Tubular Control Arms

[kwhauck]

Ok, so generally tubular control arms save weight and are stiffer for auto-x (possibly launching at the track)

In my case however, my tubular control arms are heavier than stock. That being said, what are the benefits to me? Just the stiffness?

[boomofdoom88]

I'm putting aluminum control arms in my grandam. I honestly can't see any control arm being the weak link. I would assume the weak link in n-body setups to be bushings in general and I've never really been a fan of mcpherson strut type suspensions. Maybe if you really wanted to go hardcore, replace all the bushings and the strut mount with spherical bearings?

hate to change subject, but does anyone know of adjustable strut mounts for n-bodys? I've seen them for w-bodies.

[jman093]

They're probably stiffer, but the arms don't bend to begin with. People feel a huge difference when installing tubular arms because the rubber bushings in stockers deflect and tubular arms are usually shipped with poly bushings that greatly reduce deflection. A-arm style control arms are one of, if not the single, most advantageous place to use poly bushings. If you can get poly bushings to press in your lighter stock control arms on an n-body like you can a w-body, you may be better off. If not keep the tubulars. A little extra unspring weight will not undo what the bushings give you.

[kwhauck]

Here is a quick pic of the control arms......weighing in at 6.7 lbs as they are pictures I would say they are pretty close to stock which at roughly 7-8lbs, I know the 99 aluminum arms are 4lbs bare, not sure on total weight with the bushing and what not but i would imagine 5-6lbs......

[boomofdoom88]

those do look nice. Are those from that Overkill racing something or another guy?

[kwhauck]

I'm honestly not sure where they are from (manufacturer wise)

[unchained01]

check this oiut and it may just go thru http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.ph...54236&t=154208

[kwhauck]

check this oiut and it may just go thru http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.ph...54236&t=154208

$500, no thanks, I'll stick with the ones I have which look similar to RK, but they are definately not the same......

[unchained01]

YEAH man i hear ya i just happened to be looking for alum control arms and found that thread .

[d.o.h.c]

Those will break in a matter of no time. I suggest that you get those gussets reinforced. That could be a serious crash is they break.

Mark

[bob442]

the only improvment i can see for nearly any front lower controll arm from GM is the rear puck bushing, replacing it with a polly, i could only see if being too stiff and wearing out to soon. I think we would all be better off designing them like the 93-pre j bodys with 2 horizontal bushings. it could be done to most subframes with a little bit of time.