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Offset trailing arms installed

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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:58 AM
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Default Offset trailing arms installed

I purchased a set of VanSteel 'double offset' trailing arms from another forum member and finally got them installed. I was pretty lucky, I was able to pull all the shims out and one of the bolts - had to cut one (pivet) bolt. I did have to cut both spring bolts, but there easy to get to.
In a previous post, there was some question as to what was 'double' about the offset. It's the spring bolt hole location, it's moved inboard an inch. Thought I would post some pics now that I have them, I was not able to locate any when I was contemplating this conversion.
I don't actually need the inboard clearance yet, but I needed to rebuild or replace the arms and these became available...













Carl
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 09:39 AM
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Nice job. What are you planning on using for wheels?
Looks like the offset would give you a lot more chooses.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:44 PM
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Not sure yet, maybe widen the stock wheels inboard an inch and run 275R60-15's...

Carl
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 07:09 PM
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i run 275-60-15 tires on the stock rims
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by V8Ranger
Not sure yet, maybe widen the stock wheels inboard an inch and run 275R60-15's...

Carl
The only problem with that idea is that the frame and the tires would be rubbing


Originally Posted by 7t9l82
i run 275-60-15 tires on the stock rims
Another boner...... Tires are designed for a rim width. 275 is not made for a tiny 8 inch rim. I actually tried 275/60/15 BFG's back in the 80's on my 79 Vette. I took them right back off within a couple of weeks because I did not feel safe. So much side wall flex in the turns from tire roll under. Tall side wall tires suck. The correct fix is late 17 or 18 inch rears

Last edited by gkull; Jul 25, 2011 at 07:56 AM.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 01:55 PM
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Default Offset arms

Yes, 17 or 18" with 275 or even 295 tires. I use 265-16" on a 9" wheel with stock trailing arms.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 07:31 PM
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Forget 15's!!! Most of the tires for 15 inch rims are junk-no performance at all. I switched to SLP 17's on my 78 with 255/45/17 ZR ultra high performance summer only tires and the difference is unbelieveable!!!! I would never go back to the 255/60/15's of any brand-they are S/T speed rated-Toyoto Echo territory-my grand prix has 225/55/16 ZR's for goodness sake!
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by jb78L-82
Forget 15's!!! Most of the tires for 15 inch rims are junk-no performance at all. I switched to SLP 17's on my 78 with 255/45/17 ZR ultra high performance summer only tires and the difference is unbelieveable!!!! I would never go back to the 255/60/15's of any brand-they are S/T speed rated-Toyoto Echo territory-my grand prix has 225/55/16 ZR's for goodness sake!


So very true.
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Old Jul 26, 2011 | 01:24 PM
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Hey V8Ranger,

I've been there too. 17's and 18's are the way to go.
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