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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:27 PM
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Default Trailing arms

Are all C3 trailing arms the same? I have an 77 but would like to swap in a set of loaded 81s that only have a few miles on them. Seems like I remember reading something about the half shafts being different. Any help would be a appreciated.
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:37 PM
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The trailing arms are the same, the yoke the outer end of the half shaft attaches to is different. Up thru 79 has a 4 bolt flange, 80-82 have a yoke that accepts u-bolts to hold the u-joint. You can swap your flanges on to the 80 trailing arms.
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:49 PM
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'68-'79. Example of 4 bolt flange.

Dodosmike
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:51 PM
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If I swap my flanges over do I have to reset or check the bearings or the run out. I am trying to avoid this since I obviously don't know what I am doing?
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:58 PM
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I see the difference thanks for the pic. Same question can I swap that flange with out doing anything else? Thanks for the help.
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:59 PM
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I'd think getting them off might be a challenge. I think they're pressed on.
Might be easer to swap half shafts.

Others will chime in I'm sure. Sorry not much help


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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 10:24 PM
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I am no expert but in the near future I am going to be rebuilding my entire rear suspension on my 1977 and have done quite a bit of research on the parts I need and want to buy for my rebuild since I will be doing it myself. This is link for a new trailing arm expensive yes which is why I will tear mine down and rebuild it myself. Ecklers and other online resources will send you a rebuilt trailing arm for half the cost with a core charge Model years covered are 1968 Through 1982. The half shafts are different and the U-Joints can be different during these model years depending on L82 and Big Blocks but in the L48 engines in my research pretty consitant for most of the parts. I will be buying tools for my rebuild. Some sites will rent the tools you require for the work your about to perform. I also bought some books on it. This book gives me some details

How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 (Restoration How-to): Walt Thurn: 9781613250372: Amazon.com: Books How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 (Restoration How-to): Walt Thurn: 9781613250372: Amazon.com: Books

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1965-1982.html

If you choose to do it yourself you will need some new tools and from my research are

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1982.html

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...-fix-tool.html

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1982.html

Or this site

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...1-66-9462.html

Last edited by MakoJoe; Sep 25, 2013 at 10:34 PM.
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Old Sep 26, 2013 | 07:18 AM
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I used an earlier year trailing arm on my '80. Just switch the flanges (yes, a puller is needed) and re-torque to the recommended specs.
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Old Sep 26, 2013 | 08:10 PM
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Thanks for the input a puller and torque wrench I have. Looks like I have my winter project.
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Old Sep 28, 2013 | 06:20 AM
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WATCH IT!!!! You will get the "WHILE I AM AT ITS". Don't for get to paint everything while you have the parts off.
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