Has anyone (Brad?) ever cut a trailing arm apart? I'm wondering if there are any additional structural elements inside, or are they basically two U sections welded together to form a rectangular cross section, and hollow inside. I'm not talking about the pivot point/bushing or the bearing/hub areas, but the section between them.

Thanks,

Andy

it's built up sorta like a corragated card board box...it is not 100% hollow inside

rust?

I have a bent one if someone wants to cut it open and see!!

Jeff

Nothing is inside a trailing arm.
I cut this one open with my plasma cutter yesterday to show you.
This one had the box reinforcement on it, thus the extra thickness on one side.

I think my rear arm have corn flakes inside them? at least it sounds like when you shake them,this is bad

Uh Chris, was there something wrong with that trailing arm? Cutting up a reinforced trailing arm for demonstration purposes only would be mighty big of you.

Andy was right, there is something inside, rust.

Why the chop?
"Don't worry be Happy!"
It's St Patty day!

Racer Chris,

Thanks for the fantastic pic....just what I suspected, a simple rectangular section....no big deal. I know I'm pushing it, but what is the stock material (wall) thickness?

Andy

damn...then what the heck was I thinking of then???? I must be thinking (or not) of another car or part...thanks for making a liar out me

you were thinking of the later model long in the area under the battery tray.

the later models have "rippled" reinforcements in there ...
Andy

Looks like Andy had the answer all along...

Actually that rust color is plasma cutting residue,which probably will wipe off.
The trailing arm was involved in a high speed impact and had no further usefulness on a car - perfect for an autopsy.
I can check the wall thickness today.

I measured the metal thickness at .080" or 2mm.

Chris,

A BIG THANKS!!!

Andy