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Old May 12, 2015 | 09:08 PM
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Default Trailing arms 74

I tried to get a wheel alignment done and was told my trailing arm was bent so they could not do the alignment. So I am looking for trailing arms for my 74. If any body has them let me know. Thanks
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Old May 13, 2015 | 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by sportster89
I tried to get a wheel alignment done and was told my trailing arm was bent so they could not do the alignment. So I am looking for trailing arms for my 74. If any body has them let me know. Thanks
Right up I-75 in St. Pete is a forum sponsor that I just ordered a monospring and bushing kit from http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...&limitstart=20
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Old May 13, 2015 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by sportster89
...was told my trailing arm was bent so they could not do the alignment...
Is it bent? Have you eyeballed it?
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Old May 13, 2015 | 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Is it bent? Have you eyeballed it?



A lot of shops do NOT have the experience with older cars, let alone Corvettes. Therefore, did they mean trailing arm or strut rod? I would think it would take some serious force, to bend a trailing arm, but strut rod damage is far more common....
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Old May 13, 2015 | 09:40 AM
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Default trailing arms

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Is it bent? Have you eyeballed it?
No I am going to later today. I will put it up on jack stands again.
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Old May 13, 2015 | 09:43 AM
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Default traling arms

Originally Posted by leadfoot4



A lot of shops do NOT have the experience with older cars, let alone Corvettes. Therefore, did they mean trailing arm or strut rod? I would think it would take some serious force, to bend a trailing arm, but strut rod damage is far more common....
My buddy has a 77 and has used the GMC dealer to have his done, But you may be right.Thanks
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Old May 13, 2015 | 05:13 PM
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I got to look myself and found strut rod bent. It will be a cold day in hell before I take advise from a guy that will not turn a wrench. You guys RULE. Thanks
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Old May 13, 2015 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by sportster89
I got to look myself and found strut rod bent. It will be a cold day in hell before I take advise from a guy that will not turn a wrench. You guys RULE. Thanks
Glad to hear that's what it is. Far simpler and cheaper repair, and you might want to check the condition of the bushings on your other one. If they're dried out/cracked, now would be a good time to do those too, before getting an alignment.

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Old May 13, 2015 | 07:28 PM
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Default trailing arms 74

Originally Posted by leadfoot4
Glad to hear that's what it is. Far simpler and cheaper repair, and you might want to check the condition of the bushings on your other one. If they're dried out/cracked, now would be a good time to do those too, before getting an alignment.

I just ordered 2 new struts and bushings,also rear spring bolts with new rubber,and rear sway bar bushings. I thought since it up on jack stands.
I will get it where I want it some day.I hope time is on my side. Thanks
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Old May 13, 2015 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by sportster89
I got to look myself and found strut rod bent. It will be a cold day in hell before I take advise from a guy that will not turn a wrench. You guys RULE. Thanks
This may be a BLESSING and a CURSE all in the same breath.

Usually BENT strut rods are done because the adjustment of the concentric bolts for the strut rod is as far as it can go. And with it being as far as it can go....if the camber can not be achieved...this may be due to excessive wear on your side yokes in your differential.

So...simply replacing your strut rods with adjustable strut rods...that can give you more adjustment possibilities....MAY BE...masking a problem that can be much bigger than that.

ALSO...when you go to have your car aligned.....you really need to finds someone who KNOWS what is going on. Aligning the rear suspension of a 1962-1982 is NO easy task....ESPECIALLY when it comes to setting the toe. Because if you do not get the rear of the cars suspension and alignment CORRECT...do not be surprised that it may not drive straight...or handle appropriately.

DUB
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Old May 13, 2015 | 09:13 PM
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Default trailing arms

Originally Posted by DUB
This may be a BLESSING and a CURSE all in the same breath.

Usually BENT strut rods are done because the adjustment of the concentric bolts for the strut rod is as far as it can go. And with it being as far as it can go....if the camber can not be achieved...this may be due to excessive wear on your side yokes in your differential.

So...simply replacing your strut rods with adjustable strut rods...that can give you more adjustment possibilities....MAY BE...masking a problem that can be much bigger than that.

ALSO...when you go to have your car aligned.....you really need to finds someone who KNOWS what is going on. Aligning the rear suspension of a 1962-1982 is NO easy task....ESPECIALLY when it comes to setting the toe. Because if you do not get the rear of the cars suspension and alignment CORRECT...do not be surprised that it may not drive straight...or handle appropriately.

DUB
Now is the time to find out.
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Old May 14, 2015 | 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by DUB
This may be a BLESSING and a CURSE all in the same breath.

