The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Trailing arms on a 62

So I just about finished under the front of my truck and moved to the back to take a look. What I thought was flaking paint on one of the trailing arms turned out to be rust, serious rust. The trailing arm on the driver's side has some rust through where the two halves are joined. I'm wondering if I should separate the halves and try to repair it, or replace it. If I replace it, should I replace both (the one on the passenger's side looks okay)? I did some looking and I've seen tubular and boxed trailing arms, but I've also read that these are prone to breaking. Should I stick with stock, or go to one of the after market styles? I'm not going to be doing any hard driving, just cruising with the 235, 3 on the tree, stock driveline.

I'd stick with the stock design and would try to find a good used trailing arm. No need to replace both if the other one is in good shape.

Its been my experience that when it comes to buying replacement parts it's always better to use OEM components if available. If you can't find them locally I am sure Tony or Rich can help:

http://4-5-6chevytrucks.com/

http://stovebolt.com/RJ/

I might also add, rusting trailing arms is pretty common, especially in rust belt states. Since the arms are made from two fabricated channels, fastened back to back, the mating surfaces are "ripe for rusting". My Dad had a '72 and the trailing arms actually rusted so bad that they folded. Luckily it did this sitting in the driveway at my Grandpa's house.

Thanks for the links, John. I sent a request so we'll see what they come back with. Thanks again!

Larry

Will training arms from a 1966 truck work? Anyone know? According to the LMC Catalog, they list the same part for 1960 thru 1966, so I'd assume they are all the same for a 2WD truck.

I thought I'd throw up a picture of the completed rear trailing arm installation. I cleaned everything up and put a heavy coat of Coreless rust preventer in between the two halves then when it dried, filled with seam sealer. Primed everything and then painted. My son thinks it's a little over the top (he thinks everything under the truck should be satin black) but I figure it can always be repainted easy enough.
The only difference I could find between the 66 and 62 trailing arms was the location of the emergency brake cable bracket. I drilled a new hole and remounted the 66 bracket. Seems to work fine.

So here's the picture...

[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj200/evolyn80/Bella/springsandshocks.jpg[/IMG]