adjustable or non adjustable?
adjustable or non adjustable? Should I go with adjustable or non-adjustable lower control arms and panhard bar? Besides the obvious difference of adjustability, what is the difference? I don't know much about this suspension crap, so can yall help me out? Thanks in advance!!
For LCAs, "adjustable" is really a misnomer. It's not the fact that they CAN be adjusted, it's just that the parts are screwed together instead of welded solid. One typically sets them to stock length and leaves them alone.
Except for a PHB, which you would adjust to center the diff under the car if you change ride heights.
Having said that, the parts one gets that "screw together" are rod ended parts. Heim joints are more solid and will give you a more solid feel, crisper response and predictability.
Fixed length components typically have some sort of elastomer bushing material pressed into a metal housing and the housing is welded to the shaft. The bushing material cushions the road feel to a large degree, and at the expense of some handling characteristics.
HTH
Except for a PHB, which you would adjust to center the diff under the car if you change ride heights.
Having said that, the parts one gets that "screw together" are rod ended parts. Heim joints are more solid and will give you a more solid feel, crisper response and predictability.
Fixed length components typically have some sort of elastomer bushing material pressed into a metal housing and the housing is welded to the shaft. The bushing material cushions the road feel to a large degree, and at the expense of some handling characteristics.
HTH
From what I know, adjustable LCAs are generally not needed. The rod ends do allow the proper suspension movement, but like has been said, most people set them to stock length and leave them alone. There are people with aftermarket rears that have problems with thrust angle alignment, I guess because the company's jig was off or something. Adjustable LCAs would become a necessity in this case to get this angle back in line (unless I'm completely misunderstanding the whole idea of thrust angle alignment).
An adjustable panhard rod is not a necessity on a lowered car, but definitely helps. If you lower the car, the rear will not be centered because the end of the panhard rod that is attached to your rear is traveling through an arc.
Grease poly bushings with the manufacturer's recommended grease, and I'm pretty sure you use something along the lines of graphite spray lube for rod ended parts (definitely not grease on those).
An adjustable panhard rod is not a necessity on a lowered car, but definitely helps. If you lower the car, the rear will not be centered because the end of the panhard rod that is attached to your rear is traveling through an arc.
Grease poly bushings with the manufacturer's recommended grease, and I'm pretty sure you use something along the lines of graphite spray lube for rod ended parts (definitely not grease on those).
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Originally Posted by blu98ta
can anyone give me some clues on how to do the install, or is there already one written up somewhere?
I have adj. LCA's and its true you set them and leave them be. But, even the factory rear isn't perfect. The small change I made to zero the thrust angle made a big difference in launching. Instead of wanting to step out a bit, it just squats and goes. Its personal preference though. Spend a bit more and get everything possible out, or save some and get what you would use 95% of the time.
With Adjustable LCA's you can also center the rear wheels in the wheel well. I just finished an install of Spohn adjustable LCA's, Poly Combo PHB, BMR Relocation bracket, and a Spohn Adjustable TA. I did the TA on Saturday with a TCI Stall. I originally adjusted the TA on a frame lift and when I checked Pinion today on a drive on lift I was almost plus 10 degrees! I knew it was off by the vibration I was experiencing. I very easily set the Pinion to -2 degrees and the car is fantastic now. It really is alot of fun now. I say spend the extra money and tune your own suspension, that's why it's a hobby. Next install is the Koni's when I can get them.
it seems to me if your planning on getting a aftermarket rear or doing anything else that could change the way the lca's fit in any way, its best to go with adjustable. I would hate to have to buy another set later on down the road.