75 vs 79 trailing arms

[Mike Cobine]

I just picked up a '79 which has bad wheel bearings. I figured to pull and replace with a good set I have from a '75 but then I seem to remember that chassis changes were occurring in those '77-'78'-79-'80-etc. years such as thinner frames and such.

Is there any difference in the '75 arms from the '79 arms that anyone would find in judging? I'll probably never have the car judged, but it may be for the next guy since it seems to be all original except for the radio.

Also, in '79, were there any other places other than the tank sticker for option lists like in the C4s?

[Joe L.]

Re: 75 vs 79 trailing arms

Mike------

The 1975-77 and 1978-79 trailing arms were slightly different. As I recall the difference involves the placement and/or configuration of one of the attached brackets to provide additional clearance for the optional 255-60-15 tires first used for the 1978 model year. The arms are completely interchangeable, though, and I doubt that anyone will ever notice the bracket differences. As I recall, it's a subtle difference. If the 79 has the 255-60-15 tires, I'd check for adequate clearance, though.

Other places where a build sheet may be found are under the dash, usually above the steering column or above the heater box.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: 75 vs 79 trailing arms - Thanks, Joe

I'll check them closely side by side here in a week when I get ready to do the job. I was thinking the fast way is to pull the '79 arms, install the '75 arms, and then rebuild the '79 arms for my spares later on when time is more abundant. (hah!)

I'll check the brackets closely. I remember that the emergency brake cable bracket on my '68 hit the 255-60-15s on Rally wheels but not the factory Aluminum wheels, as a friend bought tires for his '77, didn't like them two days later, offered them to me which I tried on using his wheels, and then found they rubbed by about 1/8 inch on the 8 inch Rally wheels.