So I am in the process of planning a complete suspension, steering, and brake upgrade. There are many options for A-Arms and I'd like to run my analysis by you guys and see what you think.

The a-arms must be chrome moly, have spring perch, and delrin bushings. I could possibly be talked out of chrome moly but for now lets assume chrome moly.

AJE: not enough details on their website

BMR: $550 but I'm not sure what material or what type of bushings, looks like poly. Appears to have a steering stop, unlike everyone else.

PA Racing: $389, chrome moly/delrin, uses only 1" tubing

Racecraft: $399, chrome moly/delrin, uses only 1 1/8" tubing

Spohn: $574, chrome moly/delrin, uses 1.25" tubing

UMI: no chrome moly or delrin offered

Am I missing any options?

Based on this information I am inclined to go with the Spohn A-Arms despite the higher cost. PA Racing and Racecraft seem to have shaky reputations and use smaller tubes. Any thoughts?

Also, since these a-arms don't have steering stops, what stops the wheels from turning? Steering box? Any problems with this on a street car?

Thanks,

John

 

Stock + GW del a lums

add a can of red paint if you really want to go fast.

 

X2

All the arms listed are weaker then stock and only a couple of pounds lighter.


Jerry

 

I am inclined to agree with jerrywho;

I read a tech article (cant remember which mag) in which the author re-inforced the stock a-arms, but I dont think the stock arms deflect much anyway to inhibit their function and performance.

Aftermarket control arms appear to be stronger because they are tubular, but in reality I think it just cheaper to construct them this way versus a stamping like the stock pieces.

I have heard rumors around this site of the tubular ones breaking- but likely not under normal "normal" conditions.

If you want them for looks and a sweet looking setup, got for it, but I dont know which one may be "better", except for appearance.

 

i went with spohn to match the k member i bought as a package. they are a nice fit and finish and even if they dont do anything much, they ar elighter and make the car look much better if your in it for somewhat show.

 

also, if you are running coilovers, there is no need for a spring box, so that would be another reason to switch

 

its already been said, but the factory arms work just fine, just swap new bushings in. The only advantage to aftermarket arms in unsprung weight reduction, not sure you will run into any issues with strength.

I've always strayed away from Spohns a-arms and k0member because off the issues that people mention quite regularly. The parts lowering the car, moving the wheels back and causing rubbing, steering hitting the new k-member, are the common complaints.

Im using UMI's arms and am quite happy with them.

 

Thanks for all the opinions folks. Yeah I agree the stock arms are plenty strong. And I am sure they are the right choice and reliable, but boy are they ugly But good point I should add the stockers to the analysis

Stock: $250-$300 add delrin bushings + installation labor + ball joints
Delrin Bushings - $150
Ball Joints - $50
Installation of bushings - $50-$100

Does $50-$100 sound about right for pressing out old bushings and pressing in new ones? This brings me to the same conclusion I came to a few weeks ago. Why would I sink $250-$300 and a lot of pain installing ball joints into the stock a-arms? Maybe the answer is a simple as because they are proven and reliable and will retain all stock functionality with steering stops.

So let me clarify why I am interested in aftermarket A-Arms and K-member. I am planning a full suspension/brake/steering rebuild this fall. So I will have everything apart up front. I am also currently running poly engine mounts, which I hate. They raised the engine which causes problems with SLP y-pipe to floor pan clearance and they transmit way to much vibrations for my liking. So I figure an aftermarket k-member will allow me to change motor mounts easily. Which would appear to be nearly impossible on the stock k-member and a-arms while the engine is still in the car. If I have the stock k-member and engine in the car but a-arms off, can I replace the motor mounts easily? I'll have to take a look. I do recall they were a pain in the butt to install even with the engine out of the car, but a-arms installed.

So I guess if you told me that once I get the stock arms off, I will be able to replace motors mounts without to much trouble I will stick with the stock a-arms and k-member and save some big cash

Let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

86TA I have heard very good things about the fit on the UMI a-arms. But I really don't like the idea of poly bushings on a-arms. If they offered delrin, I would buy from them. Also I believe all of the issues with the Spohn arms have been addressed by design updates a few years ago, based on my research.

 

what the big issue with poly? there is little deflection, and the arms dont need to twist like the rears so no bind.

As for Spohn, i have never seen and proof of a redesign of the arms. I have noticed that the newer k-members have notches in the main hoop to gain clearance for the steering linkage. That seems like a band-aid solution for a design flaw, and weakens the hoop. Steve Spohn has never commented here lately about these issues either.

 

86TA I don't have a "big issue" with poly, or rubber for that matter. I simply prefer Delrin because it has much less resistance to rotate than poly. Delrin also does not require as frequent lubricating as poly.

Like I said I am a huge fan of the quality of the UMI pieces. I really want to buy them, if only they'd offer the options I want. Spohn offers the options I want.

Don't take this the wrong way but you seem to always go out of your way to bash Spohn. I'm talking about A-arms and you go out of your way to bash their K member. Maybe you had a bad experience with them, I don't know. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. Again please don't take it the wrong way, I appreciate you opinion on the matter, and will consider it along with the opinions of others.

BTW I just ordered the UMI STB, a fine looking piece.

 

i dont try to bash them, its just that the k-member and a-arms have always been an issue, and most people who had these issue never got any help from Spohn. That seems pretty shitty.

On the other hand, i am using his coil-over setup front and rear, with no complaints, they are nice pieces. He also made me a set of custom rear lower control arms, for a great price, and im more than happy with them.

As for the delrin bushings, i didnt think about the rotating resistance. So thats a good point. They probably dont squeek like poly either if you dont lube them

 

Thanks for the input and for keeping it friendly.