63 trailing arm originality

[Frank D.]

Pulling the T/As because of a bad right wheel bearing and noticed that there are differences from side-to-side; knowing some of the anomalies that occurred on the factory line I'm not sure if what I have is correct or not. It is my understanding that the 63-only arms did not have the gusset (or web) between the spokes that hold the shock mount....which made these parts weaker. My right side on the split window DOES have the gusset, so what say you ? Original or not. The car was regionally judged in 2016 and I don't recall a "hit" for this or even know if its judged for that matter.

And, its a May 29th built car...

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Frank, it is possible that they are original. There is a date on each part. If you can see the date post them.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Never knew that - where would it be ?

BTW - I found (my lost, now re-found) 63-64 JG and its clearly shows pictures that state a late 63-64 T/A can have the gusset (and it is judged)...I'm betting they're original but will confirm with the date... The JG says this variation was more prevalent starting in June though.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Frank, this spindle bearing support is from July 1, 1963. If the N was not in the casting number it would be July 1, 1973. I do not call when the N was eliminated. One of mine is after the build date of the car. I found a good date but the labor to swap parts is too much. I'll wait till I really have to change it.

There was also an NF and I can't recall what that was all about.

IMG_1235.JPG

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[Bob R.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

My car dated May 14, 63 had no web on the right side when I got the car. The left side had been changed at some point and was newer than the car. The right side was damaged and I had to replace it some time ago and didn't bother to look for the date on the old one. It is almost impossible to read the dates when installed on a car.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

My April car has B 7 3 on both sides. They both have the web and the both have the N. It was not a first in first out at the parts bin. The guy on the line grabbed the closest part. So I do not know if there is a definitive cut over date.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

I don't think there is a definitive cutover date Harry....and I can't see the dates right now (unless and until) I remove the trailing arms. Here is my real problem (and its driving me a bit nuts). After new parking brake cables and ALL new parts on the original rear drums (including new drums), I still have the right rear heating up after a 10 minute drive and dragging.

As a test I pinched off that wheel's rubber brake line and took a drive and still getting a 15*-20* difference in hub temps after the car sits for 20 minutes. Making me think I have a bad/loose wheel bearing (the shop manual also cites this as a cause of "one wheel drag"). So with the car in the air i'm rocking the tires back and forth and both sides have some nominal movement (as shown); is this normal behavior ?

I'm not totally conversant with the whole trailing arm configuration but learning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9B0JZ-wHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0qB5uQc8FE

I was prepping to pull the T/As and drive them over to Van Steel but now I'm not sure they're an issue... There is no grinding or growling in either wheel.

[Gary B.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Harry,

I think the NF stands for nodular iron that is forged.

Gary

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Frank, I just turned the sound up as loud as I could get it. I think you have a bearing problem. I've tugged on mine like that and do not recall ever getting that sound.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Frank, I just turned the sound up as loud as I could get it. I think you have a bearing problem. I've tugged on mine like that and do not recall ever getting that sound.

Thanks Harry - I have little to no experience with these midyear rear suspensions but I didn't think that slop was normal and checked with Gary R. and he didn't think so either. Sooooo - pulling the T/As myself and just waiting on the special shock mount removal tool (due here this evening) to finish up the removal tomorrow morning and then I'll ferry the arms over to Van Steel in Clearwater (a 50 min drive for me); they have a two week turnaround on rebuilds but I don't have the dial indicator nor a press, to do the rebuild myself. Luckily the later 63 bearings (like mine) aren't slip fit, those were pretty dangerous..

Times like these I wish I had a 2-post lift tho...still, my 4-post lift is better than "gravel-backing" this job in the driveway.
I'll be sure to record the dates on the trailing arms once they're out too...

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Frank, good decision to go to Van Steel. They will do it right the first time and you will never have to do it again! They set the bearing clearance at 0.005 and it will break in perfect!
And yes, you need to take them off and get them fixed right!

Here's a picture to prove my point!IMG_0176[1].jpg

JR

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

That's ugly Joe - I've heard about that happening but have never seen an example until now..

[Jim D.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

I guess the "expert" you had rebuild your trailing arms a couple years ago didn't do a very good job.

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

That's ugly Joe - I've heard about that happening but have never seen an example until now..

Frank, the owner of this 66 was lucky as he was backing out of his driveway when this happened! Just kept to show owners of the importance of getting their arms rebuilt and using one of the better known rebuilders such a Van Steel or Bair's!

JR

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 trailing arm originality

Harry,

I think the NF stands for nodular iron that is forged.

Gary

Gary------


The "NF" = Nodular Ferris a term for nodular iron. These supports were not forged. They were cast from nodular iron which is stronger than gray cast iron. Most likely, these were cast at the GM nodular iron foundry that once existed in Saginaw, MI. Saginaw was famous for the gray iron foundry where small block cylinder blocks and heads were cast. It still exists but now produces only only aluminum castings. However, there were other GM foundries once located there including 2 nodular iron foundries now long gone.