Adjustable rear trailing arms how-to

[ambryatim]

How far is it from the end to where the bend (angle) starts?? I would like to build these, but I dont have any arms to use as a template. Awesome work everyone. I plan on putting this TA suspension on my 1957 truck.

Originally Posted by bmfpeterson

Here are a couple pics of what i have built..... I am waiting for a friend to machine the solid stock to slide into the arm and tap it for the hiems joint.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ambryatim

How far is it from the end to where the bend (angle) starts?? I would like to build these, but I dont have any arms to use as a template. Awesome work everyone. I plan on putting this TA suspension on my 1957 truck.

I would highly recommend finding some OE arms to use as your template & not rely on internet provided measurements because the 'bend' is very mild making it hard to be 100% accurate (one guy measures this way while another measures that way).

[ambryatim]

Very true Scoti....do you know of anyone that might have some they want to get rid of or that I might be able to use as a template?? I see you are in Dallas I am in Corinth about 30 miles north of you. But, seeing how they are some what adjustable one could always just adjust them where they need to be, if the measurment was not botched.

[bmfpeterson]

I'll try and measure mine. the point where it starts to bend is a little difficult to get exact but I think there is enough adjust on how you build it to make it work. I am sure that the angle was 15 degrees where it kicks up. Ill measure tonight and let you know what I come up with!


I have a stock set of arms painted with new bushings if anyone wants them let me know...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ambryatim

Very true Scoti....do you know of anyone that might have some they want to get rid of or that I might be able to use as a template?? I see you are in Dallas I am in Corinth about 30 miles north of you. But, seeing how they are some what adjustable one could always just adjust them where they need to be, if the measurment was not botched.

I have a set I use for 'set-up' purposes. You're more than welcome to borrow them if you don't mind driving my way (Garland side of Dallas).

[ambryatim]

Ok, I might just have to swing by and do that Scoti. Thank You very much. I will PM you when I am ready if that is ok.

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I have a set I use for 'set-up' purposes. You're more than welcome to borrow them if you don't mind driving my way (Garland side of Dallas).

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ambryatim

Ok, I might just have to swing by and do that Scoti. Thank You very much. I will PM you when I am ready if that is ok.

Not a problem. I'm real close off of 635 in the Garland area to give you an idea on travel.

[ambryatim]

Ok, cool that is actually not that far. I have another problem at the moment, was going to weld in my Trans Am clip and noticed that it looks like it is more to one side, (giving it the ole eye ball measurment) but it is aligned with the frame rails on the inside. So, who knows. I measured 24 times then tacked it in place.......a little frustrated at the moment.

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Not a problem. I'm real close off of 635 in the Garland area to give you an idea on travel.

[bmfpeterson]

I forgot about this thread and came across it searching around. I wanted to post a pic of my arms finished and see what you thought!

[theastronaut]

I don't like this forum anymore! Yall give me these ideas that get stuck in my head so that I eventually have to spend more money for parts I didn't know I needed, and go out in the shop and spend more time making upgrades that I didn't know I needed!

Seriously though, slick work on the trailing arms! I just may have to do this on my '66.

[bmfpeterson]

I hear that, I started out with just a nice little drop and clean it up a little............. 4 years later and I dont even want to know how much Im still not even close to being done! lol


Thanks Im pretty happy with how they came out!

[dnd1978]

HAHA!!! I know what you mean! Check out what i had to build after i read this thread...

Originally Posted by theastronaut

I don't like this forum anymore! Yall give me these ideas that get stuck in my head so that I eventually have to spend more money for parts I didn't know I needed, and go out in the shop and spend more time making upgrades that I didn't know I needed!

Seriously though, slick work on the trailing arms! I just may have to do this on my '66.

[bmfpeterson]

Way cool! I wish I would have thought mine a little more through and I would have adjusted the angle where the rear end bolts to, so it would correct my pinion angle.........

[whiteheadcycle]

dnd1978 - what size tube did you use for your trailing arms? 1.75x.120?

[dnd1978]

Originally Posted by whiteheadcycle

dnd1978 - what size tube did you use for your trailing arms? 1.75x.120?

Yes,
tubing is 1.75x.120.
bag plates are .250
diff. mounts are 2 pieces of .120 steel plate welded together = 3/8 thick.

I had more pictures but then I upgraded the S/W on my iphone I lost them all…

[nuke1]

Just came back to tthis thread for a bit and there si some really neat ways of doing this mod!!! congrats to everyone that has taken my idea and gone wild with it!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gofastnut]

Hmmm....I've got a good welder, a cheap angle finder, and a wife that just went back to work. I think I'll have to seriously consider this instead of upgrading my old arms.

[64chevtruck]

Originally Posted by bmfpeterson

Way cool! I wish I would have thought mine a little more through and I would have adjusted the angle where the rear end bolts to, so it would correct my pinion angle.........

This is what I was thinking too.

Good fab work guys and thanks for sharing info.

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by dnd1978

HAHA!!! I know what you mean! Check out what i had to build after i read this thread...

I'm no expert, but wouldn't rectangular stock be stronger than cylindrical in this application?

[firedemon]

don't know how I missed this one way cool

[70FarmTruckBob]

I am building a set of trailing arm's for my 1970 GMC 3/4Ton Truck. It came with Leaf Springs on it but also had the OE trailing arm crossmember already in place in the frame. So i'm going to build the trailing arm's myself. I'm going to be using Steel 3 x 2 x .180 wall 6 foot long. I Really Need a Blue Print of it. But any HELP, measurement's or angle's would be Really Grate. Cause i have nothing to go off of your by. Thank you in advance.

[mookandairin]

Originally Posted by gofastnut

Hmmm....I've got a good welder, a cheap angle finder, and a wife that just went back to work. I think I'll have to seriously consider this instead of upgrading my old arms.

Old thread i know but I just read: "A wife that WORKS"????? You lucky ......! That is the answer to ALL of my prayers! I've been trying to get her to try that now for about 10+ years. It sure would make it easier to get the truck done But, it aint looking too good. lmfao