do offset trailing arms require longer half shafts?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 283
Likes: 1
From: The Netherlands EUR
do offset trailing arms require longer half shafts?
I was wondering about offset trailing arms: are these made to provide a wider track of the rear wheels or to provide room for wider tires while keeping original track width?
If they set the entire wheel hub assembly further outwards do you require longer half shafts, struts, sway bars?
Thanks for explaining.
If they set the entire wheel hub assembly further outwards do you require longer half shafts, struts, sway bars?
Thanks for explaining.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
NO. just installed a set but I did replace the worn out u-joints. you will appreciate the firmness of the weldment offset arms vrs the original stamped steel arms with rust and broken welds. very good idea to install new axel shaft brgs.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I have offset trailing arms, and they do not widen the track. You reuse your stock half shafts. The offset arms are angled to give room for wider wheels and tires. I have 17x9.5" wheels and 275/40 ZR17 tires with 2.5" wheel adapters on mine. But you may need a shorter rear spring for wider tires.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I have offset trailing arms, and they do not widen the track. You reuse your stock half shafts. The offset arms are angled to give room for wider wheels and tires. I have 17x9.5" wheels and 275/40 ZR17 tires with 2.5" wheel adapters on mine. But you may need a shorter rear spring for wider tires.
with the modification done to the railing arm so a wider wheel can be installed.BUT...needing a shorter spring is (end to end)( in my past experiences) is incorrect. This is due to the end of the trailing arm where the spring bolts are installed are still maintaining the correct distance as like that of an original. Unless some one has changed it and I am not aware of it. Because this would also effect the length of the rear sway bar if used. and I have not seen two different lengths of sway bars.
Possibly modifying the bolt at the end of the spring may be needed...depending on the length of the bolt you use and how much thread is exposed past the nut after ride height has been achieved.
DUB
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 283
Likes: 1
From: The Netherlands EUR
Ok, clear to me, thanks guys.
I would like a widened track without enormous wide dragrace type of tires and without increasing the bearing load due to the movement of the centerline of the wheel further away from the bearing.
So if i really want to widen my track i have to make offset trailing arms who actually set the wheel hub further outside and lengthen the halfshafts and strud rods.?
I would like a widened track without enormous wide dragrace type of tires and without increasing the bearing load due to the movement of the centerline of the wheel further away from the bearing.
So if i really want to widen my track i have to make offset trailing arms who actually set the wheel hub further outside and lengthen the halfshafts and strud rods.?
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Ok, clear to me, thanks guys.
I would like a widened track without enormous wide dragrace type of tires and without increasing the bearing load due to the movement of the centerline of the wheel further away from the bearing.
So if i really want to widen my track i have to make offset trailing arms who actually set the wheel hub further outside and lengthen the halfshafts and strud rods.?
I would like a widened track without enormous wide dragrace type of tires and without increasing the bearing load due to the movement of the centerline of the wheel further away from the bearing.
So if i really want to widen my track i have to make offset trailing arms who actually set the wheel hub further outside and lengthen the halfshafts and strud rods.?
I think you would be a lot better off getting a set of deep dish minilite wheels and adding fender flares to cover them.
