Trailing Arm Separating

[68_Step]

As I was waiting on my rear coil spring clamps to arrive from LMC, I decided to clean up the trailing arms a bit. I noticed the right side (passenger) was separating about 1/4 inch on the underside forward of the differential. As a temp solution I used the existing holes in the trailing arm and bolted it together in three places in front of the differential. Then I noticed that the very rear of the trailing arm (behind the differential) is separated by about 1/2 at the bottom. There is no existing hole there to do a temp bolt repair. Pics below. 1st is the right side that is separating, 2nd is the left side, which is not.

I did a forum search on "trailing arm separating" and found the most common solution is to remove them, clean them up and weld them back together.

The questions:
-Is this a problem that I can safely push off till mid-summer? Or is it critical that it be fixed NOW. I drive it several times a week.

-Would a decent temp repair be to: Loosen the U bolt so it is not binding the arm and drill a 1/2 inch hole between the rear of the trailing arm and where the U bolt goes through and use a grade 8 bolt?

-Is my temp solution of bolts anywhere on the arm a bad idea?

-If it needs to be fixed now, is removal, clean up and welding them back together the way to go?

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

[CC69Rat]

I think I'd find a replacement OEM trailing arm and just swap it out. Sooner than later .. I have seen worse though.

[Fldawg]

see if you can find a set of 3/4 ton ones they are plated on top and bottom. i got a set of 3/4ton ones and what was'nt plated i welded them up

[doubleb's69]

Originally Posted by Fldawg

see if you can find a set of 3/4 ton ones they are plated on top and bottom. i got a set of 3/4ton ones and what was'nt plated i welded them up

Or weld plates on yours. I bought some rust free trailing arms from another forum member that have zero rust but are separating. I plan on getting some 1/8" thick flat stock and welding it on top and bottom.

[68_Step]

Originally Posted by doubleb's69

Or weld plates on yours. I bought some rust free trailing arms from another forum member that have zero rust but are separating. I plan on getting some 1/8" thick flat stock and welding it on top and bottom.

Mine are in great shape except for one separating. When you add the 1/8 plate, will you will you cover the entire top and bottom, or just down the seam? Will you cover the part the differential sets on?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Fldawg]

this is what i did to mine

[doubleb's69]

Originally Posted by 68_Step

Mine are in great shape except for one separating. When you add the 1/8 plate, will you will you cover the entire top and bottom, or just down the seam? Will you cover the part the differential sets on?
Posted via Mobile Device

I was going to make a cardboard or paper template and run it full length top and bottom. I would make the proper holes for the u bolts in the plates. The arms on my truck currently are not terrible but I got a great deal on the other set thats why I haven't really gotten around to it yet.