Offset Trailing Arms
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
Offset Trailing Arms
I'm still looking at options for the suspension upgrades for my 73 BB. I'm doing further research regarding rear coilovers so I have the ability to tune in the suspension to my driving habits and set the ride height just where I want it.
I'm wondering why the rear coil over kits I've seen all come with 2" offset trailing arms?
Besides giving the opportunity to run a wider wheel, is there any other purpose?
What other changes does this make to the rear suspension?
Will my 17" X 8" with 4" backspace still work without spacers and will the wheels still be in the stock locations?
What about the OEM half shafts and other rear end parts?
Are there any required modifications to the rear end, chassis or suspension components?
I'm wondering why the rear coil over kits I've seen all come with 2" offset trailing arms?
Besides giving the opportunity to run a wider wheel, is there any other purpose?
What other changes does this make to the rear suspension?
Will my 17" X 8" with 4" backspace still work without spacers and will the wheels still be in the stock locations?
What about the OEM half shafts and other rear end parts?
Are there any required modifications to the rear end, chassis or suspension components?
Last edited by OldCarBum; Apr 13, 2017 at 01:37 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
the only change with quality offset arms is extra wheel clearance. the rest of the spces stay the same. They include offsets with the coil over because they figure your doing it for better handling and will be thinking about wider tires.
you should be able to use your current wheel/tire combo with no problem.
you should be able to use your current wheel/tire combo with no problem.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
Like I said in my original post, I'm doing research here, with the manufacturers and checking all my options before I purchase one over the other.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 339
Likes: 54
From: Fayetteville NC
I have the coilovers front and rear with the 2" offset TA's. My vette rides a lot better. You can adjust the shock stiffness up or down if you get the double adjusting shocks. It's easy to adjust the height also. I bought my front and rear kits through Vansteel.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
I'm seriously considering this option over the composite mono-leaf spring in the rear. Did you have any issues during the installation or clearance issues with the exhaust?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 37
From: Catoosa Okla
I went with Vansteel offsets and Sharkbite rear coilovers.<br/>Adjustable ride height, and being able to dial in both compression and rebound?<br/>Yea baby.....
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
Thanks guys I do appreciate the feed back. I called Van Steel on Friday and talked with Dan. He answered all my questions regarding both the composite rear spring and coil overs. I decided to go with the coil overs front and rear from Van Steel. The difference in price for the rear was only about $600.00 more for the coil overs. The coil overs for the front were only about $300.00 more. The QA-1 shocks are fully rebuild-able and I don't need to worry about exhaust heat on the composite spring. Then Dan threw in a discount for forum members. Very nice of him to do. Dan was great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful. They will have my future business for the remainder of my suspension needs.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Apr 16, 2017 at 12:10 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
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From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Thanks guys I do appreciate the feed back. I called Van Steel on Friday and talked with Dan. He answered all my questions regarding both the composite rear spring and coil overs. I decided to go with the coil overs front and rear from Van Steel. The difference in price for the rear was only about $600.00 more for the coil overs. The coil overs for the front were only about $300.00 more. The QA-1 shocks are fully rebuild-able and I don't need to worry about exhaust heat on the composite spring. Then Dan threw in a discount for forum members. Very nice of him to do. Dan was great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful. They will have my future business for the remainder of my suspension needs.
Dan is a good guy.
Last year he gave me a great deal on the rear offset TA with both the coil over bracket and the johnnie joint front bushing. I already had the QA1 setup. Took them out of the full set that they were selling at the time.
Just need to find a set of upper front A arms from them for the front coil overs.
Van Steel has always treated me fair .
Last edited by bmans vette; Apr 16, 2017 at 01:48 AM.