,not me tho. 
Is this an offset trailing arm?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Des Allemands LA
Is this an offset trailing arm?
This may belong in the general section but here goes either way. Can someone tell me if this is an off set trailing arm? I believe someone has done some work to the rearend of my car before I bought it. The halfshafts are 3" and it appears the yoke on one or both ends has been changed. It's a 76 coupe, I don't have the vin handy, but can someone shed some light on this?
Last edited by ltlevil; Jun 11, 2005 at 03:05 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
An offset trailing arm has a dogleg where it comes out of the chassis. this is to clear larger wheel/tyre combinations. The wheel bearing assembly sits in the original position to maintain the suspension geometry.(no need to modify the halfshafts with offsets)
Why do you think this may be an offset arm? It looks original to me with all that rust
You may need an alignment though.....
Why do you think this may be an offset arm? It looks original to me with all that rust
You may need an alignment though.....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
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From: Des Allemands LA
I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is. I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not. I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not? If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything 
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.ltlevil
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
the angle of the picture does not show if it is an offset arm or not. If you know what an offset arm is for then take a picture which shows the relevant area. From the state of the arm in the picture it appears to be original (including rust) also the wheel looks like it is sitting at an angle hence the alignment comment.
I was trying inject a little humor while trying to glean a little more information. The question still remains, why do you think it may be an offset arm?
Take this response how you like
I was trying inject a little humor while trying to glean a little more information. The question still remains, why do you think it may be an offset arm?
Take this response how you like
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: In the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley of VA
Originally Posted by ltlevil
I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is. I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not. I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not? If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything . It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.ltlevil
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by ltlevil
I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is. I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not. I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not? If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything . It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.ltlevil
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
What was wrong with RHD68L69' reply ? These seem to be stock arms, the angle that you took the photo in doesn't show the offset part and your alignment seems to be off - in addition you half shafts are angled down (U-joint wear) and the work done to the rear end was probably limited to turning the spring bolt's nut up all the way to lift the rear a little....
And yes, with replies like yours you'll make tons of friends here....
And yes, with replies like yours you'll make tons of friends here....
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Of course it's not offset, it's a stock arm apparently visible by the way it's constructed (2 U shaped channels over each other and skip welded together), the aftermarket offset arms are from heavier gauge U channel, apart from the custom modified guldstrand arms.
What is clearly visible from that pic is that the arm is rusting badly and that the 2 u channels are coming apart, rust is pushing the 2 layers apart and sooner or later it will fail. It's kind of hard to see but it looks like there are 2 weld beads on the end already to stop the arm from coming apart.
What is clearly visible from that pic is that the arm is rusting badly and that the 2 u channels are coming apart, rust is pushing the 2 layers apart and sooner or later it will fail. It's kind of hard to see but it looks like there are 2 weld beads on the end already to stop the arm from coming apart.
Last edited by Twin_Turbo; Jun 11, 2005 at 11:55 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
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From: Southeast
Originally Posted by ltlevil
I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is. I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not. I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not? If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything . It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.ltlevil
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by ltlevil
I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is. I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not. I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not? If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything . It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil
. It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt. If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.ltlevil
The U.S. trade deficit rose to $56.96 billion in April as a big jump in exports was swamped by record foreign prices and heavy American demand for trailing arms.
There. How was that?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
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From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
I may regret this but here goes
ltlevil]I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is.
It is apparent that while you may understand the purpose you did not understand the part or how it's constructed by posting the opposite end of the T-Arm. As described above it is in the front of the arm that has been altered for clearance of the wheel & tire. [
I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not.
Your picture depicts a stock trailing arm and rear suspension from the rear of your car, try the other end. It is not likely to be an OSTA unless it was modified by someone as you can see from the pictures from VanSteel posted above.
I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not?
Because you have other problems that may need to be addressed as well. You were given positive and productive information to help you with your car. No one was dissing your car, just pointing out that you need to address some issues to be safe and to avoid future problems.
If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything .
You asked for information and it was given to you, Even though you may have understood what the OSTA's do, I really don't think you understood how the T-arm is made or you would not have posted the picture of the wrong end. Again, no one was giving you a hard time. I learn something everyday about these cars and I have been working on them for years.
It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt.
