I am finally getting a new rear axle and I want to replace the LCA and the Panhard par at the same time. I am looking at Spohns stuff and see he has a few options:

Lower Control Arms - Std. Tubular with Poly Bushings
Lower Control Arms - Adjustable with Poly Bushings
Lower Control Arms - Adj. Spherical/Poly Combo
Lower Control Arms - Adjustable Spherical Rod Ended

Can anyone explain how and why the spherical or the spherical rod ended is better? THe same optins are available with the PH as well. Also why would you need an adjustable one? Can adjustments make it better? Isn't it a fixed distance between the bolts?

Thanks,
Chris

Oh yeah, I know many of you are wondering, Spohn should have his SFC'c ready by mid-sept.

 

You would probably use rod ends for racing where the most perfect possible operation of the suspension is desired, or poly on the street to limit the road noise. You'd use the combo ones to get a compromise.

You use the adjustable ones for fine tuning, when racing.

If your car is mostly street driven, use the std tubular poly ones, both LCAs and PH bar.

if your car has enough power that it has the usual wheel hop problem, get the LCA lowering brackets. They make an amazing improvement in traction.

 

I personally have the adjustable combo ones on mine. I got adjustable because let's face it, a Moser Ford 9" is not the stock rear and I'd like to get it set up in the car like it's supposed to sit. Between manufacturing tolerances in the car, tolerance when Moser welded the brackets on, and tolerances in the suspension setup, the adjustable stuff lets me get everything exactly where I want it.

As far as rod ends vs poly:

Unless you have a full out race car, don't bother with the full rod ends. The half-n-half work great, and I don't notice any more noise than before (in fact, until I disassembled my rear to change the fluid, I forgot I had them. They do allow the axle MUCH greater freedom of motion than poly on both ends. Keep in mind I have a noisy car though...

 

With a street car I would go with the standard LCA with the Poly
bushing and the same with the Pandhard Bar. I have both and they are a big improvement over the stock items. Also, as stated in the above posts unless you are going to race your car the adjustable ones would be a waste of money. In my opinion.

 

I disagree.

The adjustable ones are good to modify your non-stock car back to the proper geometry. Whether that's because your car is lowered, raised with big slicks, whatever...

The rod ends gave me improved handling on the street. The car handles better NOW with the 9" than it ever did, and the rear end stays PLANTED.