RE: Trailing Arm Dilemma - 68 Duetto 1300 Jr.

["Brian Shorey" <bshorey@domain.elided>]

> When I purchased my Alfa I noticed that my rear end was very loose (the
> car's not mine).  During the restoration project I swapped the trailing
arms
> for replacements that were cleaned and had new poly bushings installed.
> When I went to install them I discovered they had the larger 50mm OD
> bushings at the body.  I just installed them and they are tight in the
body
> attachment cavity.  What effect is this going to have on my rear
suspension,
> and what about bushing life?  Does the larger 50mm bushing provide better
> rear axle location, or, have I traded down?  Bottom-line - do I go ahead
and
> install the rear suspension as is, or, try to get my 36mm OD trailing arms
> back?

The earlier style trailing arms are considered a performance upgrade - the
smaller bushings make for more less slop.  The larger bushings make for a
'cushier' ride.

The later arms with poly bushings will probably accomplish the same thing,
but I think the earlier arms are more desirable, and correct for the car, so
I'd make sure you get them back.

bs

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