Good point
If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil[/QUOTE]
I'm glad to see that you apologized for this post, We all have bad days, I'm a little grouchy myself at times. The answers you were given were constructive as well and the garbage you thought you received is sometime positive information that is misunderstood by the receiver.
ltlevil]I understand completely what the purpose in an offset trailing arm is.
It is apparent that while you may understand the purpose you did not understand the part or how it's constructed by posting the opposite end of the T-Arm. As described above it is in the front of the arm that has been altered for clearance of the wheel & tire. [
I asked a simple question, did this appear to be an off set trailing arm or not.
Your picture depicts a stock trailing arm and rear suspension from the rear of your car, try the other end. It is not likely to be an OSTA unless it was modified by someone as you can see from the pictures from VanSteel posted above.
I did not ask you to judge if it was stock or not by the amount of rust there is under there. And also-I may need an alignment? WTF does that have to do with answering the question of an offset arm or not?
Because you have other problems that may need to be addressed as well. You were given positive and productive information to help you with your car. No one was dissing your car, just pointing out that you need to address some issues to be safe and to avoid future problems.
If you really don't know and don't have anything productive to put in a post, then don't post anything
. You asked for information and it was given to you, Even though you may have understood what the OSTA's do, I really don't think you understood how the T-arm is made or you would not have posted the picture of the wrong end. Again, no one was giving you a hard time. I learn something everyday about these cars and I have been working on them for years.
It's better to let people "think" you are an idiot, than it is for you to open your mouth (or post some crap like that) and remove all doubt.
Good point
If I ruffle anyone's feathers by being rash I apologize, but I try to be constructive in my answers to other members and not post some off the wall garbage that doesn't have anything to do with their question.
ltlevil[/QUOTE]
I'm glad to see that you apologized for this post, We all have bad days, I'm a little grouchy myself at times. The answers you were given were constructive as well and the garbage you thought you received is sometime positive information that is misunderstood by the receiver.
Last edited by PROSOUTH; Jun 11, 2005 at 02:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
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From: Des Allemands LA
OK, after going back and looking at all the posts, I apologize-again. It would have been a lot simpler if someone would have said take a picture of the front so I can tell. I admit I don't know a lot about these rear-ends that's why I posted the pic. I did however receive a simple answer where I posted in the general section along with a pic that showed an offset arm. Again I'm sorry to anyone offended or upset or whatever for my response, I didn't perceive the reply as constructive critisism rather as sarcasm. I am a man and make mistakes that I admit. I will speak to RHD privately as well, this is a great site and I don't want to alienate anyone as sooner or later we can all use a little help in one form or another.
Steve
Steve
Last edited by ltlevil; Jun 11, 2005 at 04:02 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by ltlevil
I did however receive a simple answer where I posted in the general section ....
Steve
Steve
Des Allemands, Louisiana,
are you a coonass?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Question: "Is this bolt supposed to have a 1/2" or 7/16" nut on it"?
Answer: 1/2", and it's there to keep the crossmember up because if you don't have that bolt the car will go out of balance and you will spin uncontrollably and you need to lighten it anyway because those bolts are way to heavy from the factory and should be Grade 8 instead of Grade 5. Why do you want to know? Is it because your crossmember is on a crappy car that hasn't been washed in a year?
Don't sweat it Steve, The tech section has become the refuge of the NCRS nitpickers and **** retentive.
You can ask what color is the sky and get a thousand answers back...1/3 of them will be wrong, 1/3 will veer off the original question, and the other 1/3 will be touchy feely complaints about why you didn't say please and thank you and grovel at the Corvette altar before asking. Welcome to the old lady's Corvette Forum
Dep
Answer: 1/2", and it's there to keep the crossmember up because if you don't have that bolt the car will go out of balance and you will spin uncontrollably and you need to lighten it anyway because those bolts are way to heavy from the factory and should be Grade 8 instead of Grade 5. Why do you want to know? Is it because your crossmember is on a crappy car that hasn't been washed in a year?
Don't sweat it Steve, The tech section has become the refuge of the NCRS nitpickers and **** retentive.
You can ask what color is the sky and get a thousand answers back...1/3 of them will be wrong, 1/3 will veer off the original question, and the other 1/3 will be touchy feely complaints about why you didn't say please and thank you and grovel at the Corvette altar before asking. Welcome to the old lady's Corvette Forum
Dep
Last edited by DJ Dep; Jun 13, 2005 at 09:58 AM.