whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68 short step · 07-22-2007, 09:34 PM

when i was looking at the frame i noticed this on 1 of the trailing arms... it looks like there was something that connects both sides of the arm, but it is all cracked and weathered (corroded?) so is this "ok" to use like this? this truck will be used for hauling. both boats/jetski's and a$$... would trailing arm reinforcement plates be the best option to fix this?? last pic is the oposite side, this one looks good..

Aarons72s · 07-22-2007, 09:35 PM

Pics?

grady5 · 07-22-2007, 09:36 PM

any pics?

Aarons72s · 07-22-2007, 09:48 PM

I see your pics now. That is the control arm rusting apart. They will require replacement. Mine on the orange and white did that. When they get chronic rust they start mushrooming with layers of rust. Sorry man.

killer71 · 07-22-2007, 10:00 PM

Wow! good catch don! so now what?

Big White GMC · 07-22-2007, 10:08 PM

What I'd Do Is Remove The Arms, Sandblast Them, And Then Get A Set Of The Reinforcement Plates From Early Classic Enterprises. The Part # Is 902-6072TAR. That Will Help Your Situation Greatly. Good Luck !!!!

*72CSTC5* · 07-22-2007, 10:14 PM

Get a c-clamp and butt it back together and put some stitch welds in between the two halves about every six inches or so. Less expensive than the plates and will do the same job.

killer71 · 07-22-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

Get a c-clamp and butt it back together and put some stitch welds in between the two halves about every six inches or so. Less expensive than the plates and will do the same job.

but how long will that last? Remember I'm gonna have killer 4 ever!

*72CSTC5* · 07-22-2007, 10:20 PM

It will last, just have them sand blasted and make the welds. What happened is the plug weld in that one spot broke loose. Replace that weld as well. Let me see if I can find some pics of my trailing arms where I welded them up.

Richard H. · 07-22-2007, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer71

but how long will that last? Remember I'm gonna have killer 4 ever!

Just welded mine today and on top of that it looks like you need new bushings also.

SCOTI · 07-23-2007, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

Get a c-clamp and butt it back together and put some stitch welds in between the two halves about every six inches or so. Less expensive than the plates and will do the same job.

I agree.

Clamp it back together & lay some 1" beads every six inches the length of the arm. If you want to reinforce them, some .125" or .187" 'drop' plate from the local steel yard (or scrap pile) will get the job done easily.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 07-23-2007, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I agree.

Clamp it back together & lay some 1" beads every six inches the length of the arm. If you want to reinforce them, some .125" or .187" 'drop' plate from the local steel yard (or scrap pile) will get the job done easily.

drivethechevy · 07-23-2007, 03:27 AM

my 68 has the same weld patch described on the control arms
i didnt do them myself but i know from the guy i bought it from who did and i have to so if a person takes the time to fix it right it lasts a long time
the rewelding was done in 77 and when i got the truck for parts in march they were still perfect thanks to the great job the welder did
so make shure there sand blasted and cleaned up real good before u weld and then after the weld be shure to repaint and seal it all really well in the long run its worth the effort causeas original steel is gettin alot harder to find in good condition for a decent price savin what u got is the best idea

krue · 07-23-2007, 04:23 AM

A good patch and you're gonna be alright, it's not like a truck that's seen a lot of salt and you would expect a lot of serious rust.

jc · 07-23-2007, 04:35 AM

good used ones are cheap.
if your doing a decent build why do a repair that will stick out like a sore thumb.
if its a fire wood hauler go ahead and weld it.

thats just my opinion , i like to see parts in as left the dealership condition and not modified.

mike nutt · 07-23-2007, 09:03 AM

i welded mine up solid , djracer's drag truck has stock trailing arms that are welded up solid without a problem and it totes the front tires. here's a picture of mine.

glock35ipsc · 07-23-2007, 11:49 AM

I agree with all the above to have them blasted and be sure all the junk in between the two halves is cleaned out real good, then clamp them together and run some stitches every so often. I welded some 1/8" strap onto mine, but I did it more for looks that anything else.

mvfd70 · 07-23-2007, 01:14 PM

Mine were like that too. Some of the welds/rivets were broken so I drilled them out with a drill press and took the arms apart, cleaned out all the scale and rust, and they are at the welder right now getting the rust holes patched up. I figure some 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts will hold them together nicely.

