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Tubular vs. Boxed LCA's

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Old 12-09-2007, 05:18 PM
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Default Tubular vs. Boxed LCA's

Can anybody tell me the benefits/disadvantages from one type to another? is one stiffer than the other?
Old 12-10-2007, 12:18 PM
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Tubular allows for use of rod ends. Boxed usually only has poly or rubber mounts. As for strength, then it depends on wall thickness. But, given the same wall thickness, a tubular will be stronger in most cases.
Old 12-10-2007, 12:49 PM
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Personally I prefer the designs where the bushing is
"captive" inside the native steel (box style, or stock).
No depending on saddle pipe welds, not to break. Of
course I'm riding around with a tubular K member...
but my LCAs are boxed stockers.
Old 12-10-2007, 02:05 PM
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i was always under the impression Boxed were stronger.

least that's what i've always seen advertised
Old 12-10-2007, 02:28 PM
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I don't think whether it's stronger or not is even an issue. The thing I'd be more concerned with is rod ends or poly ends and weight, adjustability. I haven't heard of any adjustable boxed arms.

From what I've learned is that poly gives you more sound dampening and cusion but not much range of movement while rod ends are noisier but give you a lot of range of movement since the hole can slide around (yeah bad explaination)
Old 12-10-2007, 03:19 PM
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Cool. Thanks guys, that helps.
Old 12-10-2007, 04:21 PM
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Bryan is right - I doubt you're going to break either one. The loads placed on them just aren't that great.
Old 12-11-2007, 02:05 AM
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According to what I've been told (I think by Sam), the boxed LCA's (I have the Hotchkis LCA's) can bind up during suspension travel on sharp turns/etc due to the bushings 'cos they're designed more for the road, drag strip and work better on up/down movement and are not as flexible when the axle is at an angle to the body (stock rubber 'gives' a lot more than the aftermarket/poly bushings). He recommended the Poly/rod end combo units (they're usually tubular) for good handling 'with' some sound absorption.
Old 12-11-2007, 10:04 AM
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But in the case of any LCA that uses poly bushings at both ends, that's true. Doesn't matter if it's boxed or tubular. It's the bushings that cause the issue.

I absolutely do recommend poly/rod combos for the best axle articulation while still getting rid of bushing and arm wind-up itself.
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Old 12-11-2007, 02:18 PM
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Edelbrock does make a boxed LCA for 4th gens with a spherical bearing installed at both ends. But for the price of this, and the cost/bother to replace those bearings when they do wear out, why not just go good double rod-ended to begin with (and have the adjustability as well)??
Old 12-11-2007, 02:32 PM
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Exactly right.

You could buy Edelbrock's which use a spherical bearing on one end and a poly on the other, made of mild steel. They run about $240 a set.

But why? After all, we can do UMI's for $179.00. http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...D=18&ModelID=7
They use a rod-end which is easier and more cost effective to replace if the need arises. And for $209 you can get them made from even lighter Chrome-Moly.
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Old 12-11-2007, 02:35 PM
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Sam's got my vote, and money soon!



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