Topic: Trailing Arms - when to replace
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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OK I have read lots of threads on trailing arms and it seems that lots of folks have the originals on for 30+ years or a couple hundred thousand miles. I planned to replace mine this fall but it looks like it may not work out. My car seems to ride well. Is it best to just replace these do to age (25yrs / 110K miles) or wait until there is some obvious sign of a problem. How much of an improvement on the ride does new T arms make?


1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383.........
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KEYPORT, NJ - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 493
Vette(s): 1973 Stingray Coupe and C5 and C6 Coupes.
You really don't need to replace the trailing arms themselves unless they are severely rusted or damaged.
What needs to be replaced is the bushings and the wheel bearings which wear over time.
If you're not seeing any obvious wear in the bushing and not seeing any abnormal wear in the tires you are probably O.K.
Rubber parts do disintegrate over time and varying degrees of driving impact the bearings.
With the right care there is no reason they won't last for many many years.
But 20-25 years and it is probably a good thing to put them on the list for scheduled maintenance and/or replacement just as a matter of good practice.
If yours look O.K. and you aren't seeing any problems there is no reason to be overly concerned.
1973 Coupe
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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I agree. If they'r not rusted, bent, or broke, use them. New bushings are really all you should ever need to relace. The bearings go into a separate "spindle support", so if the bearings go bad, it doesn't really require replacing the whole t-arm.






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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
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
this is an item that I have done myself but I prefer to let a professional do.
escpecially since I want the arm dipped and reconditoned.
bairs does this for 249.99 (maybe less if i can talk them into using my new ss brake kit)
anyone know a good trailing arm rebuild service for less..
vansteel is almost 50$ more each..
escpecially since I want the arm dipped and reconditoned.
bairs does this for 249.99 (maybe less if i can talk them into using my new ss brake kit)
anyone know a good trailing arm rebuild service for less..
vansteel is almost 50$ more each..
Fla-V,
I guess it depends on your time table. If you are in a hurry, I learned the hard way that it is easier to buy a complete training arm assembly (arm, spindle, e-brake, rotor) as opposed to trying to separate 30+ year old parts. I had only one bad arm, but I decided to replace both while I was under there.
I went with the rebuilt units from Corvette Central which were $400 ($650 - $250 core charge) & I had them in rather quickly.
If you have the time, send them out to a rebuilder for what appears to be a good amount less.
I also learned to be prepared to replace any other parts that your initial repair comes in contact with i.e. shims, bolts, shock mounts etc.
My 2 cents,
Anthony
I guess it depends on your time table. If you are in a hurry, I learned the hard way that it is easier to buy a complete training arm assembly (arm, spindle, e-brake, rotor) as opposed to trying to separate 30+ year old parts. I had only one bad arm, but I decided to replace both while I was under there.
I went with the rebuilt units from Corvette Central which were $400 ($650 - $250 core charge) & I had them in rather quickly.
If you have the time, send them out to a rebuilder for what appears to be a good amount less.
I also learned to be prepared to replace any other parts that your initial repair comes in contact with i.e. shims, bolts, shock mounts etc.
My 2 cents,
Anthony

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
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
time isnt a big issue..
this pig wont be running again for at least a year
this pig wont be running again for at least a year
I just had my trailing arms rebuilt by Bair's. He even sends you shipping boxes that you use to ship the arms to him. Not a bad deal at all. Give him a try you won't be disappointed. 

Have not heard yet, any improvement to ride quality for those that have changed it out?
Or is it more peace of mind knowing that it is one less old part that can fail when you are far from home.
Or is it more peace of mind knowing that it is one less old part that can fail when you are far from home.


1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383.........
Just had mine done....... one trailing arm was so worn (broken weld, bent...)that I ate $100 of the core charge..(Bairs....great people, and the cheapest price that I found...)
As for the results (I had the entire rear suspension re-done..both trailing arms, all new bushings, rotors, wheel bearings, shocks, 6 universals, half-shafts, strut rods, and re-buit the differential.......I also had the entire front suspension redone in Feb.)... The car now handles like it's on rails!!!!!! Even if I point it where it's not supposed to go, it goes there, and stays flat doing it!
In short, in the condition my car was in, the change is huge!
Roy
As for the results (I had the entire rear suspension re-done..both trailing arms, all new bushings, rotors, wheel bearings, shocks, 6 universals, half-shafts, strut rods, and re-buit the differential.......I also had the entire front suspension redone in Feb.)... The car now handles like it's on rails!!!!!! Even if I point it where it's not supposed to go, it goes there, and stays flat doing it!
In short, in the condition my car was in, the change is huge!
Roy

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
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
well i was planning to send these off, but when I dug my trialing arms out of the pile they didnt look nearly as bad as I remebered..
Ill probably wind up doing this myself..
but bairs was the cheapest I could find also..
Ill probably wind up doing this myself..
but bairs was the cheapest I could find also..
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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