Early Classic Enterprises (ECE) has been a leading innovator in the GM classic truck market for the past 13 years, specializing in disc brake conversions and upgraded suspension components for '60-72 GM pickups, Blazers, and Suburbans. As we have come to expect, these guys are constantly developing improved products for the classic truck industry, and this month we'll take you along as the pros at ECE install a set of their new heavy-duty replacement trailing arms on a '72 Suburban.
With the availability of today's 500-plus-horsepower crate motors, stronger drivelines, and bulletproof rearends, 40-year-old trailing arms are often overlooked and possibly the weakest link in the drivetrain. Due to their design, original trailing arms are prone to rust along the seam in the middle. This seam collects dirt, salt, and moisture, causing the rust to eventually break down the structural integrity of the two spot-welded channels. ECE addressed this issue years ago with their trailing arm reinforcement kit. It consists of 1/8-inch laser-cut plates welded to the top and bottom of each arm. This kit is fine if your trailing arms are in good shape and just need a little reinforcement. However, if Mother Nature has taken her toll and yours are beyond repair, you're still in luck. ECE tackled this inherent weakness head on by developing a new, stronger, rectangular tube trailing arm kit. The kit was engineered with rectangular tubing instead of round tubing due to its superior resistance to bending (with equal wall thickness, 1 1/2x3-inch rectangular tubing is over 3 1/2 times stronger than 2-inch round!)
Each of these one-piece trailing arms is precision-formed to ensure proper pinion angle, and is completely TIG welded and powdercoated to provide a lifetime of rust-free service. They are fitted with polyurethane bushings and are designed to install in the original location without modification. These clean-looking replacements are supplied with new U-bolts, coil spring retainers, an integrated emergency brake cable bracket, all the necessary Grade 8 hardware, and a lifetime warranty. Added strength and a cleaner look, too!
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This is a common example of a rotted-out trailing arm. Note the two halves coming apart. | 
Here's the ECE trailing arm kit's layout. It is complete with all the hardware necessary for the installation. |
Once the vehicle is securely lifted, start by removing the emergency brake cable clip. | 
Next, the lower shock mount is removed, while the upper stays in place. | 
Since this truck was already sporting an Early Classic drop kit, the Super Track Bar was disconnected and pushed up out of the way for the time being. |