I can get the materials from a stock car catolog to build fully adjustible lca and panrod arms with ss rod ends and even alloy ends and would like to use alloy for the arms. I can also just use steel if the alloy won't work. Do you think it would be strong enough? This stuff is all tubular material 1 inch od with a .156 wall, straight out of a stock car racing catolog.

 

you'll lose a little prestige buy going to a steel supplier catalog instead of "straight out of a stock car catalog" but the material will be cheaper and traceable if that matters to you. i doubt if aluminum wound be strong enough with out going to some really large sizes. if you trying to save weight and keep it strong look at some 4140 material. most metal i buy runs 35 cents a pound, alloys a little more but not much.

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-=ICON MOTORSPORTS=-
1st & 3rd

 

You can use the aluminum material for the arms. Use a steel alloy for the rod ends. The steel will bend wheras the aluminum will break. Use the 5/8-1/2 rod end, it is a 5/8 rod end with a 1/2 hole where it bolts to the chassis. There is a company called "Seals is" which makes rubber boots for the rod ends...get these if it is a street car, they are a lot cheaper than new rod ends. i suggest using left and right hand thread rod ends for adjustability...have the arms made this way. I would order the arms to length, unless you have a left hand thread tap already because they are about $75-$100!
A few companies make tapered arms which are nice. Coleman machine in michigan is one that comes to mind.

 

Herb Adams used to make adjustable aluminum rod ends and panhard rods with Heim ends. I don't know if they still make them or how much they cost, but it may be easier than making your own.

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-Jason M. 1991 Camaro Z28
"Shampoo is better, I go on first and clean the hair."