Question about offset trailing arms
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
Question about offset trailing arms
Hi All,
I have a question about the use of offset trailing arms.
If you install them do you need to install a shorter rear spring or will a stock length rear spring still fit?
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I have a question about the use of offset trailing arms.
If you install them do you need to install a shorter rear spring or will a stock length rear spring still fit?
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,707
Likes: 550
From: Seattle Washington
It can get a bit complicated. There many combinations of Trailing Arms, Springs and Wheels and Tires. I should probably include the Rear Sway Bar too. If You use 17" or larger Wheels You may find that the Spring Ends will fit up and inside of the Wheel and there fore no need to shorten the Spring at all. Or maybe just nip the corner off it a bit. The biggest problem is what works for somebody else might not work for You on your car.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Bixby Oklahoma
I installed offset trailing arms on my 81 and installed a new composite spring. I have 18 x 9 1/2 and have no problem with the spring. If you want to go with a 10 1/2 you need to buy a offset swaybar. They don't make one for a 81 so that made me go with a 9 1/2.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,248
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
The stock spring length will work with offset trailing arms. However, to be on the safe side, when I order a composite rear spring, I order it shortened 1/2" on each side. I've done this for both my 68 and 70 with offset trailing arms. If you're going to push envelop on putting in big tires on the back, might as well pick up some easy clearance with shortened springs. Normal spring lengths and extra big tires can create some geometries where the spring can puncture the sidewall on a rough road. Many years ago, someone posted some photos where they ran over a parking lot speed bump too fast....the stock length spring abraded enough of the sidewall that they got a flat.
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I wonder about the "double" offset trailing arms. Seems to me they're putting a lot of stress on the arm/frame pivot bolt.
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I wonder about the "double" offset trailing arms. Seems to me they're putting a lot of stress on the arm/frame pivot bolt.
