1963-1972 Chevrolet Trucks - Totally Tubular Part I -Tech

The well-worn shocks were unbolted and removed from the framerails...

...and original trailing arms.

To separate the rear axle housing from the rear trailing arms, an air impact gun is used to remove the U-bolt nuts.

The original '72 rear suspension track bar was unbolted from the factory rear axle housing; notice the rear axle-housing track bar mounting bar built into the axle housing. With the CPP track bar, it will bolt up to the right rear tubular trailing arm and left framerail.

With all the securing fasteners removed, the rear end axle housing was removed from the factory trailing arms and frame.

A cheater bar was used to remove the rusty old bolts from the coil spring framerail mount....

...The rear factory coil spring was removed from the framerail mount.

Check out the big 'n' bulky, crusty original center crossmember compared to the new CPP flat center crossmember with 4x5-inch exhaust pipe openings. The crossmember is notched on the sides to allow brake lines, fuel lines, or larger air lines to pass through and between the frame-rails. Also, the new CPP center crossmember is available with a driveshaft bearing support.

An ol' skool cutting torch was used...