Trailing Arm Rebuild on a C3 Corvette

I had to rebuild the trailing arms on my 1971 Corvette. This video shows the process.
Disclaimer: The work we do around our mini farm and our vehicles is for entertainment purposes only. This is not how-to advice.

[@cooperbeazley9358]

Another excellent video. You two guys have the best instructional videos on C3 Vettes on KZbin . My buddies and I have done this on two Vettes. The first one was much harder because there was no good info like your video out there. The second one was much easier since we knew what to expect. I will say this, probably the hardest part was disassembly. 50 year old rusted parts are truly stuck. The other thing is one of the guys in my group is a machinist of your skill level. That really helps with making tools and making sure the tolerances are correct. If nothing else this video may convince some people that it would be worth it to just buy a new trailing arm and bearing assembly rather than attempt a rebuild. The trick with the fishing line was awesome, wish I had known that. The other thing is the camera work here was great and it really showed things in a detailed manner . Thanks to both of you, I have watched all the videos both of you guys have made and it has been a great help in rebuilding my 72 Vette. Just finished putting a 383 stroker with a Tremec TKX in it , wish you had made a video on that before I did it, again lot of videos but not the detail you always have. Thanks

[@timewiththedurbins]

Thanks. Rebuilding trailing arms is definitely a lot of work but you can save some money doing it yourself. I hope this is the last time I have to do it. My car was originally an automatic. I changed it out for a Muncie 4 speed. I wish I would have gone with a Tremec.

[@thedrivewayC3]

Amazing Video! Great to see you two teaming up on this rebuild project. So much great info here. 👍🏼

[@timewiththedurbins]

Thanks. We had a good time making the video. Luis did an awesome job with the camera. The video would not have been as good without his help and input.

[@markmontgomery9954]

Really enjoyed the video. That was pretty clever what you did using the fishing line to get the screw in place. That's a sharp car you have. Great job. 😊

[@timewiththedurbins]

Thanks. I hope it's the last time I ever have to do that job again.

[@vintage_corvette]

Really great video! I done this job 1 month before and can say all the basics are in there video. What do you done withe the inner bearing? they had some indication of spinning, was the pressfit tight?. I had the same issue with one spindle. The big problem, aftermarket spindle are chunk!

[@timewiththedurbins]

I was able to replace the worn spindle with one from a 1980 parts car I have.

[@badal38257]

Great video. My mechanic cant get to this for a month or so, so i'm thinking of tackling it. All I need to do is the trailing arm bearing, so mine will be quite a bit simpler. The only thing Im unsure about is having to bleed the brakes on reassembly. Any pointers?

[@timewiththedurbins]

I gravity bled my brakes. It is really easy especially if you are working by yourself.

[@bertusgsxr]

Hi. Great video. Would it be possible to have a sketch for the REAR WHEEL BEARING SET UP TOOL to make me one if possible? Much appreciated.

[@timewiththedurbins]

Email me at: [e-mail] and I'll email back a sketch of the tool.

[@Rodeo32145]

Another great video! As far as universal joints, on my 76 I tried both zerk and non zerk. Replacing them around 5000 miles. Just couldn’t get the grease to all four cups during a service with the zerk type. I’d make sure on installation they were packed yet develop get a squeak from one of the four universals leaving a stop light. That’s a clean Corvette you have, enjoy it!

[@timewiththedurbins]

I think the problem with zerk type ujoints is sometimes it's hard to get a grease gun on the zerk. If they are not greased, they don't last any longer than the non greaseable ujoints. I always pack the ujoint before I install them. My car is close to being finished. Thanks