**LockDoc** · 07-23-2007, 03:16 PM

-
I took mine apart also. I didn't really want all of the rust and packed in dirt in between mine and I couldn't get it all out. Not really that hard to do and it makes you feel great when you get it all done....

LockDoc

Metmanice · 07-23-2007, 03:45 PM

Don't forget the other alternative.

Early Classic sells a pair of boxed trailing arms for $459 with spring cup, new bushings and u-bolts included.

I have a pair and they are worth the money.

killer71 · 07-23-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metmanice

Don't forget the other alternative.

Early Classic sells a pair of boxed trailing arms for $459 with spring cup, new bushings and u-bolts included.

I have a pair and they are worth the money.

any pictures possibly?

Metmanice · 07-23-2007, 03:52 PM

Their site has them in red, but they come powdercoated black.

I have more pictures at home of mine sitting in the frame with air bags. If you want to see them let me know and I can upload them tonight.

killer71 · 07-23-2007, 03:58 PM

yea i saw those red ones and was hoping you could get them in black...always wanna see the picts dude...if you can swing it.

Metmanice · 07-23-2007, 03:59 PM

No problem. I will post tonight.

The great thing about these is that even the u-bolt hole are boxed. No more rust problem ever.

Richard H. · 07-23-2007, 06:08 PM

I went and looked at mine again and my new bushings and something is up with your first picture like someone hacked on the collar of the bushing or some how your bracket got bent. Compare it to the other side in next pictures. The arm still needs to be clamped and welded but some how that frame bracket looks suspect IMO . There is no rubber on the out side of the arm and it appears to be digging into the bracket?

07-22-2007, 09:34 PM	#1
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) when i was looking at the frame i noticed this on 1 of the trailing arms... it looks like there was something that connects both sides of the arm, but it is all cracked and weathered (corroded?) so is this "ok" to use like this? this truck will be used for hauling. both boats/jetski's and a$$... would trailing arm reinforcement plates be the best option to fix this?? last pic is the oposite side, this one looks good.. Last edited by 68 short step; 07-22-2007 at 09:36 PM.

07-22-2007, 09:35 PM	#2
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Pics?

07-22-2007, 09:36 PM	#3
grady5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: north carolina Posts: 80	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) any pics?

07-22-2007, 09:48 PM	#4
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) I see your pics now. That is the control arm rusting apart. They will require replacement. Mine on the orange and white did that. When they get chronic rust they start mushrooming with layers of rust. Sorry man.

07-22-2007, 10:00 PM	#5
killer71 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: at work Posts: 2,552	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Wow! good catch don! so now what? __________________ R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07

07-22-2007, 10:08 PM	#6
Big White GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Homer, Georgia Posts: 56	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) What I'd Do Is Remove The Arms, Sandblast Them, And Then Get A Set Of The Reinforcement Plates From Early Classic Enterprises. The Part # Is 902-6072TAR. That Will Help Your Situation Greatly. Good Luck !!!!

07-22-2007, 10:14 PM	#7
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Get a c-clamp and butt it back together and put some stitch welds in between the two halves about every six inches or so. Less expensive than the plates and will do the same job.

07-22-2007, 10:20 PM	#9
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) It will last, just have them sand blasted and make the welds. What happened is the plug weld in that one spot broke loose. Replace that weld as well. Let me see if I can find some pics of my trailing arms where I welded them up.

