Broke a trailing arm... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gumby'sC20 · 06-16-2009, 02:08 PM

Hey guys,

as the title states, last night I broke a trailing arm in half completely. I have attached a picture to show where it has broken. My truck is a coil rear 3/4 ton, don't know if it makes a difference (at time of install of a new arm it will) but thought I'd mention it.

I need suggestions on where to find a new arm (if the junkyard is suggested, which trucks can I find an arm off of that will work?), and will also need help with the procedure of installing the new arm with basic tools and a floor jack or two (haven't been lucky enough to get any tools yet).

Thanks in advance !!

**Hart_Rod** · 06-16-2009, 02:32 PM

Simple to install, remove ubolts from axle, shock bolt, and the trailing arm attachment bolt. Any year 67-72 trailing arm will work.

Gumby'sC20 · 06-16-2009, 02:50 PM

When I jack the truck up with a floor jack, I want to be lifting up the frame and body of the truck correct? (truck is sitting on the road right now...looking SICK slammed, but thats beside the point lol)

**Hart_Rod** · 06-16-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby'sC20

When I jack the truck up with a floor jack, I want to be lifting up the frame and body of the truck correct? (truck is sitting on the road right now...looking SICK slammed, but thats beside the point lol)

That's correct. You want to take the weight off of the rear coil spring and then everything should unbolt fairly easy. You might want to soak all the nuts and bolts with WD40 or PB Blaster for a couple of days....

XXL · 06-16-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

You might want to soak all the nuts and bolts with WD40 or PB Blaster for a couple of days....

Safety tip: just the ones on the truck.

my67chevytruck · 06-16-2009, 03:41 PM

heres a pic for your visual pre-planning...

prostreetC-10 · 06-16-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

heres a pic for your visual pre-planning...

Freakin' show off!!!!

my67chevytruck · 06-16-2009, 02:58 PM

im pretty sure the 3/4 trailing arms are slightly different, as they have a reinforcement plate welded on the end. a 1/2 might work, but i would look for 3/4. you want to jack it up , then put jack stands on the frame as you will need access to the rear of the truck to remove the ubolts and trailing arm....

prostreetC-10 · 06-16-2009, 02:58 PM

Brother.....I'd really consider where you are if you are thinking about fixing it on the road. Is it on a hwy? It would be so sad to think of someone accidentally taking your life because they were texting on their phone and slammed into the back of the truck with you under it! I'd tow it home if you can afford to do that. If not....believe me....I've been there.

You will need to jack the truck up under the frame but you are also going to need a jack stand and or another jack to hold the weight of the axle. It can get a little tricky because you don't want to have the spring holding the weight of the axle when you try and loosen it. can cause some problems and a shift in everthing when she lets go. Ideally, try to just jack it up enough to take off the load so you can loosen the shock and the spring from the bottom. You can and should leave the spring bolted to the frame. Once that is done you can support the weight of the axle with a jack stand or another jack. I feel sorry for your arms when it comes to doing those U-bolts with a ratchet!!!! Just really think about what you are doing so you don't get hurt and really block/support the hell out of that truck before you get under it!!!!!

**fine69** · 06-16-2009, 03:06 PM

PM sent. I can help you out.

Gumby'sC20 · 06-16-2009, 03:14 PM

Car is on my residential street. No traffic cept my neighbors who know I constantly wrench in the street.

Also, the part of the trailing arm that is connected to the spring is the part of the arm thats literally on the ground, whereas the rest of the arm is still bolted to the rear end, which is about 8 inches above where the rest of the arm sits.

When I go to install the new arm I will have to compress the spring to get the end of the arm to connect via U-Bolt to the rear end. Another floor jack for that?

my67chevytruck · 06-16-2009, 03:18 PM

you dont have to compress the spring just get the arm high enough to put the ubolt in,bolt the spring to the arm. tight then install the shock.

