C3 Trailing Arm Assembly
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
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C3 Trailing Arm Assembly
Good morning all. I am new to this forum having recently purchased a 1971 Corvette base coupe with a 350 auto. I need trailing arm assemblies as the rear wheel(s) play is excessive. Any suggestions for who offers a good rebuild or overhaul units. I am not able to rebuild them as I don't have the tools or appropriate place to handle this project. I have looked over the different websites until I am brain dead. Core charges and shipping seems to be an issue with every possible deal. Thanks in advance for all thoughts.
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Introductions not the place for you, welcome, moved you here for further discussion
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
I'm not sure if @GTR1999 does trailing arms or not but Van Steel offers a trailing arm rebuild service.
JT
JT
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Bairs Corvettes is another good source. A bit further north.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
I'm not sure if @GTR1999 does trailing arms or not but Van Steel offers a trailing arm rebuild service.
JT
JT
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
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Thanks to all for your kind and encouraging comments. Top Flight has a deal now with free shipping and a few dollars off. They claim to sell Van Steel rebuild Trailing arms with new rotors and spindles.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Long Island
Welcome.
Join NCRS and hang with their members, their knowledge is fantastic.
If you replace the trailing arms I would also use Stainless Steel shims, if the bolts are rusty - replace them.
Join NCRS and hang with their members, their knowledge is fantastic.
If you replace the trailing arms I would also use Stainless Steel shims, if the bolts are rusty - replace them.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 318
Likes: 483
gtr1999 aka Gary helped me out last year and does outstanding work and pays great attention to detail not to mention a great guy to talk too.
that being said i got new arms form VS and after a year one of the bearing wasn’t within spec. called them an they took care of it right away( sent me a replacement knuckle with bearings already setup) gary was nice enough to offer his expertise and services on checking over the knuckle and making a slight adjustment for the better.
that being said i got new arms form VS and after a year one of the bearing wasn’t within spec. called them an they took care of it right away( sent me a replacement knuckle with bearings already setup) gary was nice enough to offer his expertise and services on checking over the knuckle and making a slight adjustment for the better.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Good morning all. I am new to this forum having recently purchased a 1971 Corvette base coupe with a 350 auto. I need trailing arm assemblies as the rear wheel(s) play is excessive. Any suggestions for who offers a good rebuild or overhaul units. I am not able to rebuild them as I don't have the tools or appropriate place to handle this project. I have looked over the different websites until I am brain dead. Core charges and shipping seems to be an issue with every possible deal. Thanks in advance for all thoughts.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 517
Likes: 312
From: Western N.C.
Bairs is a good source, you can send just your spindle assembly and they will rebuild. Then you can replace the bushing and clean up the trailing arm. Just a thought.
https://bairscorvettes.com/our-servi...ice-1965-1982/
https://bairscorvettes.com/our-servi...ice-1965-1982/
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 280
From: New York
I had GTR1999 rebuild my arms. He looks for things you may not consider if rebuilding your arms, Like separation of the arms where the welds are. I believe he uses Tom Axles, which are probably the strongest you can purchase right now.
Do you anywhere near Connecticut? I took the ferry over and dropped mine off. Or you could ship them.BTW: When a job is labor intensive, I tend to lean towards getting the best job I can. Removing the arms is one of those jobs. Plus you most likely should get another rear end alignment.
Do you anywhere near Connecticut? I took the ferry over and dropped mine off. Or you could ship them.BTW: When a job is labor intensive, I tend to lean towards getting the best job I can. Removing the arms is one of those jobs. Plus you most likely should get another rear end alignment.
Last edited by cottoneg; May 5, 2026 at 07:59 AM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
Thanks for the reply. I "pulled the trigger" on a set of rebuilt Van Steel Trailing Arm Assemblies through Top Flight Auto. This decision was made after talking with Dan Dorsett with Van Steel. A very pleasant conversation, with a lot of information shared with me. At this time, Free shipping to me and a discount. As you know, freight costs can eat into your budget. Now to the install.
