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vbp's offset trailing arms?

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Old May 21, 2007 | 05:43 PM
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Default vbp's offset trailing arms?

i want to run wider tires, 16" with torque thrust d's. what would be an appropriate size to go with the offset trailing arms?
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Old May 21, 2007 | 07:15 PM
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I run a 18 X 10 with a 275 40 18 and stock trailing arms and no rubbing
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Old May 23, 2007 | 04:55 PM
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Default 2" offset trailing arms

I think you're not rubbing because of a properly backspaces rims. It will totally depend on that.

I'm planning on installing 2" offset trailing arms too on my 73, What do you guys think about those ? Which, I think, will enable me to use 7" backspaced 10" wide rims.

AM I RIGHT ?
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Old May 23, 2007 | 06:13 PM
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18x10 with 7" backspace will put the wheel / tire into the frame. backspacing is important for clearance, fitment and for most, to keep the wide wheels tucked in the wells. i'm running the same combo as deuce02 but with double offset arms and 5.5" wheel backspacing

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Old May 23, 2007 | 08:03 PM
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I went with Van Steel double off set t/a's (REALLY NICE STUFF) and and a shortend Vette brakes rear spring on 17x9.5 t/t's with 5.5" back spacing, they look great with 275/17 tires, I think I could go with 295's but need to trash these new tires first , I don't think I could go with anymore back spacing with out cutting into the side if body, IMHO
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Old May 23, 2007 | 10:13 PM
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Shoot I'm running 5" of backspacing and 275-40-17s on stock trailing arms and no rubbing. However my parking brake cable bracket is relocated to the top of the trailing arms and I'm using 1/4" spacers in the back because the wheels hit the calipers without em.

Unless you're in to drag racing, I don't see any need for more than 275-40-17s. Those that win at autocross don't usually use much wider than that on vettes. Z06s usually use like 315s, but they have 405 - 505hp... So unless you've got that much power, what's the point?
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Old May 24, 2007 | 07:43 AM
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Deuce 02, Thanks for the post and the very nice pic. But I think those tires stick out a bit don’t they? I can’t tell from the pic! How much is your backspace?

Wnjlt1, Very nice car and thanks a lot for the tip, but what do you mean by “Double offset arms”? Are those the 2” offset ones or is it something else ? Are your rims 17 or 18” ?

Kalway, to be honest with you, it’s the looks I’m after not traction. I love the look of humongous rear tires all tucked in. Would love to fit 315’s but I don’t think it’s possible
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Old May 24, 2007 | 10:03 AM
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Wnjlt1, Very nice car and thanks a lot for the tip, but what do you mean by “Double offset arms”? Are those the 2” offset ones or is it something else ? Are your rims 17 or 18” ?

hemorrhage22,

the offset trailing arms and the double offset trailing arms are essentially the same with the exception that the double offset arm's spring bolt and swaybar hole locations are 1" inwards allowing the spring bolt to be vertically aligned when used with a shorter rear spring. Yes on the 2" ones (van steel) and running the 17 front / 18 rear wheel combo.




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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Kalway
Unless you're in to drag racing, I don't see any need for more than 275-40-17s. Those that win at autocross don't usually use much wider than that on vettes. Z06s usually use like 315s, but they have 405 - 505hp... So unless you've got that much power, what's the point?

Not much more than 275 will fit in the wheel tub. I have 275 40 18s and they are just about maxed out. Running an 18X10 with a 5.5 backspace on stock trailing arms.
Yes I do have around 500 HP and it just smokes the 275s with ease at the track and autoX
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Old May 24, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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With 16's you can't go as wide on the rim size as others. 9" maybe 9.5" wide. You can probably get away with running 285.50.16 but you can't run a rear bar. The problem with smaller diameter rims is that the tires have fat side walls so your sectional width on the tire is greater than that of a taller rim and tire combo. Thats why the guys above are running 10" wide rims.

Double offsets just move spring bolt hole location inward 1". The offset of the arm is the exact same as a standard offset t-arm. A shortened spring is required for the double offsets.
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Old May 25, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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So why use offset trailing arms when in both cases I can not go wider than 275 or 285 ?
In other words, What's the benefit of offset trailing arms over stock ?

Appreciate everyone's help.
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Old May 26, 2007 | 02:39 AM
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Originally Posted by hemorrhage22
So why use offset trailing arms when in both cases I can not go wider than 275 or 285 ?
In other words, What's the benefit of offset trailing arms over stock ?

Appreciate everyone's help.
Instead of an 8 inch wide tire, you can get a 10 inch wide tire in there and still not have it stick out past the body...
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Old May 26, 2007 | 03:16 AM
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Originally Posted by hemorrhage22
So why use offset trailing arms when in both cases I can not go wider than 275 or 285 ?
In other words, What's the benefit of offset trailing arms over stock ?

