Bolting on rear A-Body trailing arms? - Lateral-g Forums

Tom.A · #1 07-19-2007, 10:42 PM

Hello,

Sorry if posted before, but could not find a thread related. I will be putting my rear suspension on my frame soon. Application is a 69 Chevelle with a 9" Currie, Currie adjustable upper arms and Speed tech lower trailing arms. My question is do I use the OEM bolting with thread sealant or should I go with Grade 8 fasteners or ?. What are some of you guy's doing? I am concerned with using original or even reproduction because it is likely worse metallurgy. I feel there is allot of stress in the load and deflection with A-body four link system. Any comments would be great.

Thanks,
Tom

QSPres · #2 07-20-2007, 04:19 AM

Sounds like you already know what to do.........

Derek69SS · #3 07-21-2007, 06:23 AM

I'd use Grade 8. Factory used Grade 5

Tom.A · #4 07-21-2007, 11:50 AM

Thanks Derek. I picked some up yesterday..

andrewmp6 · #5 07-22-2007, 04:56 AM

no joke they only used grade 5 bolts i guess some places they didnt build the older cars better huh.

QSPres · #6 07-29-2007, 05:52 PM

Seems to me those grade 5 bolts lasted 35+ years through all kinds of torture.....

Everything on those cars is overengineered. They didn't have computers calculating everything for them. They put it on the car, and tried to break it. If it held, it went on.

andrewmp6 · #7 08-15-2007, 02:51 AM

the bed bolts on my 01 f150 are grade 8 thats why i was laughing

Marcus SC&C · #8 08-23-2007, 02:21 PM

If you look at anything made by Caterpillar everything has grade 8 bolts,even the dash panel! Of course the dash panel doesn`t need grade 8 bolts but it adds to the air of indestructibility.

We usually upgrade to grade 8 also,just because we can. The latest option is a 17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel bolt kit. Much stronger than grade 5 and rivaling grade 8 they still resist rust really well,plus they`re pretty.

Nice to know you`ll never have to fight with those rusty bolts ever again. Mark SC&C