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

 

Isnt the offset in front of the rear wheel to allow larger tires/wheels and the end of the arm is still in the normal position.

 

donyue,there are two different types,standard offset(use stock spring) and double offset(must use a spring that is shortened one inch each side).check out Van Steel suspension for more info.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thanks for the responses. My wheels are 18"x8" so it looks like I won't need a shorten spring as long as I don't with the double offset option.

 

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.