Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm.
 

The trailing arms in my 75 L82 are bad. Should I have the trailing arm bushing replaced or should I have the trailing arm rebuilt? According to Van Steel's catalog, I can get the trailing arms rebuilt with ss hardware for $389 a piece - this would include a new ss parking brake mechanism, plus the bushings. But my mechanic can replace just the rear bushings for just over $250 (total for both). Is the difference in cost worth rebuilding the arm, or is it throwing money away?

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (Scudd)
 

I would suggest pulling them and sending out for rebuild. I don't like to repeat any repairs. I was really surprised with mine, as the damage and corrosion was far worse upon close inspection on the bench.
For me, peace of mind is worth a few extra $$!
Good Luck! :chevy

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (Scudd)
 

Original trailing arms ? Do they look good - or rusty ?
If they look to be old and beat - with mucho miles - you would
be better off having them totally rebuilt. You may find yourself
answering the phone - and your mechanic now 'needs' to do other
work and more parts. It will be too late then - as he'll already have them removed.

Do you have pics of them ?

:seeya

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (NHvette)
 

Yes the arms are rusty, but im pretty shure its just surface rust. They look like they've seen better days.


[Modified by Scudd, 11:17 AM 8/11/2003]

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (Scudd)
 

In addition to the PB hardware and the bushings, you get all the other internals, specifically the wheel bearings, rebuilt and running great.

Miles of smiles. Do it. You won't regret it. I wish I could do mine right now. :(

-Steve

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (Scudd)
 

You want to do this only once! Pull the TAs and ship them to Bair's Corvettes - http://www.bairs.com - $300 each to rebuild with new wheel bearings, backing plates, etc. They'll come back looking new and chances are you'll never have to touch them in your lifetime.

Re: Trialing arm bushing replace vs rebuilding the trailing arm. (Mike Smith)
 

Ditto on the doing it twice thing. I opted for offset T-arms at the same time in anticipation of huge rubber in the future.Took me the better part of 8 hours to get the shock bolt off one side. :smash: :smash: :smash: Not likely I'll be doing that again! :yesnod: