Thread: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which?

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  1. #1 Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    GTX Level Member industrialfish's Avatar
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    The connecting bar isn't in the center like the stock ones. Is the bar closer to the wheel or not? Will it be clear when I go to install them, or does it not matter anyway?

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  2. #2 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    I'd just assume that there must be a left and right printed on them, but maybe not.

    I'd say you want the bar further from the tire so it doesnt rub. So with the picture you have, the front one is the left side and the other is the right side but you need to flip it over.

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  3. #3 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    GTX Level Member industrialfish's Avatar
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    There isn't a left/right, both are the same part number. Makes sense to put the bar away from the tire.
    2005 GTP - Graystone Metallic|SPO grills&spoiler/SE lip/Carbon Fiber INFERNO hood
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  4. #4 Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Turbo is the way to go. REDCRAPGP's Avatar
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    Yup put them away from tire.. Worse case you'll swap then around if needed but I'm sure once you get them in place you'll figure out if they're on correctly or not.
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  5. #5 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    GT Level Member lewis1952's Avatar
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    There is no left or right. Put the connecting bar to the inside of the car. GM starting making these so they could put wider profile tires on their cars.
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  6. #6 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
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    *facepalm* I put the bar closer to the wheel when I put mine on, and I have no clue as to why. It is for tire clearance a lewis mentioned. I'm about to replace my rear brake lines so I guess I'll flip them now in case I ever run wider tires or whatever.

    Quick question to anyone who's installed or replaced trailing arms, I know like most suspension parts you're supposed to torque them while the suspension is loaded. How did you guys go about that? I use low-profile hydraulic jacks and jack stands, and with my garage/basement floor being a bit uneven, I'm kind of uneasy jacking up the bottom of the arm to load it.
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  7. #7 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Moderator Russosaur's Avatar
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    Drive the car on ramps or stacked wood. Peek head under tighten done.

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  8. #8 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
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    The damn ramps I got at a yard sale are too steep, I'll have to cut up some wood leading up to them to clear the rear bumper. Can't complain though, got them for $10 and they're still rust free.

    That's the route I'll go though, thanks for the tip!
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  9. #9 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
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    Carefull with the wood, I did that then when the car decided to slam into reverse it shot 1 of the ramps out and my GP was flexing like a rock crawler.

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  10. #10 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    we should start calling you TIM.......you didnt read a thing in this thread but the first post right?

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  11. #11 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Moderator Russosaur's Avatar
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    Me? Says the guy bringing back a 5 month old thread :P

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  12. #12 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    no. someone must have deleted their post or something, wish I quoted it.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  13. #13 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    GTX Level Member industrialfish's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SpeedGrid
    I know its been awhile but how was the install process? did you have any problems when installing thse since you said they are not symmetrical. I ask because I am going to order a set myself and dont want to run into any issues with compatibility.
    Only issues is you have to take off the body side brackets, and those bolts like to break. Also the knuckle side nut is like 200 lbs of torque and the bolt was seized into the knuckle. I needed a blow torch and a sledgehammer for it.
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  14. #14 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Speedgrid brought it back.

    Timussaur has a nice ring to it.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  15. #15 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Moderator Russosaur's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillBoost37 View Post
    Speedgrid brought it back.

    Timussaur has a nice ring to it.
    Oh, i never saw his post before he deleted it.

    Hey now, I'm not as bad as Tim was.

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  16. #16 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Any proof?
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  17. #17 Re: Dorman Trailing Arms are not symmetrical. Which side is which? 
    Moderator Russosaur's Avatar
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    No but, you know me well enough right? I have good intentions.

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