Cost involved with switch to offset trailing arms ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: MA
Cost involved with switch to offset trailing arms ?
Gentlemen, I've learned a huge amount here from your posts. Can you suggest what it would cost (ball park figures ) to switch from stock to aftermarket offset trailing arms on my rusty old 1980 C3 ? What about if the custom vette shops do it for you ?
Slowly learning in MA .
Many thanks my friends, Robert
Slowly learning in MA .
Many thanks my friends, Robert
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,737
Likes: 2,583
The bare arms are about $1000, then you have to disassemble the parts off the old ones to switch over and install and align. I wouldnt be surprised if the whole job comes to $3,000. Why do you want to do this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
If your arms are rusty and old you are best going in and replacing all the bearings. If you do that you are looking at about 450-500 for a pair of trailing arms and around 250-300 for a rebuild kit for both sides. Additionally, if you do not have the tools add in another 200 or so for tools. You are looking at around 750-1000 if you do it yourself and probably more than that if you take it to a shop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
If your arms are rusty and old you are best going in and replacing all the bearings. If you do that you are looking at about 450-500 for a pair of trailing arms and around 250-300 for a rebuild kit for both sides. Additionally, if you do not have the tools add in another 200 or so for tools. You are looking at around 750-1000 if you do it yourself and probably more than that if you take it to a shop.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Looking into replacing T-arms also.If you factor in everything including an upgraded suspension,may as well spring for the VanSteel coil-overs.New offset T-arms adjustable coilovers for 2600.00.Good reviews on this setup.http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1971
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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Likes: 17
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Jul 5, 2012 at 02:29 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
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From: Schererville IN
For the cost of the offset arms, he could install a nice set of 18" wheels and have no clearance issues. Just saying...we don't need the cost of offset arms to fit wide rims anymore. Offset arms were designed back when all that was available were 15" rims and tires.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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excellent tech. I didnt know that, many thanks, bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
The hardest part about doing off set T/As is stopping with just the arms.
I went with the Van Steel offset arms and added... QA1 coilovers, Wilwood 4 piston 13" big brake kit, Tom's axles, Tom's camber control rods, Van Steel shortened sway bar, 3 1/2" half shafts, a Gary Ramedi 12-Bolt rear end with 3.73 gears, 18" wheels, Nitto 285/40ZR18 drag radials...
Oh and don't forget if you do all of this in back then you HAVE to do the front...
I went with the Van Steel offset arms and added... QA1 coilovers, Wilwood 4 piston 13" big brake kit, Tom's axles, Tom's camber control rods, Van Steel shortened sway bar, 3 1/2" half shafts, a Gary Ramedi 12-Bolt rear end with 3.73 gears, 18" wheels, Nitto 285/40ZR18 drag radials...
Oh and don't forget if you do all of this in back then you HAVE to do the front...
Last edited by Ray Y; Jul 6, 2012 at 01:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: MA
Thank you once again for all of your input regarding the trailing arms.
Gentlemen, all you have given me much to think about and to research. You are generous in sharing your knowledge and experience with those of us who are new to these wonderful cars.
Best.
Robert
Best.
Robert
And She thought I was looking at ****. 
Premium Supporting Vendor
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From: Clearwater FL
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Charlotte NC
So are u guys saying I can run a 10' wheel if I go to 17 or 18" wheel with the stock trailing arm?? Increasing the back spacing 2" over stock? I thought you guys were crazy, but looking at the angle of the stock trailing arm I can see a bit fo increase in backspacing there if the wheel diameter increases.
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If your arms are rusty and old you are best going in and replacing all the bearings. If you do that you are looking at about 450-500 for a pair of trailing arms and around 250-300 for a rebuild kit for both sides. Additionally, if you do not have the tools add in another 200 or so for tools. You are looking at around 750-1000 if you do it yourself and probably more than that if you take it to a shop.
Terry
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
http://www.vtechcorvette.com/Trailing-Arms.html
$1300 out the door with no core. He set mine up and did an amazing job.
$1300 out the door with no core. He set mine up and did an amazing job.