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TR6 TR4A/TR250/TR6

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KVH

KVH

Obi Wan
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Are the rear trailing arms easy to work on? A pain? Alignment a hassle?

Is there a difference of opinion as to whether the old solid axle setup was the best?

I hear that rust, frame weakness, and parts availability are issues with the "newer" IRS.

Thoughts would be appreciated. thx
 
Although I have not yet driven my TR250 yet, I appreciate my old TR4A with solid axle more after having rebuilt the rear suspension on the 250. Parts are available,but if you get into replacing axles and hubs it gets expensive, especially if you get the aftermarket upgrades available.

Solid axle less prone to break, cheaper to rebuild,less maintenance.

Downside is a rougher ride for the solid axle.
 
The rear TA are pretty easy to work on I'd say actually. Trailing arms come off pretty easily, biggest pain is usually fitting the bushings. Everything you need to rebuild the IRS assemblies is readily available, in fact you have lots of options including some very tasty bits from Richard Good (double check parts fit on a 4A since these are targeted at TR6s but the design is the same as far as I know)

Most racers prefer the solid axle car, but for road use there isn't anything wrong with the IRS set up in my opinion.
 
I'm thinking yours is an IRS -- if so we should swap rides some time so you can compare the handling, etc. I have so seldom driven an IRS TR and have so long driven that 'rough-riding' solid axle that it seems normal to me.

I especially like the rough brick crosswalks in Tucson that you have to allow for in a fast turn, letting the rear end hop around the corner on it's own.
 
Kevin,

Curious why you are asking?

Frame rust is in the trailing arm area can be an issue with TR4A-TR6 models but if I understand correctly the solid axle has the same design in that area so I would think they would be subject to the same rust issue in that area although since I haven't seen that area in a solid axle TR4A I don't really have firsthand knowledge.

The frame weakness I assume you are referring to is the mounting points for the IRS differential which can be a problem if the rubber mounts on the differential get worn and aren't replaced. I haven't had to deal with that on mine.

Not aware of any parts issues but it's been a long time since I've worked on mine. I didn't have any issues when I restored the first TR4A although as Tom mentioned replacing the bushings in the trailing arm was fun! There certainly are more moving parts so more things to go wrong (4 more u-joints), but I don't have any regrets having 2 IRS models.

Scott
 
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