Gumby'sC20 · 06-16-2009, 03:30 PM

perfect. sounds a little bit easier than I thought. Shouldn't take more than an hour or two with a friend and some beer at the end of the day waiting for us. haha

**El Jay** · 06-16-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby'sC20

perfect. sounds a little bit easier than I thought. Shouldn't take more than an hour or two with a friend and some beer at the end of the day waiting for us. haha

Here's a rule of thumb for ya; & it always works for me:
Double your number & then go to the next larger time unit.
Using your time estimate for an example; 2-4 days, & the job should be done.

Gray Ghost · 06-17-2009, 01:17 PM

You are absolutely right about that....no doubt about it. The second rule is on budget. Take your original number and mulitply times three....and don't forget a liberal amount of cash for the 'Oh crap I forgot to get the damn....' stuff.

Gumby'sC20 · 06-16-2009, 03:50 PM

awesome, that pic will help me alot. Thanks ::thumbsup::

prostreetC-10 · 06-16-2009, 04:14 PM

I'm pushing to have you banned because your avitar is not a 67-72 and any picture you post on this thread of a 67-72 is a "retaliation" picture and subject to a lifetime ban. Okay....I'm going to go get another beer now!

That was actually a good idea to show the chassis. I'd show a picture of mine but it looks like it's about to break too!!!! lol

my67chevytruck · 06-16-2009, 04:19 PM

OUCH, the '56 in my AVATAR is my 1st love...... the 67-72 running a strong 2nd.... GIMME BEER

prostreetC-10 · 06-16-2009, 04:37 PM

lol

*vegaschevy* · 06-16-2009, 04:42 PM

side note* where in Bend are you at? I am there a few times a year. My family lives off Gift rd

prostreetC-10 · 06-17-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegaschevy

side note* where in Bend are you at? I am there a few times a year. My family lives off Gift rd

Actually....Tumalo!

neonlarry · 06-16-2009, 05:16 PM

Because the arm probably broke from being rusted I would count on needing a new set of U-bolts (a lot of them break trying to get them off). A decent spring or rearend shop should be able to make a set cheaply if you give them the dimensions.

Longhorn Man · 06-16-2009, 05:57 PM

you may want to find a friend with air tools.
Knowing rust like I do, and knowing hand tools, you are in for a world of hurt if you think you'lll do it with a socket and rachet.

westofb · 06-16-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

you may want to find a friend with air tools.
Knowing rust like I do, and knowing hand tools, you are in for a world of hurt if you think you'lll do it with a socket and rachet.

I have found having friends with large tools (3/4" socket set with very large breaker bar) is priceless...lol. That sounds kind of gay...lol...at least I did not say large tool!

prostreetC-10 · 06-16-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westofb

I have found having friends with large tools (3/4" socket set with very large breaker bar) is priceless...lol. That sounds kind of gay...lol...at least I did not say large tool!

That's kinda funny cuz I was thinking that none of my friends have a larger tool and I do and then I thought........how in the heck would I know that???? LOL

06-16-2009, 02:08 PM	#1
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Broke a trailing arm... Hey guys, as the title states, last night I broke a trailing arm in half completely. I have attached a picture to show where it has broken. My truck is a coil rear 3/4 ton, don't know if it makes a difference (at time of install of a new arm it will) but thought I'd mention it. I need suggestions on where to find a new arm (if the junkyard is suggested, which trucks can I find an arm off of that will work?), and will also need help with the procedure of installing the new arm with basic tools and a floor jack or two (haven't been lucky enough to get any tools yet). Thanks in advance !!

06-16-2009, 02:32 PM	#2
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Broke a trailing arm... Simple to install, remove ubolts from axle, shock bolt, and the trailing arm attachment bolt. Any year 67-72 trailing arm will work. __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

06-16-2009, 02:50 PM	#3
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Re: Broke a trailing arm... When I jack the truck up with a floor jack, I want to be lifting up the frame and body of the truck correct? (truck is sitting on the road right now...looking SICK slammed, but thats beside the point lol)

06-16-2009, 03:41 PM	#6
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Broke a trailing arm... heres a pic for your visual pre-planning... Attached Images __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

