How to Choose the Best Trailing Arm for Your Vehicle

Your Guide to buying the best Trailing Arm

Overview

A Trailing Arm is an important component in the suspension system of a vehicle. The trailing arm helps to provide stability and absorb shock, helping to ensure a smoother ride. It is important for vehicle owners to choose the right Trailing Arm for their vehicle in order to ensure proper suspension performance and safety. This guide will provide information on the various types of Trailing Arms available, how to choose the right one, and what to look for when making a purchase.

Key features

  1. Sturdy Construction - Look for trailing arms that are constructed from high-grade materials such as steel or aluminum. These materials are more durable and able to withstand the strains and vibrations from the road and will last longer.
  2. Designed for Your Vehicle - Make sure to select a trailing arm that is designed specifically for your make and model of vehicle. This will ensure that the trailing arm is the correct length and will fit your vehicle correctly.
  3. Shock Absorption & Handling - Quality trailing arms help to improve shock absorption, as well as overall handling. Look for trailing arms that are designed to absorb more road shock and reduce body roll, allowing for more precise cornering and improved traction.
  4. Noise Reduction - Quality trailing arms will help to reduce road noise from entering your vehicle. Look for trailing arms that have been designed to reduce road noise and make for a more comfortable ride.
  5. Easy Installation - Make sure that the trailing arm you select is easy to install. Most trailing arms are designed with pre-drilled holes and are a direct fit for your vehicle.

See the most popular Trailing Arm on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Trailing arms are designed to be durable and capable of handling the most extreme conditions, which makes them an ideal choice for off-roading applications.
  • Weight Savings - Trailing arms can reduce overall vehicle weight, which can increase acceleration and fuel efficiency.
  • Better Handling - Trailing arms are designed to reduce body roll and improve cornering performance, which provides better handling.
  • Better Ground Clearance - Trailing arms are designed to provide extra ground clearance, which is especially useful for off-roading applications.
  • Ease of Installation - Trailing arms are easy to install and do not require any welding or extensive fabrication.
  • Affordable - Trailing arms are generally more affordable than other suspension modifications.

Cons

  • Cost - Trailing arms are generally more expensive than other suspension components such as shocks and springs, so they can be a significant cost for budget-minded buyers.
  • Installation - Trailing arms are often difficult to install, requiring specialized tools and knowledge of suspension geometry.
  • Durability - Trailing arms can be prone to wear and corrosion over time, so they need to be inspected and serviced regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
  • Ride Quality - Trailing arms can be hard on the ride quality, as they can cause vibrations and jarring bumps in the road.

Best alternatives

  1. Strut Assembly - A strut assembly combines a shock absorber and a coil spring, which helps to stabilize the vehicle and reduce bouncing and swaying.
  2. Shock Absorber - A shock absorber is a suspension component that dampens the impact of the springs when the vehicle is traveling over uneven road surfaces.
  3. Control Arm - A control arm is a suspension component that connects the wheel assembly to the vehicle, allowing it to move up and down as needed.
  4. Sway Bar - A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a suspension component that helps to reduce body roll when cornering and helps to maintain the vehicle's stability.
  5. Torsion Bar - A torsion bar is a suspension component that helps to absorb shock and reduce the effects of road irregularities.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Trailing Arm Bushings - Replacement bushings for a Trailing Arm, which help with suspension and steering. Wheel Bearings - Bearings that are used to secure the wheel to the Trailing Arm and provide a smooth rotation. Sway Bar - A bar that connects the left and right wheels together to improve handling and reduce body roll. Torsion Bars - Bars that connect the Trailing Arm to the chassis for improved stability. Shock Absorbers - Used to reduce the shock of the road as the wheel moves up and down the Trailing Arm. Brake Line Fittings - Used to connect the brake lines to the Trailing Arm. Axle Shaft - The shaft that connects the wheel to the Trailing Arm. Suspension Links - Connections between the Trailing Arm and the chassis, helping to maintain stability.

Common questions

  1. What is a Trailing Arm?
    A trailing arm is a suspension component used in cars and motorcycles to improve ride comfort and handling. It is a metal rod that attaches to the frame of the vehicle and is connected to the wheel hub at the other end. This allows the weight of the vehicle to be distributed more evenly over the wheels, and helps the suspension system work more effectively.
  2. What can a Trailing Arm do?
    A Trailing Arm helps to improve the ride comfort and handling of a vehicle by providing additional support and stability. It also helps to reduce the amount of suspension noise that is transferred to the cabin by acting as an isolator between the wheel hub and the frame or body of the vehicle.
  3. What are the benefits of a Trailing Arm?
    The benefits of a Trailing Arm include improved suspension performance, reduced tire wear, improved cornering stability, and improved ride comfort. Additionally, the Trailing Arm helps reduce rattling and vibrations inside the cabin.
  4. Are there any risks associated with using a Trailing Arm?
    Yes, there are certain risks associated with using a Trailing Arm. These include the potential for increased tire wear, as the Trailing Arm may cause the tires to wear unevenly. Additionally, if the Trailing Arm fails, it may cause the vehicle to become unstable and cause an accident.
  5. How do I choose the right Trailing Arm for my vehicle?
    When choosing a Trailing Arm for your vehicle, you should first determine the make and model of your vehicle. You should then check to see if the Trailing Arm you are considering is compatible with your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that the Trailing Arm has been designed for the type of driving you plan to do, such as for off-road or track use. Lastly, you should make sure that the Trailing Arm is of good quality, and is from a reliable manufacturer.

Trivia

A funny fact about Trailing Arm is that it was founded by two childhood friends who used to race against each other in their spare time. The two friends, who remain the co-owners of the business to this day, still race against each other in their spare time for fun - although now they are more invested in the success of their business than in just racing each other for fun. Source: History of Trailing Arm.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.