PlainwhiteZ28

What do you think about removing the stock LCA to wher you just have to clyinders with bushings. Then taking some round stock and using the correct cut to conform to the stock bushings. Would this be a good idea? I dont figure it would cost but 10bux and my dad is a certified welder so that is not a problem.

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

I don't know if the bushing shells would be strong enough. When the bushing is mounted in the LCA, it is surrounded, 360 degrees by metal to share the load. I suspect that the design you are speaking of would fail eventually. Also, BMR has built poly/poly PHB's in the past, using a reinforced poly bushing in a similar design and I've seen several of these fail. The PHB is not as heavily loaded as the LCA's. If anything, have your dad weld a plate across the bottom of the factory LCAs to reinforce them and call it a day.

My thoughts.

VIP1

Thats what I'd say. Just box them instead of hacking them for parts for a custom piece.

--VIP1

slow

iTrader: (7)

ditto.

or build a set out of some box steel.

ryan

Brett H

iTrader: (2)

Even if you did do this you'd first have to find a way to hold the rearend from moving once you unbolt the LCA's. If the rear moves even .050 and you don't know it and weld up the new LCA's, your rear alignment would be out.
I just installed Spohn PHR and LCA's last weekend and the rearend moved about a 1/2" once the LCA was unbolted.

PlainwhiteZ28

youd just measure bolt hole to bolt hole and have the same size as the stock ones. alignment wouldnt be an issue.

PlainwhiteZ28

whats the difference?

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

Not much, if anything....

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind the LCA's have to have some way to twist. The stock ones are flexible for a reason. If you make new ones very siff, they will need Heim joints or rod ends to still function.

VIP1

Hotchkis makes a boxed set with poly bushings.
http://www.hotchkis.net/cgi-bin/Soft...440+1081338093
If they dont need heim joints, why would boxed stockers need them?

The stock ones are flexible because they are cheap stamped steel units with rubber bushings.

--VIP1

WinMan

iTrader: (4)

completely not true. the hotchkis ones are for straight line performance only. i had a set of poly poly ones on my car and took them off because the added spring force to the rear was unbearable and quite honestly unsafe when getting on an interstate where there is a big turn to get on. I had rod/poly and those were awesome but i could not stand the noise. I am now back to stock for noise only, however, the ride was much better with the rod end. I am currently trying to make a rubber/rod lca for the best of all worlds.

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

They do need them. The previous post pretty much nailed it. They can be dangerous and cause unpredictable handling. Unfortunately, there are a lot of products that make it to "market" that are not exactly good ideas. The worst part is many of them come from respected companies. This makes it hard to seperate the good stuff from the crap.

My thoughts.

VIP1

A lot of car TV shows are in trouble then for harping these products, saying that they improve handling (not in just a straight line).

So...
Heim joints are better for all-round handling, like in autocrossing?
What do you run?
Its probably out of the question for me though, since I live in a pot-hole/rippled-pavement infested area.

--VIP1

BADZ

iTrader: (5)

Heim joints are better all around for drag and autoX and if you get quality ends with your parts then you will be fine...Teflon lined ends are great and what we use!!!!

Here's the link: http://linkage.tuthill.com/productca...d=12&L3_id=237

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

Apparently the shows believe the advertising.

Heim joints are really the way to go for performance. Good rod ends will be nearly as quiet as stock until they wear from use. I seem to get about 6 months to a year from a set of ends before the noise makes me change them. However, I autocross on race tires and my car sees salt and snow (drive it all year) so I am a "worst case" for rod end wear.

VIP1

Me too. Plus plenty of bad pavement here.
Noise, harse ride, and longevity are my main concerns with rod ends.

--VIP1

WinMan

iTrader: (4)

If i cant get my setup like i want it this go around, i am going to try BADZ's lcas. I did have the LG poly/rod lca and people say they dont make noise, mine did. It sounded like a dump truck Not bashing any part here, just remember nosie is subjective and while some dont mind it, others may.

Jason

VIP1

Hey PlainwhiteZ28,
Have you decided on anything?

--VIP1