66since71

Anyone have any negative experience with offset trailing arms?

For the TAs now being sold, I'm especially concerned that the area where the spring bolt attaches is not boxed. The entire load appears to be cantilevered on a single weld!

It also looks like the parking brake cable is routed over the top of the TA. I know this is a common mod for the stock TAs, but it always looked like this brings the cable awfully close to the brake hose?

Thanks for any feedback...
Harry

(I am a C-2 forum refugee looking for help here too..)

Sky65

This deserves a bump.

73339

I've heard of them coming warped and not lining up at all. Mine were fine and I have no problems.

The offset ones are probably 3/16" and the stock ta's are maybe 1/8. That has to say something. You could always box them yourself if you wanted to.

Z-man

Mine were so massive compared to the originals, it never crossed my mind to worry. They are superior in every respect. The entire load of the spring is focused at the spot where it attaches, but that's not saying much. The weight of the car is on the spindle and front bushing of the TA. Thats where the real stress is...

66since71

For anyone still interested, I got some real good feedback on the C-2 forum, this link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1931255

Still looking for feedback on the VBP/Van Steel typ TA?

Z-man

Forgot to add that mine are VBP TAs.

fauxrs2

I've had mine on now for 5 years or so - and a quick glance underneath my FE-7 equipped car shows no noticable deflection of that bottom plate on the Van steel type arms.

stinger12

I just switched my stock arms over to offset arms - I rebuilt them by myself. I haven't run the car yet, but all I can say is that they make the stock arms look like popsicle sticks. I think they are made out of 1/4'' steel, and there is no way they are going to bend. I don't think you have to worry about it...they are very strong. If you still aren't convinced, send Dan at Van Steel a PM and he will answer any questions you have for him. He is the guy who designed them (I got this info from him). Just make sure your frame pockets are in good condition and they should fit...http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...=frame+pockets

84rzv500r

The Van Steel trailing arms are hell for strong maybe a little heavy...

I didnt like the poly ends and replaced them with Johnny joints...

66since71

Great feedback and discussion.* Thanks to everyone.

I'll be doing a complete rear end and rear suspension rebuild on my 66 in April and thought it would be the right time to put in the offset TA's for future wheel and tire upgrades.* Now have a few decisions to make.* Thanks again!

Harry

stinger12

If you need any help, just PM me. It'd be my pleasure to answer any questions you have on rebuilding the arms

Van Steel

Harry if you have any questions about the offsets, feel free to contact me any time.

Dan
vansteel@vansteel.com
800-418-5397