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Topic: trailing arms

in Forum: C3 Handling Components

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trailing arms (1/12)
2/15/10 7:48pm

gurtz
Former Member
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baton rouge, LA - USA

Vette(s):
1981 dark metallic blue, dark doeskin leather interior, mirrored glass T Tops, 330hp/350ci GMPP crate engine, billeted aluminum serpentine system, Dewitts with dual spalls

Joined: 8/12/2006
Posts: 391

Well, now's the time for me to change out the trailing arms.

Speaking from your experiences, is there a best way to do this and a better system to acquire, ie powder coated, stainless shims, stainless bolts, etc.

thanks,

gurtz

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trailing arms (2/12)
2/15/10 9:06pm

dcherr
Former Member
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Elkhart, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Red T-Top 1972 Red Convertible

Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 209

This is what I am going to do with mine 72. Need to take the calipers off and the brake line off the trailing arm. (block the brake lines off) put a jack under the spring by the spring bolt and jack it up just enought to take the spring bolt out. (both sides)Take the half shafts out, remove the shocks from the arm. (NOTE get a shock removal tool) now you are ready to take the trailing out. Take the nut off from the arm bolt. Now the fun begins most of the time the bolt is rusted to the bushing. The way I take it out is if you can get the shims out then take a chop saw (with a good blade) and cut out the bolt. Now the arm will fall out. I am sending them to Corvette Central to have the rebuilt note send the roters in with them they will true them up with the spindles.Included new bearing, ss parking brake kits, request poly bushings and ss shims. I am buting in New Bilstein gas shocks, 340# fiberglass spring, all new u-joints, new brake hoses and ss parking brake cables. After a alignment it will ride like a dream.

Hope this helped

Dean

SAVE THE WAVE

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trailing arms (3/12)
2/16/10 8:21am

Thanks a bunch dean, that helps alot!

gurtz

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trailing arms (4/12)
2/16/10 8:58am

dcherr
Former Member
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Elkhart, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Red T-Top 1972 Red Convertible

Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 209

If you have any other questions just ask

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trailing arms (5/12)
2/23/10 8:55am

Whew this has been fun, got the driver out, one last cut on the passenger bolt. Had to cut the shock brackets also, as they were rusted together.

Thinking about going with adjustable strut rods, any suggestions or recommendations?

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trailing arms (6/12)
2/23/10 10:10am

lukesvette

Lifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Sounds like what I went through. Wound up with new shock mounts and adjustable strut rods from VBP. My alignment guy loved them rather than the conventional adjustments.

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trailing arms (7/12)
2/23/10 12:51pm

VetteSpecialties
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe

Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

If you use adjustable strut rods, be sure you replace the eccentric bolts in the mounting. We always recommend you stay with the original setup, as it is cheaper and works just fine.

Larry

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trailing arms (8/12)
2/26/10 8:39pm

rick jay

Gold Member
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Liverpool, NY - USA

Vette(s):
72 coupe, 350 4 spd, modified motor, exhaust, tires & wheels. '91 ZR1, modified exhaust.

Joined: 1/21/2003
Posts: 82

I've been working on my '72 rear suspension and have been taking progressive pics. If interested, I'll post or send you some if you want. How much do you plan on doing yourself? I'm installing a set of the offset "T" arms, adjustable control arms and a fiberglass spring, along with all new bushings of course. Actually, that's how all this pretty much got started, with just the bushings. One thing lead to another. I'm trying to reuse everything I consider in good condition and can refurbish. Hopefully, I'll have it done by late spring. Good luck with yours.

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trailing arms (9/12)
3/2/10 8:55am

Just sent the arms off, going with adjustable strut rods!

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trailing arms (10/12)
4/4/10 12:53pm

81zoomzoom
Former Member
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Lusby, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS

Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

I did mine To change out old rubber bushings. Didn't think any about the fiberglass spring,undid the bolt tryed to remove the washer with my hand. It came off and threw my hand on the ground so hard it bounced off the ground OUCH MF-ER Cry

I didn't brake any bones thank GOD. Just putin it out there that spring has teeth.

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trailing arms (11/12)
4/5/10 12:48pm

cthulhu

Lifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

Vette(s):
69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3231

[QUOTE=81zoomzoom] I did mine To change out old rubber bushings. Didn't think any about the fiberglass spring,undid the bolt tryed to remove the washer with my hand. It came off and threw my hand on the ground so hard it bounced off the ground OUCH MF-ER Cry

I didn't brake any bones thank GOD. Just putin it out there that spring has teeth. [/QUOTE]

which is why you remove the spring first and brace it with a jack

______________

http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

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trailing arms (12/12)
4/5/10 12:50pm

cthulhu

just please do yourself nad next owner a favor and use stainless shims and trailing arm bolt.

I had to remove mine with a recip saw and cutting torch.

______________

http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

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