3x3, 5x5 etc how are trailing arms measured

[dirtGocart]

The title pretty much says it all. I think 5x5 for example is 5 inches further back 5 inches wider. it’s per arm?

So with 5x5 your 10 inches wider and assuming a stock front end you gain 5 inches of wheelbase.

The setup I have has 64 inches between the hub faces. The trailing arms appear to be 28-29 inches total length (it’s hard to measure this is just measured along the top center.

Can anyone tell me what these.

[dirtGocart]

In case a photo helps. Under the black spray paint they have gray powder coat.

[jsturtlebuggy]

With a stock length rear trailing arm the distance from center of axle to center of torsion bars is 16-1/2in
Since you have coilovers that would be to center of pivot bolt.
More than likely you have 3x3 trailing arms. The are boxed type which is common for that size and smaller arms.
Longer wider arms such as 5x5 usually are made using round tubing.
More pictures of what you have will help identify them.
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Joseph
Fair Oaks/Orangevale, CA
Elrod Motorsports
Motion Tire Motorsports
Having fun with Dune Buggies since 1970
Into Volkswagens since 1960

[dustymojave]

Yeah, to be sure that's understood clearly, the measurements are:

- distance from center of car to wheel mounting surface stock

X

- Distance from centerline of torsion housing to centerline of rear axle

And the numbers stated, like "3x3", means 3" is added to the width from centerline of car to wheel mounting surface X 3" added to the pivot length of the arm from torsion housing centerline to centerline of the axle. The car gets 3" wider on each side, for 6" wider total. And the wheelbase get 3" longer.

A car with 5x7 arms is 10" wider and 7" longer.
_________________
Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
SoCalBajas Member
Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.