Free Trailing Arms????

[Schnauzer]

I traced a severe clunk sound to one of my long trailing arms last summer. I have a 76 Spider. I did a complete disassemble and paint job this winter and was ordering parts. I knew I had at least one bad link and decided to get all four, short and long. Was under the car Saturday removing the brake compensator valve and took a closer look at my trailing arms. It may be that I have one long and two short that are still servicable. If I find that to be the case when I replace them I would be glad to give them to a forum member for the cost of shipping. I have met, via the forum, a couple of guys in my state, Idaho. We are a rare breed up here. If they want them they get first shot. If neither need them I offer them to any forum member. I figure even used ones are better than one that is shot until a guy can see clear to buying new ones.

Jim
(208) 265-1828

[NJFIAT1981]

Hi Jim,
Exit 98 might take you up on that offer.I heard he might need them. Regards, George

[jimincalif]

Did you find the source of your severe clunk? I also have one, but I don't see any problems with the trailing arms, had a good look at them when changing the rear end a few months ago, so I'm still looking for the source of the noise. Thanks.

[Exit98]

Jim, as far as I can tell mine are fine. Thanks anyway George.

[Schnauzer]

jimincalif:

My "clunk" happened when letting the clutch out in reverse. One of my long trailing arms had a failed bushing on one end. I fashioned a quick temporary fix with a piece of an old tire. I didn't want to spring for new ones at the time. It took care of the clunk but I figured it was time the old girl got new ones. These trailing arms hold the axle in place in relation to the body and dampen torque loads. This twisting occures during braking and accelleration. Mine was particularly pronounced when letting the clutch out in reverse. The trailing are banged against the mounting bracket laterally making the noise. As they wear they also allow the axle to twist.

Jim

[DocGraphics]

Jim

I have a rattle/clunk in the left rear as I was driving it home from Spokane on it's maiden voyage home, I'm thinking its the shock mount but have not checked anything out. If it has to do with the trailing arms I'll let you know if you still have them.

Don

[Schnauzer]

Doc: You and David in Boise are first on the list. I will have the old ones off Saturday. I will report back on their condition.

Jim

[Schnauzer]

I removed all of my trailing arms. The lower (long) ones are both toast. The upper (short) while certainly not new are serviceable. I am not positive but the bushings in the short links may also be replaceable. Free to anyone in need of these short links.

Jim