Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds
I am looking for get 2 completely rebuilt T-Arms for my '79. Has anyone purchased from places like VanSteel ? Can anyone comment on how hard it is to get the T-Arms off and how hard they are to re-install ? I have the body off the frame, so access is no problem.
Thanks
:hat
Thanks
:hat
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
Boy, there have been alot of posts about trailing arms. I for one just finished a rear end rebuild myself. I used Bairs. http://www.bairs.com and hearilty recommend them. Van steel and muskegon generally get good marks from the forum as well.
You trailing arms will either be fairly straightforward in removal - or a cast iron bitch - it doesnt seem, like there is any middle ground.
Primarily the concern is how rusted the bolt pocket is (where the trailing arm attaches to the frame) - I had to use a reciprocating sawzall to cut through the bolt to get the arm out - in addition the shock mount can be a real pest as well.
Search the archives, I also think there is a section on suspension rebuilds in the tech tips section.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
BTW looks like your first post - welcome to the forum.
You trailing arms will either be fairly straightforward in removal - or a cast iron bitch - it doesnt seem, like there is any middle ground.
Primarily the concern is how rusted the bolt pocket is (where the trailing arm attaches to the frame) - I had to use a reciprocating sawzall to cut through the bolt to get the arm out - in addition the shock mount can be a real pest as well.
Search the archives, I also think there is a section on suspension rebuilds in the tech tips section.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
BTW looks like your first post - welcome to the forum.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 0
From: No longer a member
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (fauxrs)
What fauxrs said. I used Van Steel as they are only 45 minutes from where I live, excellent to deal with. Bairs and Van Steel actually seem to work together as the last time I was there Art had some boxes from Bairs in the shop. Both get high marks from most people here. Welcome to the forum
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, IN USA
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (C3 Shark Tank)
I used Allens Exhaust in Indiana, excuse their name but they do exhausts to restorations.
They have been on the car for 4 years and not a problem or concern.
They come back looking too good to put under the car.
They have been on the car for 4 years and not a problem or concern.
They come back looking too good to put under the car.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
I too used Bairs just put them on yesterday. They were greatv to work with. It helps to use lots of PB Blaster to loosen the shims and bolts over a couple of days if they are badly rusted. With the body off the frame, yours should go pretty easily; at least you can cut, burn and grind away without obstructions. :smash:
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
Welcome to the Forum! Regardless if Al Gore takes credit or not, this is why the internet was invented!!!
I am in the process of researching t-arm and rear end rebuild services, and found both Bair's and VanSteel promptly answered my queries, provided great customer service and very helpful web sites and removal/shipping advice. I also noted FORUM members speak highly of both companies.
For some reason, Bair's is generally less expensive.
cheers,
Dave :flag
I am in the process of researching t-arm and rear end rebuild services, and found both Bair's and VanSteel promptly answered my queries, provided great customer service and very helpful web sites and removal/shipping advice. I also noted FORUM members speak highly of both companies.
For some reason, Bair's is generally less expensive.
cheers,
Dave :flag
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Now Frozen in Michigan
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
CS-
Re: removal difficulty. Just removed my entire rear susp. with the body on. I didn't find it that difficult. But then to all bolts, resistance was futile with a healthy impact and PB oil.
With body off, I would call it a 'breeze' as far as great access to all components. As with all old vehicles, be prepared to tackle rusted and siezed fasteners! Good Luck -Rod :chevy
Re: removal difficulty. Just removed my entire rear susp. with the body on. I didn't find it that difficult. But then to all bolts, resistance was futile with a healthy impact and PB oil.
With body off, I would call it a 'breeze' as far as great access to all components. As with all old vehicles, be prepared to tackle rusted and siezed fasteners! Good Luck -Rod :chevy
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
I would recommend Bairs without question. They ship out boxes to use, do a very good job and return the arms as new.
I would also like to recommend that you call Art at Van Steel and get their video on 68-82 suspension work. It is loaded with tips and how to do it, especially the T-arm bolt in the frame.
As far as how hard is it to do - lots of penetrating oil and an impact wrench. However, no matter how you cut it, it is work. BUT WORK SAFE. SUPPORT THE CAR FIRMLY, BE CAREFUL WITH THE SPRING AND UNSPRUNG WEIGHT OF THE ARMS.
I would also like to recommend that you call Art at Van Steel and get their video on 68-82 suspension work. It is loaded with tips and how to do it, especially the T-arm bolt in the frame.
As far as how hard is it to do - lots of penetrating oil and an impact wrench. However, no matter how you cut it, it is work. BUT WORK SAFE. SUPPORT THE CAR FIRMLY, BE CAREFUL WITH THE SPRING AND UNSPRUNG WEIGHT OF THE ARMS.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
I took my to Tony's for rebuilding.
http://www.tonyscorvetteshop.com/
Tony's Corvette Shop
7500 Rickenbacker Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland ·
(301)987-0565
http://www.tonyscorvetteshop.com/
Tony's Corvette Shop
7500 Rickenbacker Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland ·
(301)987-0565
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
Looks like Blairs is a popular favorite, so I'll go with them. They're sending a catalog and some kind of 15 minute video on how they rebuild them. Thanks for all the suggestions.
I just found out they're less than 2 hours away, that's a bonus!
[Modified by cswartzwelder, 6:45 AM 3/14/2002]
I just found out they're less than 2 hours away, that's a bonus!
[Modified by cswartzwelder, 6:45 AM 3/14/2002]
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Norton ohio
Re: Recomendations for T-Arm rebuilds (cswartzwelder)
I took a 2 hour drive to Bairs last week to pick up a part. Yogi takes you through hs whole business and shows you how they do their work. I talked about trailing arms to him and he told me the price they quote is for me to take off or bring the car in and they will rebuild in a week. Bairs will be the workers on my T arms when I get them done. Very friendly place.
