Adjustable LCAs?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Adjustable LCAs? My 94 Formula has a set of hotchkis lowering springs on it (fronts are 19830016) unsure about the rears. It has totally stock suspension otherwise. As far as im aware, I definitely need an adjustable panhard bar to properly align the car. But do I also need adjustable LCAs too? I don't plan on any crazy suspension tuning, I simply want to get the car properly aligned. The research I have done has suggested stock LCA's are fine with lowering springs, but please let me know otherwise.
And adjustable panhard bar will definitely help getting the rear end centered side to side. Adjustable control arms shouldn't be needed, but a set of aftermarket ones may help the car handle better. The bushings in the factory arms are probably shot.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,798
Likes: 16
From: St.Charles MO
My 94 Formula has a set of hotchkis lowering springs on it (fronts are 19830016) unsure about the rears. It has totally stock suspension otherwise. As far as im aware, I definitely need an adjustable panhard bar to properly align the car. But do I also need adjustable LCAs too? I don't plan on any crazy suspension tuning, I simply want to get the car properly aligned. The research I have done has suggested stock LCA's are fine with lowering springs, but please let me know otherwise.
If you are still running stock shocks then you are really really missing the boat. You can have night and day difference in ride quality, handling, feel and stability. The stocks ones are terrible at best and then when paired with lowering springs they are even worse.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
For as "perfect as you can get" alignment, an adjustable panhard and LCA setup helps. The ability to true up the rear end to both the centerline, and a true "straight" stance, these items would be required. You will need a good alignment shop, with what I would guess a little coaching, to get the ultimate alignment. It seems to me that most alignment shops would consider a 4th gen camaro an "easy money" alignment, and not even look at the back. It could be worse though, you might have also been considering adjustable front upper and lower control arms too. Now that alignment requires a tip!!.
The vehicle is 23 years old so of course you need new LCA and PHB just based off of the factory stuffs age. Even if it has low miles rubber does not last forever especially since when it is in use it is constantly being pulled and pushed on.
With that said if you are going to do it there is zero reason not to purchase adjustable items. Why limit yourself by not doing it? Your wheel and tire combination might have the wheels perfectly centered today but what if you get a change in mood and decide to put a 28" slick on your vehicle and go down the strip? You will then be wishing you had adjustable LCA to center that tall tire again.
Always best to plan for the future while replacing old parts as purchasing the same part twice gets old, trust me.
With that said if you are going to do it there is zero reason not to purchase adjustable items. Why limit yourself by not doing it? Your wheel and tire combination might have the wheels perfectly centered today but what if you get a change in mood and decide to put a 28" slick on your vehicle and go down the strip? You will then be wishing you had adjustable LCA to center that tall tire again.
Always best to plan for the future while replacing old parts as purchasing the same part twice gets old, trust me.
To be honest, if you are not planning on an aftermarket rear end or doing some serious road course racing or making big power, there is no real reason to go adjustable. LCA's only adjust front to rear wheel centering for wheelbase correction and thrust angle control. If your rear end is a stock housing and you don't have any major mods, and those things are not in the plans for the foreseeable future, your money would be better spent elsewhere
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Glenn ***
Sales Tech
www.bmrsuspension.com
813.986.9302
Find a Quality alignment shop near you!
Glenn ***
Sales Tech
www.bmrsuspension.com
813.986.9302
Find a Quality alignment shop near you!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 8
My 94 Formula has a set of hotchkis lowering springs on it (fronts are 19830016) unsure about the rears. It has totally stock suspension otherwise. As far as im aware, I definitely need an adjustable panhard bar to properly align the car. But do I also need adjustable LCAs too? I don't plan on any crazy suspension tuning, I simply want to get the car properly aligned. The research I have done has suggested stock LCA's are fine with lowering springs, but please let me know otherwise.
Same goes with the PHB. Happy with lateral location? Keep the original or buy a non-adjustable UMI (
. If the side-to-side is off, then you'd want adjustable.ramey
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