Usually BENT strut rods are done because the adjustment of the concentric bolts for the strut rod is as far as it can go. And with it being as far as it can go....if the camber can not be achieved...this may be due to excessive wear on your side yokes in your differential.

So...simply replacing your strut rods with adjustable strut rods...that can give you more adjustment possibilities....MAY BE...masking a problem that can be much bigger than that.

ALSO...when you go to have your car aligned.....you really need to finds someone who KNOWS what is going on. Aligning the rear suspension of a 1962-1982 is NO easy task....ESPECIALLY when it comes to setting the toe. Because if you do not get the rear of the cars suspension and alignment CORRECT...do not be surprised that it may not drive straight...or handle appropriately.

DUB


Could also be a sign that a previous owner slid it into a curb or pothole.......
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Old May 14, 2015 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
Could also be a sign that a previous owner slid it into a curb or pothole.......
'Pothole'...I don't think so. That generally destroys the wheel.

Curbing it....that is possible....heck pretty much anything is possible...but....highly unlikely. The amount of force to buckle the strut rod in its correct configuration....would be EXTREME. I have had Corvettes come in that where 'spun-out' and the rear wheel ate a curb.....and the damage is quite extensive....including a damaged spindle....and the strut rod mounting bracket under the differential is also damaged.

And if BOTH of them are bent up....I am fairly certain that it was done a person.

NOW...on a 1984 to 1996 ..'curbing' the wheel can cause for major damage due to all the major suspension parts are aluminum. Any ...fur sure...the wheel will be destroyed.

DUB
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Old May 14, 2015 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by sportster89
I just ordered 2 new struts and bushings,also rear spring bolts with new rubber,and rear sway bar bushings. I thought since it up on jack stands.
I will get it where I want it some day.I hope time is on my side. Thanks
Ahhhhh.... The joy of the lower shock mount is in your future.
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Old May 15, 2015 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by mortgageguy
Ahhhhh.... The joy of the lower shock mount is in your future.
It can either take 5 minutes to get them out or an hour or two.

DUB
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Old May 15, 2015 | 06:16 PM
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I finally replaced my trailing arms about a year ago. The bolts were frozen , along with the alignment shims ....all factory original.

Once you dip your "toe in" ..no pun intended ...... Best look at everything and fix it .

So many people never get to enjoy how well an old corvette can handle with a proper working suspension .

Probably most new C3 owners take the care to an alignment shop and discover the price or replacing or repairing to factory spec. ....then they skip out on fixing it ......sell it and next owner is even worse off.
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Old May 15, 2015 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
Could also be a sign that a previous owner slid it into a curb or pothole.......
A few years ago we are driving along about 30-35 mph and I hit a pothole and bang something broke and felt like a blown rear tire,
I pull over look at my back wheel it's fine wife said her side wasn't flat looked odd,
I see the alarming caster camber and look under the rear, the stock strut rod was busted at the diff end, the end just opened up, there wasn't any big rust or anything it just busted...the wide wheels and tires and slower speeds kept damage down.
Yes, different to the bent rod but shared to show odd things car and do happen....
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Old May 15, 2015 | 09:29 PM
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Default Trailing arms

Originally Posted by The13Bats
A few years ago we are driving along about 30-35 mph and I hit a pothole and bang something broke and felt like a blown rear tire,
I pull over look at my back wheel it's fine wife said her side wasn't flat looked odd,
I see the alarming caster camber and look under the rear, the stock strut rod was busted at the diff end, the end just opened up, there wasn't any big rust or anything it just busted...the wide wheels and tires and slower speeds kept damage down.
Yes, different to the bent rod but shared to show odd things car and do happen....
I am in it for the whole ride. What it takes i am in 100%.
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Old May 16, 2015 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by The13Bats
A few years ago we are driving along about 30-35 mph and I hit a pothole and bang something broke and felt like a blown rear tire,
I pull over look at my back wheel it's fine wife said her side wasn't flat looked odd,
I see the alarming caster camber and look under the rear, the stock strut rod was busted at the diff end, the end just opened up, there wasn't any big rust or anything it just busted...the wide wheels and tires and slower speeds kept damage down.
Yes, different to the bent rod but shared to show odd things car and do happen....
ESPECIALLY when we're talking about 40 year old cars, with potentially unknown histories.


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Old May 16, 2015 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by DUB
It can either take 5 minutes to get them out or an hour or two.

DUB
Dub, the only one I've gotten off in 5 min. Is the one I put on 5 min. ago. Lol
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