Trailing Arms for FORD TERRITORY

Trailing arms locate a coil-sprung live axle on a 4x4, holding it in position front to back and setting its angle as the suspension moves. On most coil-sprung 4WDs they locate the rear axle, and on some vehicles they also locate the front axle. When a 4x4 is lifted, the trailing arms sit at steeper angles, which rotates the axle and changes the pinion angle and, at the front, caster. Adjustable trailing arms let the arm length be reset at the lifted ride height, restoring the axle's angle and position. Use the vehicle search to find trailing arms to suit your FORD TERRITORY.

What Do Trailing Arms Do on Your FORD TERRITORY?

A coil-sprung live axle needs links to hold it in place, because the coil springs carry weight but do not locate the axle. Trailing arms do that job. They run from the axle forward to mounting points on the chassis, usually in pairs, with an upper and a lower arm on each side. A panhard rod or similar link locates the axle side to side.

As the suspension moves, the trailing arms pivot at their bushes, letting the axle travel up and down while controlling its position fore and aft. Because the upper and lower arms are mounted at different heights, together they also control the axle's rotation. The relative lengths of the upper and lower arms determine the angle of the axle housing, which sets the pinion angle at the differential and, on a front axle, the caster angle.

FORD TERRITORY Trailing Arms and Radius Arms

Trailing arms and radius arms do similar jobs on different suspension designs. Radius arms are typically a single, long arm on each side, bolted rigidly to the axle, and are common on coil-sprung front axles. Trailing arms are usually a pair of shorter arms on each side, with bushes at both ends, and are common on coil-sprung rear axles and on some front axles.

Both locate the axle fore and aft and control its angle, and both are affected by a lift. The vehicle's suspension design decides which type it uses.

Do You Need Adjustable Trailing Arms After a FORD TERRITORY Lift?

Often, particularly as lift height increases. When a coil-sprung 4x4 is lifted, the axle moves further from the chassis, so the trailing arms angle down more steeply. Because the upper and lower arms are at different heights, that change rotates the axle housing, altering the pinion angle at the differential.

If the pinion angle no longer suits the tailshaft, the driveline can vibrate, often most noticeably under acceleration or at particular speeds. At the front, the same rotation changes caster, which affects steering stability and return to centre. On larger lifts, the axle can also shift fore or aft slightly, changing its position in the wheel arch.

Adjustable trailing arms let the length of each arm be changed. Adjusting the upper and lower arms relative to each other rotates the axle back to the correct pinion angle or caster, while adjusting both together can reposition the axle fore and aft. Fixed extended arms provide a set correction for a known lift height instead.

FORD TERRITORY Upper, Lower or Both?

Which arms need replacing depends on what needs correcting. Adjusting only the upper arms, or only the lower arms, changes the axle's rotation, which is enough to correct pinion angle or caster in many cases. This is a common approach on moderate lifts.

Replacing both upper and lower arms gives the most control. It allows the axle's rotation and its fore and aft position to be set independently, which can help on larger lifts or where larger tyres need the axle positioned for clearance in the wheel arch. Replacing both also renews all the bushes at once on a high-kilometre vehicle.

What Does "Off Car Adjustable" Mean?

Off car adjustable trailing arms have their length set before they are fitted, rather than adjusted while they are on the vehicle. The arm is removed, its length changed, and then it is refitted. This design is generally simpler and stronger, but making a change means removing the arm. Arms that can be adjusted on the vehicle are quicker to fine-tune but use a different construction.

FORD TERRITORY Trailing Arms and Panhard Rods

A lift also changes the angle of the panhard rod, which shifts the axle sideways toward one side. Adjustable trailing arms correct the axle's rotation and fore and aft position, but they do not re-centre it side to side. An adjustable panhard rod is often fitted alongside adjustable trailing arms on a lifted coil-sprung 4x4, so the axle is correct in every direction.

FORD TERRITORY Front and Rear Trailing Arms

On most coil-sprung 4WD wagons, trailing arms locate the rear axle, and their main job after a lift is to correct pinion angle. On some 4WDs with a coil-sprung front axle, trailing arms also locate the front axle. There, the same adjustment affects caster as well as pinion angle, so the front arms need to be set to balance steering stability with driveline angles. Check whether your vehicle uses trailing arms at the front, rear or both before ordering.

FORD TERRITORY Billet and Heavy-Duty Trailing Arms

Trailing arms on a 4x4 take heavy loads under acceleration and braking, and they sit low under the vehicle where they can be struck by rocks and ledges. Heavy-duty and billet trailing arms use stronger construction to resist bending, and they often include robust bushes or joints at each end. They suit vehicles that are driven hard off-road, run larger tyres or carry heavy loads.

Signs Your FORD TERRITORY Trailing Arms Need Attention

Common signs include driveline vibration after a lift, particularly under acceleration, and clunks from the rear or front when accelerating, braking or driving over bumps. A vehicle that feels loose or unsettled at the rear when towing, or that shifts under braking, can point to worn trailing arm bushes.

Inspect the arms for bends or impact damage, particularly on the lower arms, which sit closest to the ground. Check the bushes for cracking, splitting or movement in their housings, and check the mounting brackets on the axle and chassis for cracks or elongated holes.

Fitting FORD TERRITORY Trailing Arms: An Overview

Trailing arms locate the axle, so it must be supported securely while they are changed, usually one arm at a time. On adjustable arms, the length is set before or during fitting to achieve the required pinion angle or caster, and lock nuts are tightened to hold the setting.

Mounting bolts should generally be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height so the bushes are not preloaded, and all fasteners tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications. After fitting, the driveline angles should be measured and the vehicle road tested under acceleration. On a front axle, a wheel alignment is required. A qualified suspension technician should carry out the work.

Find the Right Trailing Arms for Your FORD TERRITORY with Formula 4x4

Need just one? Individual trailing arms are available, and the full set sits in the Formula 4x4 suspension arms range.

Start by confirming whether your FORD TERRITORY uses trailing arms at the front, rear or both, and note your lift height. Have the driveline angles measured, and decide whether upper, lower or both arms need replacing. Consider whether an adjustable panhard rod is also needed. Search by your FORD TERRITORY to find 4x4 trailing arms to suit it. If you are unsure what your 4x4 needs, contact the Formula 4x4 team.