Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do aftermarket trailing arms do?
Aftermarket trailing arms are designed to allow the rear axle to move up and down while maintaining proper vehicle alignment. They are commonly used in aftermarket truck suspension kits and do not contain any moving parts themselves.
2. Is trailing arms suspension good?
Trailing arm suspension systems, whether semi-trailing arm or pure trailing arm, can transfer more shock and noise to the car body, particularly during hard cornering or on bumpy roads. Additionally, the high unsprung weight of trailing arms can result in poorer ride quality.
3. What cars use trailing arm suspension?
Trailing arm or semi-trailing arm suspensions were commonly used in mid-price to high-price sedans before the popularity of multi-link rear suspensions in the 1990s. They were found in various models, including the BMW 3-series, Mercedes 560SEC, and even the Porsche 911.
4. Do I need adjustable trailing arms?
Adjustable trailing arms are necessary when changing the ride height of your vehicle. Lowering the vehicle changes driveline angles, requiring adjustments to the pinion angle. Adjustable trailing arms allow for easy rear suspension adjustments to achieve optimal handling and traction.
5. Are upgraded control arms worth it?
Upgraded control arms offer benefits such as reduced unsprung suspension weight, improving ride quality. They also allow for the use of replacement shocks that provide better all-around performance compared to OEM shocks.
6. Are longer trailing arms better?
Longer trailing arms, typically found in long arm kits, are set further back on the vehicle, reducing the operating angle for the control arms. This results in a smoother ride on and off the pavement, with a gentle up and down motion that avoids jarring the vehicle.
7. What suspension parts wear out fastest?
Shocks and struts tend to wear out the fastest in a suspension system. The constant movement while the vehicle is in motion can cause the piston seal to fail, leading to fluid leakage from the cylinder and gas escaping.
8. What are the disadvantages of trailing arm suspension?
Trailing arm suspensions, whether semi-trailing arm or pure trailing arm, can transfer more shock and noise to the car body, especially during hard cornering or on bumpy roads. Additionally, the high unsprung weight of the trailing arms can result in poorer ride quality.
9. What are the benefits of adjustable trailing arms?
Adjustable trailing arms offer the advantage of easy rear suspension adjustments to achieve optimal handling and traction. They can be adjusted without removing the arms from the vehicle, allowing for pinion angle adjustments. The use of spherical ball assembly with UHMW bushings also allows for freer movement of the rear suspension.
