big of a concern, since my truck weighs the same as the pickups and the main difference between 1/2-Ton and 3/4-Ton rated should really be in the brake size, right? The episode showed some nice 4-piston disc brake options, so I don't think I'll be losing any braking power over "stock"...
Where I get more uncomfortable is out back. The rear axle in my Burb now is an Eaton 3/4-Ton (full floater, right?) and the axle in the show was a 35-spline Dana 60 with disc brakes. Since the Burb HAS to be able to tow...I am a little uncomfortable with a semi-floating axle out back. Admittedly, the disc brakes calipers would hold a broken axleshaft from falling out completely. Maybe I'm overthinking this....would a 35-spline D60 be stronger than my existing Eaton from the get-go? Could the extra "margin" still allow me to tow a 7500lb trailer without fear of death?? I have to admit, after watching the "Copperhead Payoff" episode where Stacy just wails on the truck and does burnout after burnout and donut after donut with 620HP going into that rear axle.... maybe I shouldn't be worried about swapping in a 5-Lug D60 for the Eaton???
I liked the hidden hitch, and the custom tank (yikes! like $700 though!) and the GV overdrive was cool to see installed....looked pretty simple except for that massive-looking wiring harness on the table!
I liked the longer rear trackbar too (though that one is probably simple enough to make myself and wouldn't take much time either)
Just wondering if I'm heading in the wrong direction by considering a 5-lug axle/spindle setup for what is basically my "tow rig"....or if the strength of this stuff is at least as good as what I've already got????
My new DVR has been recording the "Project Copperhead" series for me, so now I have finally been able to watch the buildup on that C10 pickup. I only have a few episodes recorded but I noticed that the suspension look a LOT like what's underneath my own C20 'Burb....coilspring front and rear and those LONG rear trailing arms... It was nice to see that Early Classic Enterprises sells the obscure bushings and stuff to rebuild the worn suspension parts...the Burb drives pretty nicely, but wanders a little (worn idler arm maybe, and I'm getting some ball joint "clunks" from time to time) so I'll take a cue from the show and order up some new stuff soon.
Here's where I get conflicted:
Their buildup used basically 1/2-Ton parts (5-Lug spindles, brakes, etc) and a D60 rear end from DTS. I know that a 3/4-Ton Burb like mine (with 8-Lug wheels) doesn't have as many options for wheels and the custom stuff seems to cater to the 1/2-Ton truck crowd. I'm having a hard time thinking about potentially swapping out 3/4-Ton rated parts for 1/2-Ton as an "upgrade"....
I guess for the front suspension it's not as big of a concern, since my truck weighs the same as the pickups and the main difference between 1/2-Ton and 3/4-Ton rated should really be in the brake size, right? The episode showed some nice 4-piston disc brake options, so I don't think I'll be losing any braking power over "stock"...
Where I get more uncomfortable is out back. The rear axle in my Burb now is an Eaton 3/4-Ton (full floater, right?) and the axle in the show was a 35-spline Dana 60 with disc brakes. Since the Burb HAS to be able to tow...I am a little uncomfortable with a semi-floating axle out back. Admittedly, the disc brakes calipers would hold a broken axleshaft from falling out completely. Maybe I'm overthinking this....would a 35-spline D60 be stronger than my existing Eaton from the get-go? Could the extra "margin" still allow me to tow a 7500lb trailer without fear of death?? I have to admit, after watching the "Copperhead Payoff" episode where Stacy just wails on the truck and does burnout after burnout and donut after donut with 620HP going into that rear axle.... maybe I shouldn't be worried about swapping in a 5-Lug D60 for the Eaton???
I liked the hidden hitch, and the custom tank (yikes! like $700 though!) and the GV overdrive was cool to see installed....looked pretty simple except for that massive-looking wiring harness on the table!
I liked the longer rear trackbar too (though that one is probably simple enough to make myself and wouldn't take much time either)Just wondering if I'm heading in the wrong direction by considering a 5-lug axle/spindle setup for what is basically my "tow rig"....or if the strength of this stuff is at least as good as what I've already got????
