GM A-Body Trailing Arms: The Upgrade Your Ride Needs

In this article, we'll cover: 

• The Importance of Trailing Arms in Your Vehicle's Suspension System

• Common Issues with Factory Trailing Arms in A-Body Cars

• Benefits of QA1 A-Body Trailing Arms

Trailing Arms: Crucial for a Smooth Ride and Enhanced Handling

To ensure a smooth ride and optimal handling, many components in your vehicle's suspension system must work together. However, the importance of trailing arms, a critical element responsible for controlling the movement of the rear axle and maintaining tire contact with the road, is often overlooked. While the term "rear control arms" is commonly interchanged with "trailing arms," it is important to note that they refer to the same component and play a vital role in your vehicle's performance.

Factory Trailing Arms: Potential Problems for A-Body Cars

Factory trailing arms in A-body cars often utilized a U-shaped design that is prone to flex and bind. This can cause problems like wheel hop, uneven tire wear, and reduced traction when cornering or accelerating hard. Additionally, these factory trailing arms can suffer from excessive deflection, which can lead to instability and a harsh ride.

QA1 A-Body Trailing Arms: Upgraded Performance and Durability

To address the common issues associated with factory trailing arms in A-body cars, QA1 engineers have developed thoughtful solutions. Their A-body trailing arms feature a tubular design, adjustable length for pinion angle fine-tuning, and polyurethane bushings for improved durability and reduced deflection. By upgrading to QA1 A-body trailing arms, drivers can experience a smoother, more comfortable ride and enhanced handling performance, with additional benefits beyond the factory designs.

The installation process for QA1 trailing arms is a relatively simple procedure. It is recommended to install one arm at a time, leaving the other three in place to keep the rear end housing in position. QA1 provides new bushings that are straightforward to install, especially with a small bushing press. If you do not have a press, they can easily be rented from a local parts store. It is important to note that adjustable trailing arms should generally be adjusted to the length of the original arms as a good starting point for adjustments after installation.

If you own a GM A-body vehicle, like a Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Chevelle or Pontiac GTO, upgrading to G-body trailing arms can provide a significant improvement in your car's performance. However, this upgrade is not exclusive to A-body cars. Many other popular vehicles, including GM F-bodies such as Chevy Camaro and Firebird, and Ford Mustangs can also benefit from the superior performance of G-body trailing arms.

In conclusion, upgrading your vehicle's trailing arms is a critical step in enhancing your car's handling and ride quality. The trailing arms play a crucial role in controlling the rear axle's movement and maintaining tire-road contact, which is essential for a safe and comfortable driving experience. QA1 A-body trailing arms provide a superior performance and additional benefits that go beyond factory designs, resulting in improved handling and reduced deflection. The installation process for these trailing arms is relatively simple and can be completed with basic hand tools. Remember to adjust the adjustable trailing arms to the length of the original arms as a good starting point for adjustments after installation. Whether you own a GM A-body or other popular vehicles, upgrading to G-body trailing arms can provide a significant improvement in your car's performance.