Rebuilding trailing arms question

[Hart_Rod]

I've got a set I'm going to blast, repaint and put in new bushings. Anything else I should do sense I have them out? Weld seams? I've seen the plates that you can weld on, what is the purpose? Is it worth it? Thanks for info.

Rob

[Hart_Rod]

anyone???

[Joe67]

I saw a discussion on those add on plates a while back. It was stated they don't really do much for a driver, but more if you pull/haul heavy loads on a regular basis.

I just burned the old bushings out of my trailing arms this past weekend

What bushings will you run? I bought the poly bushing kit from PST

[arkracing]

Mine were starting to "split" down the seams...so i clamped them back together and welded every 2-3" a 2-3" bead on both the top and bottom.

no need to weld them solid.

might not hurt to put some seam sealer in the seam if they are in good shape or after you weld them to keep water and dirt out for future rust/split prevention.

[Hart_Rod]

I got some from EST. Never thought about the seam sealer, that is a very good idea . Thanks guys.

Rob

[boraxman]

How do you know when the bushings are bad?

[Fred T]

All that I have seen have gotten gravel and dirt between the pieces. I cleaned them out, put bolts in to hold the pieces together, and painted. You could weld instead of bolting. The plates are usually used for reinforcing a rusted out area.

[SCOTI]

I did the same as arkracing w/a 1.5" bead about every 6" the length of the arm, top & bottom, on both my trailing arm trucks. I also boxed the front & very rear of the arm as well on my RestoRod.

Both use urethane bushings.

[Hart_Rod]

Scoti,

Do you have any pictures? Thanks,

Rob

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rob

Scoti,

Do you have any pictures? Thanks,

Rob

Sorry . . .... no pics. I might be able to get some over the weekend.

[68LSS1]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I did the same as arkracing w/a 1.5" bead about every 6" the length of the arm, top & bottom, on both my trailing arm trucks. I also boxed the front & very rear of the arm as well on my RestoRod.

Both use urethane bushings.

I think this is the way to go also. Completely welding the seam removes some flexibility from the trailing arm which I've been told by Steve (owner of Hot Rods To Hell) among others, is not always a good thing. I will be adding 1/8" plates where the axle housing sits though.