00firebird

iTrader: (3)

I attempted to replace my upper a-arm bushings and it just evolved into a shithole of a situation so now I'm just going to put on new a-arms. I know there are alot of brands out there, Spohn, BMR, UMI, many others I'm sure. Who offers the best value ? What's on sale, if any? I don't need adjustables. Thanks in advance.

theoneeyedbandit

iTrader: (3)

I got set of Paracing lower and upper control arms for a smoking deal. I would talk to Jason @ paracing he will hook you up.

00firebird

iTrader: (3)

The Delrin and Rod ends are a bit over the top for my applications but $250 does seem in line with the other poly only ones. Not bad but unnecessary for me.
The Spohn / BMR look to have nicer welding lines than the UMI from the stock pictures i've seen. Anyone have basic information about who welds better / uses better quality etc?

UMI Sales

iTrader: (1)

Our materials are all US Steel and built entirely in our factory by hot rodders who care. I'd put a UMI arm up against anyone's for quality, fit and finish.

ChrisRZ28

I put Prothane bushings in my stockers. It wasn't very hard and is a hell of alot cheaper then aftermarket a-arms. I felt a difference in handling right away. Oftentimes aftermarket a-arms are actually a bit heavier then the stockers too.

00firebird

iTrader: (3)

well most of them claim to be lighter but that seems to be one of their main selling points which isn't something I really care that much to pay $300 for. At this point it's more for the convenience of not having to deal with blow torching the rusted *** bushings in their that I can't get out. I rented a press tool and everything, and no-go. I haven't tried the torch but that seems to be my only last option so I'm preparing for the worst.

Umi thanks for posting, the only thing holding me back about your offering was that the plate looks a little thin and like it's just stuck onto the two bars. the welds seem meh. Maybe this is an old picture idk.


meanwhile the bmr and spohn seem to have some more thickness and reinforcement around the connection points.

ChrisRZ28

I'll admit burning out the old bushings did suck!

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

This.

RJDio

I have suspension and brace parts from Umi, BMR, Spohn, and Founders. I'm impressed with them all, really. If you are shopping price only, I think Spohn is the cheapest.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Highly doubt you will find anyone that can beat PARacings pricing.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

You want the arms to be below the ball joint mount plate like the UMI arms do. You'll also want plenty of metal around the ball joint mount hole, which the UMI looks beefy so I'd go with the UMI.

Spahny72

I bought the upper and lower control arm kit from BMR and i like them a lot great craftsmanship. I just put these on about 3 weeks ago and talk about a difference!

Black_Z28

iTrader: (1)

That, I did not know. Why is that?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

The factory upper arms follow the contours of the shock towers almost perfectly, but the shorter tubular upper arms don't so you run into the possibility of the arms hitting the shock towers before the bump stops can fully compress and stop the upward movement of the suspension. That's why I removed my GlobalWest tubular upper arms years ago and went back to factory upper arms with GW upgraded bushings. UMI is the only company that I'm aware of (please correct me if I'm wrong) that redesigned their arms because of this.

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

I daily drive on my UMI chromoly upper arms with no issue. The only thing i've noticed is on the lowers, the shock mounting location tends to deform from stress, probably due to all my trips to Jersey. Nothing to stress about. If i got the boxed ones i dont think it could happen.

They've even survived a front end collision.