I'm replacing a rear end in my 87 TA. The new rear end not only has a torque arm that the lips curl the opposite way it also is completely solid. My current torque arm has open sections in it. I suppose this is to reduce weight? The solid one is from a later model Camaro. Is there a difference. Is there difference in flex? BTW the solid torque are came out of a v-6...?? so I'm not sure what to think. Any input?

 

The only difference is the bushing assembly at the front. You will need to change that. I don't know about which one is newer, or the reason for the difference, but my '83 T5 had the solid torque arm with the lips facing the driveshaft and my '85 has the slotted one with the lips facing away.

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1985 Yellow IROC-Z 5.0 HO, T-5 3.73 Posi, 4 wheel disks
PFCM pads, GTA wheels, Koni yellows, B&M Ripper, Dynomax

 

That's the thing. The original 87 had the slotted one and the 1 rear had the solid one??? So it's not a year related thing since your 83 was solid and 85 slotted. I'm not as worried about the bushing...just want the best part.

 

Back from the dead....

I have both laying around, the solid and the one with holes in it. They are the same thickness, so the solid one is probably better, but does anyone have any more details on this? Why didnt the WS6 cars have these?

 

wow, back from the dead alright...

I would imagine the solid one being quite a bit stronger at the cost of the added weight.