07-23-2007, 03:27 AM	#13
drivethechevy Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo MN Posts: 606	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) my 68 has the same weld patch described on the control arms i didnt do them myself but i know from the guy i bought it from who did and i have to so if a person takes the time to fix it right it lasts a long time the rewelding was done in 77 and when i got the truck for parts in march they were still perfect thanks to the great job the welder did so make shure there sand blasted and cleaned up real good before u weld and then after the weld be shure to repaint and seal it all really well in the long run its worth the effort causeas original steel is gettin alot harder to find in good condition for a decent price savin what u got is the best idea __________________ Trial and Error, its expensive but its a mistake i most likely wont make again 1971 chevy k10 custom deluxe http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341257 1968 chevy k/10 fleet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334731 1948 desoto custom coupe fluid drive(family heirloom)

07-23-2007, 04:23 AM	#14
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) A good patch and you're gonna be alright, it's not like a truck that's seen a lot of salt and you would expect a lot of serious rust. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-23-2007, 04:35 AM	#15
jc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Jackson, New Jersey Posts: 1,560	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) good used ones are cheap. if your doing a decent build why do a repair that will stick out like a sore thumb. if its a fire wood hauler go ahead and weld it. thats just my opinion , i like to see parts in as left the dealership condition and not modified. __________________ 2004 Silverado 2500HD Crewcab 4x4 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1971 CHEYENNE LWB (THE LOVE SHACK) 1967 c-10 lwb (THE FARMERS DAUGHTER)

07-23-2007, 09:03 AM	#16
mike nutt 69fatmotor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: bama Posts: 660	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) i welded mine up solid , djracer's drag truck has stock trailing arms that are welded up solid without a problem and it totes the front tires. here's a picture of mine. Last edited by mike nutt; 02-22-2009 at 08:51 PM.

07-23-2007, 11:49 AM	#17
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) I agree with all the above to have them blasted and be sure all the junk in between the two halves is cleaned out real good, then clamp them together and run some stitches every so often. I welded some 1/8" strap onto mine, but I did it more for looks that anything else. Attached Images __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

07-23-2007, 01:14 PM	#18
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Mine were like that too. Some of the welds/rivets were broken so I drilled them out with a drill press and took the arms apart, cleaned out all the scale and rust, and they are at the welder right now getting the rust holes patched up. I figure some 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts will hold them together nicely. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

07-23-2007, 03:16 PM	#19
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) - I took mine apart also. I didn't really want all of the rust and packed in dirt in between mine and I couldn't get it all out. Not really that hard to do and it makes you feel great when you get it all done.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -



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07-23-2007, 03:45 PM	#20
Metmanice Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 39	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Don't forget the other alternative. Early Classic sells a pair of boxed trailing arms for $459 with spring cup, new bushings and u-bolts included. I have a pair and they are worth the money. __________________ '67 C10 SWB Frame off (and smiling)

07-23-2007, 03:52 PM	#22
Metmanice Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 39	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) Their site has them in red, but they come powdercoated black. I have more pictures at home of mine sitting in the frame with air bags. If you want to see them let me know and I can upload them tonight. __________________ '67 C10 SWB Frame off (and smiling)

07-23-2007, 03:58 PM	#23
killer71 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: at work Posts: 2,552	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) yea i saw those red ones and was hoping you could get them in black...always wanna see the picts dude...if you can swing it. __________________ R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07

07-23-2007, 03:59 PM	#24
Metmanice Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 39	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) No problem. I will post tonight. The great thing about these is that even the u-bolt hole are boxed. No more rust problem ever. __________________ '67 C10 SWB Frame off (and smiling)

07-23-2007, 06:08 PM	#25
Richard H. Spanked once Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Intheshop, Indiana Posts: 969	Re: whats wrong with this? (trailing arm ?) I went and looked at mine again and my new bushings and something is up with your first picture like someone hacked on the collar of the bushing or some how your bracket got bent. Compare it to the other side in next pictures. The arm still needs to be clamped and welded but some how that frame bracket looks suspect IMO . There is no rubber on the out side of the arm and it appears to be digging into the bracket? Last edited by Richard H.; 07-23-2007 at 06:11 PM. Reason: ?

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