Trailing Arm Replacement
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
Trailing Arm Replacement
As part of my '73 restoration, I am replacing the old trailing arms with new TA assemblies. When I removed the left trailing arm, I noticed that it was shimmed all the way to the right against the frame pocket. I have read that you should re-install the shims the same way that they came out. Is this also true if the TA assemblies are brand new or should you center the new TA between the shims and start alignment from there?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 241
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From: St Louis Missouri
I would always start with an even number of shims on either side, and then adjust the toe in. If one TA had all the shims on one side, did the other have a lopsided amount of shims too? Could have just been some bad aligning.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer MI
Damaged was my first thought. I'd start with an even number on both sides. Chances are since you are installing new TA's you'll have a different alignment anyway. Even poor alignment should get you by until you get to the shop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I would put them back just as they were with the new TA and head to the alignment shop first thing when you get it going. You could put it together and see if it was visibly out of horizontal alignment with all the shims to 1 side. Either way, you will probably be OK long enough to get it aligned.
