I can't get my T-Arm out!

[like2drive]

par for course

Took me over 2 days too...one of the worst, dumbest, job I've ever done.ad Probably went through 20-30 blades. :cry
Check out Bairs or Van Steel for the trailing arms. And almost all the parts catelogues have the stainless shims.. also, this would be a good time to check/change that rear bearing, half shaft u/joints (use SPICERS). GOOD LUCK, jim

 

[Bill75]

like2drive said it right. It was the worst job I've ever done on a car also, I'd rather have changed the engine and tranny; much easier!!!!!!!! I did my rearend at the same time, 3 bolts and it's on the ground. Might be something to think about.
You probably already know you'll need a 4 wheel alignment when you're done. I drove mine a couple hundred miles after I rebuilt my arms etc. before having it done. I got prices from $75 to over $350, finally had a Vette shop do it for $200 and it seems real good so far. I wasen't really concerned with the price more like who do you trust to do a good job, there's more rip off artists around than good people!

 

[74bigblock]

This was a PITA. Everything is getting replaced with exception to the fiberglass leaf spring and the Bilsein shocks I did last Summer.... I do mean EVERYTHING! Diff, 1/2 shafts, bolts, washers, bushings, U-joints, X-Member, Ecentric bracket and arms. I decided to purchase new T-arms from Ikerd's... will prob get most of the above from them as well.

 

[OldSchool]

I decided to purchase new T-arms from Ikerd's... will prob get most of the above from them as well.

Do yourself and your wallet a favor and checkout VANSTEEL at VANSTEEL.com..Good prices AND support.. DAn and Artie are Vette enthusiasts, not just order takers.. They are active on some of these boads..Tell 'em OldSchool sent ya!!!

 

[74bigblock]

Do yourself and your wallet a favor and checkout VANSTEEL at VANSTEEL.com..Good prices AND support.. DAn and Artie are Vette enthusiasts, not just order takers.. They are active on some of these boads..Tell 'em OldSchool sent ya!!!

Vansteel does not have New T-arms... only referb. I do not want referb, as they have a higher risk of delaminating. $600 savings is not worth the labor spent replacing them a 2nd time... especially down the road when I'm older and less flexible than I am now!

 

[Bill75]

I ran across this place, might be something. They make their own according to the ad.

http://www.fastcorvette.com/TrailingArms.htm

Bill

 

[74bigblock]

I ran across this place, might be something. They make their own according to the ad.

http://www.fastcorvette.com/TrailingArms.htm

Bill

Bill... thanks for the link. They offer free shipping! I will check them out.

-Dave

 

[Stingray6974]

Dave,
You might want to reconsider before using them. I did all the rebuilding for them until 11/04. Many people have had a problem since then. I can build you a set of arms for less money and higher quality. A few members I have done work for:
George Black
Zwede
Chumpzilla
Blackdog
78SilvAnniv
Thumper
I am a supporting vendor here at CAC. Please check out my website.
www.classiccorvetteparts.vstore.ca

Mike

 

[74bigblock]

Dave,
You might want to reconsider before using them. I did all the rebuilding for them until 11/04. Many people have had a problem since then. I can build you a set of arms for less money and higher quality. A few members I have done work for:
George Black
Zwede
Chumpzilla
Blackdog
78SilvAnniv
Thumper
I am a supporting vendor here at CAC. Please check out my website.
www.classiccorvetteparts.vstore.ca

Mike

Mike,

Wish I had known sooner... as I already struck a deal with them.

-Dave

 

[Stingray6974]

Hi Dave,
I hope everything works out for you. Let me know if I can help you in the future.

Mike

 

[74bigblock]

Hi Dave,
I hope everything works out for you. Let me know if I can help you in the future.

Mike

Will do. Is there anything specific I should look for? My main order consists of a diff and two tew trailing arm assemblies.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Stingray6974]

Pull the rear cover off and check the gear pattern, stub axle end play, and the cross shaft for being loose. On the trailing arms spin the spindles 20-30 times and check the bearings for play. I can't seem to load pics so I will have to email them to you.

Mike

 

[74bigblock]

Pull the rear cover off and check the gear pattern, stub axle end play, and the cross shaft for being loose. On the trailing arms spin the spindles 20-30 times and check the bearings for play. I can't seem to load pics so I will have to email them to you.

Mike

you can email to 74bigblock at comcast dot net.

 

[Stingray6974]

Pics sent.

Mike

 

[74bigblock]

Pics sent.

Mike

Thanks Mike... I will be sure to pull the diff cover and ensure everything is Kosher.

 

[WayneLBurnham]

That's a funny difference between North and South...

Time is the enemy now. Only 12 weeks of summer left.

Summer down here is when you DON'T feel like driving! Fall through Spring are the GOOD driving times! Winter night cruising with the top down at 40-55 in the metroplex is incredible. The stupid hot running things tend to have outstandingly effective heaters down to near freezing (I wish THAT didn't work and the A/C did!)

I was furious my seemingly endless problems centering around this staggering expensive "professionally made" small block I stupidly selected as a temporary engine ate up month after month before the inevitable intolerable heat waves began.

Here we count DOWN until the end of October and the 100 degree days are safely gone....

 

[dk1977]

What is your source for your replacement t-arm assemblies? I just got through removing the right side on my '77. 5 blades later... I soaked everything with pb blaster and was lucky and got all the shims out and had room for the blades...

 

[Stingray6974]

What is your source for your replacement t-arm assemblies? I just got through removing the right side on my '77. 5 blades later... I soaked everything with pb blaster and was lucky and got all the shims out and had room for the blades...

Who are you asking?
Mike

 

[WARVET]

What is your source for your replacement t-arm assemblies? I just got through removing the right side on my '77. 5 blades later... I soaked everything with pb blaster and was lucky and got all the shims out and had room for the blades...

I bought mine from Van Steel. I wanted beefier wheels so I needed offset trailing arms, and Van Steel makes the best IMO. They are much more rugged and came with the bearings, spindles, and SS p-brakes, with new rotors installed! I've had them on for a couple of weeks now and they are great!

 

[74bigblock]

What is your source for your replacement t-arm assemblies? I just got through removing the right side on my '77. 5 blades later... I soaked everything with pb blaster and was lucky and got all the shims out and had room for the blades...

If you do the left side... just cut right through the shims. I didn't think it was possible, but I tried... and 15 minutes later the T-arm was off.

I sourced my T-Arms through fastcorvette.com. Why? They offer new T-arm assemblies ready to bolt in. They also have referb, but I wanted new. They also have free shipping, and all the other big parts I needed for my big block rear end rebuild.