I am about the redo the rear suspension on my '70 and am noticing a wide range in prices for rebuilt trailing arms.

Im leaning heavily toward standard vs offset because i wont be running more than a 10" wheel anyway. Prices vary from $350 ($399 at vbandp) up to almost $1000! Im sure the quality varies just as much, but how much does it correlate to price?

Specifically, which vendor(s) provide the best bang for the buck? If im going to spend the money (which i will do in a heartbeat if that is truly the only option for a top notch part) ill probably use the "guy who shall not be named" due to his excellent reputation. However, can i get a very high quality part for $399? From where?

Ill be pairing these with vb&p 360 lb composite spring, smart struts, and standard brakes (for now).

 

My preference is for a vendor who will rebuild your arm assemblies and return yours to you.

 

Just bought these:





Bought through Corvette America through a local distributor. VanSteel rebuilt. Send my originals to recoup the core charge.

Welds a little messy, splatter, paint runs etc. I dont care. At 65mph on the highway nobody will see it.

Rebuilds vs exchanges vs NEW arms is the cost variation. With or without brake rotors is something to consider.

Was going to buy direct from VS but the cost to ship my core was almost the same as the core charge. If you buy from a part retailer make sure you get in writing that you only need to return the cores to them, and not the actual rebuilder.

my $.02 cents. Take it or leave it.

dodosmike

 

Don't compare a $1000 all brand new parts trailing arm to a $300 rebuilt exchange unit with new bearings.

Apples and oranges

 

Agreed. All new vs rebuilds. Different animal.

dodosmike

 

There are lots of competent rebuilders available to you. Bairs in PA is known for good work, Mike Dyer (Tracdogg2) in TX and Gary Ramadei in New Haven CT both do outstanding custom work on trailing arms, differentials and steering boxes.

 

Thanks for the input. Im not doing a NCRS restoration so i dont care that much about appearances. You are happy with the mechanical build quality though?

I know from talking with some friends Gary R is closer to the $1000 mark than $400 depending on what parts are used. I know he will do an excellent job, but are the cheap houses able to get 90% there? Does that last 10% make a difference in robustness and longevity?

Is the more expensive apple that much better than the cheap apple?

This is my problem!! I know I can get them built perfectly for a premium over the listed prices on most websites. Im trying to understand if that extra care is worth the extra $.

 

Since most rebuilders use the same parts it comes down to the quality of the build. Is the bearing spacer trued? Not everyone does it and they all need it. Is the front bushing installed with the correct crush and is any portion of the sleeve sticking out past the washer making it hard to install the alignment shims? Are the 4 mounting studs being replaced and are high quality grade 8 nuts and lock washers being used instead of the ones that come in the stud kit? Are the new bearings pre-seated? Is the old arm checked for straightness on ALL dimensions?
Is the caliper bracket checked for straightness? Are the bearing bores in the bearing support damage free or did the rebuilder use a support that had spun a race and is hiding it since the customer will never be able to see it?
This is not speculation. These are all problems I have seen in just the past 3 months. From several different rebuilders. I'm not going to mention names on a public forum. Been there, went to camp, burnt the t-shirt. I am doing a set of arms right now that have 0 miles on them. It took two hands to turn the spindle. Rebuilt by a reputable (???) well known company.
Can a very high quality rebuilt arm be bought for under $350 each? Yes.
Can a brand new arm, and I mean every part brand new, with the highest quality parts and attention to details be bought for $750? No. Under $850? Yes.
Mike

 

This is the distinction im looking for. Thanks.

BTW, you have PM.

 

 

So I'm thinking about replacing my trailing arms with new units as well. I know they will be expensive but because where I am located by the time I send the my cores back to the re-builder I believe that I would be getting close to the cost of a buying a new pair.

And seeing that my existing arms should be in good rebuild condition I will probably just sell them locally to save on the shipping costs to send them back to the a re-builder.

Any recommendations on the best place to purchase new arms?

Thanks

 

Have Tracdogg2 build you a new set

 

Gary has has done a few things for me, outstanding work. Plus he takes photos of the entire process. Highly recommend him!

 

I have a pair of Van Steel rebuilt trailing arms that have worked without a problem for 3 seasons of driving. I was suprised that they gave me anything for my original arms that looked like they came off the Titanic but they were very generous.



Rick B.

 

Bought new trailing arms from Vansteel. Complete, no problems, very helpful and they took off 15% for forum members cost right at $2,000.
good luck

 

Global West TAs built by tracdogg2. Simply the best.

 

I used Bairs about two months ago and those folks really did a great job. They will send you a box for free that you then send your unit in to them and then they inspect your unit and tell you with phone call from the guy in the shop who does the actual rebuilds. I will reuse them if I never need another one done.
Johnny Y

 

Now those are some great looking trailing arms! What kind of brakes are those?

 

If You want to keep the Price down there is really no need to send the Arms in to be rebuilt. The Bearing assembly yes. Keep in mind that the Shipping costs go way up shipping the bigger heavy Arms. You need to punch out the bushing and repaint the Arms, if You can remove the Arms in the first place You should be able to do this as well. The Bearing rebuild is a whole different animal, special tools and skills to do.

 

Toastyhandshake, I sent you a PM.