06-16-2009, 02:58 PM	#8
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Broke a trailing arm... im pretty sure the 3/4 trailing arms are slightly different, as they have a reinforcement plate welded on the end. a 1/2 might work, but i would look for 3/4. you want to jack it up , then put jack stands on the frame as you will need access to the rear of the truck to remove the ubolts and trailing arm.... __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

06-16-2009, 02:58 PM	#9
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Broke a trailing arm... Brother.....I'd really consider where you are if you are thinking about fixing it on the road. Is it on a hwy? It would be so sad to think of someone accidentally taking your life because they were texting on their phone and slammed into the back of the truck with you under it! I'd tow it home if you can afford to do that. If not....believe me....I've been there. You will need to jack the truck up under the frame but you are also going to need a jack stand and or another jack to hold the weight of the axle. It can get a little tricky because you don't want to have the spring holding the weight of the axle when you try and loosen it. can cause some problems and a shift in everthing when she lets go. Ideally, try to just jack it up enough to take off the load so you can loosen the shock and the spring from the bottom. You can and should leave the spring bolted to the frame. Once that is done you can support the weight of the axle with a jack stand or another jack. I feel sorry for your arms when it comes to doing those U-bolts with a ratchet!!!! Just really think about what you are doing so you don't get hurt and really block/support the hell out of that truck before you get under it!!!!! __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video! Last edited by prostreetC-10; 06-16-2009 at 02:59 PM.

06-16-2009, 03:06 PM	#10
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Broke a trailing arm... PM sent. I can help you out. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

06-16-2009, 03:14 PM	#11
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Re: Broke a trailing arm... Car is on my residential street. No traffic cept my neighbors who know I constantly wrench in the street. Also, the part of the trailing arm that is connected to the spring is the part of the arm thats literally on the ground, whereas the rest of the arm is still bolted to the rear end, which is about 8 inches above where the rest of the arm sits. When I go to install the new arm I will have to compress the spring to get the end of the arm to connect via U-Bolt to the rear end. Another floor jack for that?

06-16-2009, 03:18 PM	#12
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Broke a trailing arm... you dont have to compress the spring just get the arm high enough to put the ubolt in,bolt the spring to the arm. tight then install the shock. __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

06-16-2009, 03:30 PM	#13
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Re: Broke a trailing arm... perfect. sounds a little bit easier than I thought. Shouldn't take more than an hour or two with a friend and some beer at the end of the day waiting for us. haha

06-17-2009, 01:17 PM	#15
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Broke a trailing arm... You are absolutely right about that....no doubt about it. The second rule is on budget. Take your original number and mulitply times three....and don't forget a liberal amount of cash for the 'Oh crap I forgot to get the damn....' stuff. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 06-17-2009 at 01:17 PM.

06-16-2009, 03:50 PM	#16
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Re: Broke a trailing arm... awesome, that pic will help me alot. Thanks ::thumbsup::

06-16-2009, 04:14 PM	#17
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Broke a trailing arm... I'm pushing to have you banned because your avitar is not a 67-72 and any picture you post on this thread of a 67-72 is a "retaliation" picture and subject to a lifetime ban. Okay....I'm going to go get another beer now! That was actually a good idea to show the chassis. I'd show a picture of mine but it looks like it's about to break too!!!! lol __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

06-16-2009, 04:19 PM	#18
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: Broke a trailing arm... OUCH, the '56 in my AVATAR is my 1st love...... the 67-72 running a strong 2nd.... GIMME BEER __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

06-16-2009, 04:37 PM	#19
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Broke a trailing arm... lol __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!



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06-16-2009, 04:42 PM	#20
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	Re: Broke a trailing arm... side note* where in Bend are you at? I am there a few times a year. My family lives off Gift rd

06-16-2009, 05:16 PM	#22
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	Re: Broke a trailing arm... Because the arm probably broke from being rusted I would count on needing a new set of U-bolts (a lot of them break trying to get them off). A decent spring or rearend shop should be able to make a set cheaply if you give them the dimensions. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

06-16-2009, 05:57 PM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Broke a trailing arm... you may want to find a friend with air tools. Knowing rust like I do, and knowing hand tools, you are in for a world of hurt if you think you'lll do it with a socket and rachet.

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