Extreme rear trailing arm modification?

[Ludachris]

Anyone ever consider chopping off the rear trailing arm on a 1G AWD at the hub and welding up a smaller tubular piece with a solid bushing? Looks like it could save substantial weight but I'm not sure how strong it would be since it would have to be curved - almost s-shaped.

 

[TalonD27A]

This has crossed my mind before.

I also considered having some aluminum hubs/bearing housings made up alowing a separate arm to be attached instead of it being one piece. The STI, Evo, Focus, Sierra Cosworth communities already have some of these available so why couldn't we. Most WRC cars run these types of spindles so durability if made correctly wouldn't be an issue either.
The main issue is cost as a hub/bearing housing can cost as high as three thousand each but it would change so many issues with the 1G. Besides changing suspension geometry and weight it would also allow a wider wheel and tire combo as the rear is the limiting factor there. This would only appeal to a very select few where the rest of our community wouldn't pay for something like this.

 

[Ludachris]

Yeah, I know it would probably be expensive. But I figured if we found some ideas that we could do on our own, it might not be too bad for those of us who will do the work ourselves. Custom hubs might be out of my budget though.

 

[4pistons]

Why not just keep it simple and weld up the active toe?

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[Ludachris]

Why not just keep it simple and weld up the active toe?

Rick - '91 GSX

Why upgrade the turbo? Because it might be worth trying.

Keeping it simple isn't what this forum is all about. It's about trying new things and getting better results. Sure, you can weld up the rear toe arm with a solid bushing. And I will do that as soon as I get my new welder running. But with this being the Fabrication forum, why not discuss replacing the toe arms (trailing arms) with stronger/lighter tubular pieces and make it easier to replace the toe bushing in the future? I would think there's a lot of unsprung weight to be saved there.

 

[TalonD27A]

I really like the cut and paste idea, but I do share your concern for strength. I have a spare set of rear hubs so I'll get them out to start looking at them and see in what manner we can do this.

 

[4pistons]

with this being the Fabrication forum, why not discuss replacing the toe arms (trailing arms) with stronger/lighter tubular pieces and make it easier to replace the toe bushing in the future?

Exactly the reason I asked why someone would go through all the trouble of fabbing a difficult piece. I wasn't implying you SHOULDN'T try, I was asking WHY.

I'd love to hear the discussions of the reasons, the troubles, the difficulties, the cost, the performance advantages, and disadvantages. THAT'S what this forum is about!! We're on the same page!

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[Ludachris]

Exactly the reason I asked why someone would go through all the trouble of fabbing a difficult piece. I wasn't implying you SHOULDN'T try, I was asking WHY.

I'd love to hear the discussions of the reasons, the troubles, the difficulties, the cost, the performance advantages, and disadvantages. THAT'S what this forum is about!! We're on the same page!

Rick - '91 GSX

The idea with this is to create trailing/toe arms that are lighter, stronger/stiffer, and possibly even more accepting of wider wheels (though I don't know that it's much of a limiting factor). The goal is better handling, lighter weight, and more options for the road racer.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Check your pm ludachris. I may be planning a very custom rear suspension for the 1g awd. So i can fit some fatty rear tires in and have a more controllable suspension as well.

James

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Well, i am in the planning stages for this custom rear suspension. Right now, i am trying to figure out whether its more feasible to move the location of the bolt for the trailing arm, or to cut it down and box it in where it needed. Either way, something must get done within the next few months to get this car moving. I have to have the rear end done to move back to PA with it from Ohio. I will keep this updated when news comes out with what i have done/or will be doing.

James