Appreciate everyone's help.
IMO, you really want to keep the wheel/tire centerline the same as stock, so not loading those hubs any more than stock, easier on the struts/shafts also....I found some 12 years ago, there was about 3/4 inch extra space IF I moved the ebrake cable mount inside the rotor area, most guys like the top of the t arm.....it didn't seem to want to go there for ME....at any rate, my choice was '92 vette rims all around 255 up front, and 275 in rear....any wider and it's into the sway bars....I have had both VBP 3/4 inch bars and stock in the rear there, and either one has about 1/4 inch off the 275 rubber.....now with NO bar, I could pick up maybe another 1/2 inch in tire....withoff set arms another inch and it's into the frame....so yeh, you can get a 11 inch rim under there, but there is no sway bar I know of that fits....

I not speak of fender flares, as my car has late shark flares added by previous owner....it's MY observation that early sharks (chrome) has narrower flares front and rear, than later sharks....gotta look close to see it....
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Old May 26, 2007 | 09:24 AM
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[QUOTE=Kalway;1560374764]Shoot I'm running 5" of backspacing and 275-40-17s on stock trailing arms and no rubbing. However my parking brake cable bracket is relocated to the top of the trailing arms and I'm using 1/4" spacers in the back because the wheels hit the calipers without em.
QUOTE]

Where did you get the Brake Cable Braket? Is it something I can get at a NAPA or a Vette specialty place????

Sorry for the Hijack. Please resume you regularly scheduled program...


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Old May 26, 2007 | 09:37 AM
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I've got 18x9.5 wheels and 275/40-18 tires with standard trailing arms. I modified my rear sway bar. To see how, click on my picturetrail link below. I now have room for the 18x10.5 wheels and 295/35-18 Z06 wheels and tires now. I just haven't found affordable tires yet. Anyone got 295/35-18 tires for sale?
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Old May 26, 2007 | 02:26 PM
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[QUOTE=anmracing;1560405563]
Originally Posted by Kalway
Shoot I'm running 5" of backspacing and 275-40-17s on stock trailing arms and no rubbing. However my parking brake cable bracket is relocated to the top of the trailing arms and I'm using 1/4" spacers in the back because the wheels hit the calipers without em.
QUOTE]

Where did you get the Brake Cable Braket? Is it something I can get at a NAPA or a Vette specialty place????

Sorry for the Hijack. Please resume you regularly scheduled program...


You carefully cut the old one off and reweld it to the top.

Top flight did it for me, though. Charged me $120. Well a welding torch alone woulda cost... a lot more than that.
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Old May 27, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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Default Double Vs. 2" ... Again

Sorry guys for asking so many question abou those trailing arms, but i really need to get this thing right before i order mine. Please bare with me !

So, What's the advantage of going with a double offset arms and a shortened spring intead of a regular length one with 2" arms ?

I know the wholes for the spring will be vertically aligned, but what good is that gonna do me ?

Trully Appreciate it
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Old May 27, 2007 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by hemorrhage22
Sorry guys for asking so many question abou those trailing arms, but i really need to get this thing right before i order mine. Please bare with me !

So, What's the advantage of going with a double offset arms and a shortened spring intead of a regular length one with 2" arms ?

I know the wholes for the spring will be vertically aligned, but what good is that gonna do me ?

Trully Appreciate it
The double offers more clearance at the leafspring bolt allowing you to run a wheel with max backspace of 5.5" on 17/18" wheels.

I run regular offset with the stock spring and bolts and it tucks in the wheel pretty good but if I lowered the car using longer spring bolt it would not work,the bolt would hit the wheel,and thats where the double offsets work, and I run 18x10 with 295 35 18
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Old May 28, 2007 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by hemorrhage22
Sorry guys for asking so many question abou those trailing arms, but i really need to get this thing right before i order mine. Please bare with me !

So, What's the advantage of going with a double offset arms and a shortened spring intead of a regular length one with 2" arms ?

I know the wholes for the spring will be vertically aligned, but what good is that gonna do me ?

Trully Appreciate it
it's great that you ask many questions and are doing your homework

@ this point, everyone has been very helpful with offering their advise, experience, combo's, etc.... that's what makes this a great forum.

to answer some of your questions, how about some information on what your plans are? wheel type, tires, sizes, spring setup, what's important to you, wheels not sticking out, retaining swaybar, car stance...? for others and myself, this info would definately help.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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First, I’d like to apologies to Pionty1, but I’m sure you are benefiting from my questions and concerns .

My plans are to install 10x 18 backs and 17x 8 fronts. I have not chosen a wheel yet, first I want to make sure my car will fit big ones first. But I really like this wheel I found on the net (check pic) I’m currently searching it to see what type it is. If anyone knows, please help out !!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2570702

Van Steel has offered me a good combination to begin with. 360 # rear leaf spring with double offset trailing arms. Think I will go with that set up, what do you guys think?

My priority is to fit the widest tires in the back without sticking out.

Not sure what you mean by car stance !!

Last edited by hemorrhage22; Jun 1, 2007 at 01:59 PM. Reason: wrote the wrong company name
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