emj2006

iTrader: (5)

Ok, I was getting tired of being scared of driving my car on the highway(when I drive along curves it feels like I'm sliding off the road) So I take it to get aligned. Next thing I know is that I need to get control arms in order to align it. I have 18" chrome c6 z06s and it is on a '96 t/a. What would you guys recommend me as far as getting some good quality upper & lower control arms? And where is the best place to get them at?

teke184

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like the shop trying to con you into more work than you need.

I'm not sure why or HOW a control arm goes bad…besides being bent in an accident.

Is it that the bushings are bad? Cause you can get replacement poly bushings for it.
Is it that the ball joints are bad? Cause those can obviously be replaced.

As far as who's is the best…most are the same. I'm a fan of BMR stuff…never let me down.

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

Before you purchase aftermarket control arms consider how you use the car. Is it a track only car, daily driver, autocross machine, or a combination of the three. If you decide to purchase aftermarket control arms, do a search on this board and ffrax.com regarding durability and performance. Here is one link to get you started: https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/976591-spohn-front-arms-bending.html

IMHO, unless you are building a full out race car, there is very little need to implement aftermarket control arms, and then you want to make sure you check the rules before you do. My Camaro is a dedicated ESP autocross car and I run poly bushings in all locations except for the lower control arm rear bushing (aka the caster bushing) because the Poly bushings for that location only last about 1 to 2 events.

The shop may be telling you that you need new control arms because they are too lazy to replace the bushings, vs, just installing new arms. Do yourself a favor and shop around for poly bushing, there are alot of big box hot rod stores as well as some smaller ma and pop venders who can help you out.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

As the "Major" said, take a good look at the link he provided. I agree, that if you'e on the street, you should probably keep the OE arms, and replace bushings/ball joints as necessary.

How many miles on your car?

emj2006

iTrader: (5)

128000

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Yup, I would say that it's time for B/Js and bushings. Maybe rear bushings too.

JScamaro

iTrader: (6)

If you decide to upgrade the control arms you can get some UMI control arms with poly bushings for only $99 with the 10% off sale they are having.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

True, but there have been some recent posts about the aftermarket pieces not being "stout enough" for everyday driving.....

Cap'n Pete

iTrader: (2)

I'd be inclined to stick with factory lower A-arms. The uppers seem to be easier to "get right".

If you're having alignment issues, hog out the holes in the K-member a little more, if required, to get the alignment you're looking for. Upgrade the bushings in the A-arms, and call it a day.

Black02SLPSS

iTrader: (5)

Those are about the lower a arms. Not the uppers. The uppers arent exposed to the loads that the lowers are. The uppers are perfectly fine.

Black02SLPSS

iTrader: (5)

Hey Major, what are those wheels mounted to that SS in your sig?

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

They are made by a company called Complete Custom Wheels. They are a few years old and the style has been superseded by something similar, and better if you ask me. Both the fronts and the rears are 17x11

Black02SLPSS

iTrader: (5)

They look pretty damned good if you ask me.

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. Check out my website for even more pictures of them and the car.

LS1 Freak

iTrader: (7)

I'm very happy with all my BMR stuff, UMI are good too

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

They still make them............

Breathtaker

iTrader: (31)

What did you mean?

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

YOU know what I meant....

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ball joints!!!!

michaelg589

iTrader: (1)

I have UMI's rear lower control arms. I have the poly/rod end set. the rod ends are makiing some god awful noises now. My car is a DD. I'm assuming the stresses of such have put them though some abuse. they dont seem loose or anything, but they make terrible... creaking noises over very slow,small bumps. Its gotten quite annoying and im thinking of going to a poly/poly set.

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

You really need to lube them with every oil change.