I already have the Hotchkis boxed LCAs with the poly bushings and an adj. panhard bar with rod ends. I did not notice any increase in noise when I installed the panhard bar. I was thinking of getting LCAs with 2 rod ends or 1 rod end/1 poly bushing. The rod end type should be the most rigid to locate the axle the best forward/backward for traction, and also allow the best movement for handling with the least binding. If the noise isn't crazy I would like to go that way. If having all 3 pieces with rod ends is unheard of for a street car, then I was thinking LCAs with one poly bushing to keep some of the noise down. I never noticed any clunking or squeaking from any of the components that are on there now. I'd like to hear people's actual experiences with different LCAs, related to how noisy they are. Thanks.

 

I am running a Spohn PHB that is rod/poly ended and LCAs that are heavy duty rubber on the body and high quality rod end on the axle (not a Spohn. UMI, etc bought piece). The rubber isn't as loud as the poly (squeaks) nor does it bind like poly. It's more comfortable than a rod end though. I like this set-up.
Rubber end:


Rod end w/ reducer (and a little surface rust):



Installed:



Just remember, the more rod ends you have, the more you have to replace. The rubber will probably last for 5 years or more (at least I hope).

 

I opted for the rod end/poly end combo. There is just a hint more noise, but not anywhere near as bad as I'd thought it was going to be. Just make sure you put the rod end on the axle and the poly end at the car - don't ask me if I've ever made that mistake.

 

So the poly/rod end combo seems like a good overall setup. Why would the rod end wear out sooner? I figured it would last the longest. My car is not a daily driver, so I don't put that many miles on it. How long do they usually last?

 

Rod end noise is not just noise from using rodends on both sides, it will make noise even with just one rod end. The real catch is to use quality rod ends that do not waer out and rattle as easy.

I use very high end rodends for my LCA application with poly front chassis side bushings. These rod ends are very expensive though and cost as much as your average complete aftermarket LCAs for just two of them. They are twice the size and strength. The average ones sold with most aftermarket kits will make noise within about 10,000 miles use and some of them within about 3000 miles use.


The problem I have with my car is the noise coming from the crappy HMS ALuminum solid bearing strut mounts on the front of my car. I have very high dollar bearings in those also but the aluminum itself has pounded so much that slop has developed- they are noisy as heck. My rears are quite as can be even after over three years of daily use and about 50,000 miles.

Three types in the picture. The smallest black ones are the original Spohn rodends. Now he and most other vendors sell QA1's equvilant to the middle ones pictures here (Gold Aurora's). The silver massive ones are very expensive but well worth it and are also teflon coated like the middle ones.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...-rodends1a.jpg