Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
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From: MA
Car: 1982 Z-28
Engine: 383
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: Det. Posi, Superior Axles, 3:73 G
Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
Any difference between the two beside price? They both seem to be built the same. I cannot see any difference even in the description. Thank you.
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I have the umi one on my car. I believe that they are both the same. I know that there is a post on here that went on for ages talking about who made these parts first.
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I can't speak for Founders but all UMI Products are made of 100% "US" Steel here in Philipsburg,Pa. We design,test and race all of our products. We manufacture most everything we offer including powdercoat in house.Nothing outsourced to any other machine shop.
We offer a 2yr craftsmanship warranty. Basically you break it we replace it!
If you need any pricing or info just let me know.
Craig
We offer a 2yr craftsmanship warranty. Basically you break it we replace it!
If you need any pricing or info just let me know.
Craig
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 621
Likes: 149
From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
^ reason why I went umi with my car. Lol.
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 621
Likes: 149
From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
Side note: umi please make dust boots that you can use with your strut tower plates. That is all...
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
All of the Founders Performance parts are also made with "Made in USA Steel" along with everything else being manufactured in San Luis Obispo CA. The only thing we outsource is the powder coat which is done locally so we can control the quality of it. We however have a lifetime warranty on all of our parts (except for rod ends and spherical bearings) and our parts are on average 30% less expensive compared to everyone else.
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From: Dallas, Texas
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.3 Gen III SBC
Transmission: 4L80E NTC 258mm Stall
Axle/Gears: Trick Chassis 9" 3.50 S-Strac
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I can't speak of the UMI, but I have a Founders PHB relo and it fits well. I did have to slightly bend some metal on the RH frame rail so it could fit flush. For what it is worth I also have the Founders strut mounts which are very nice pieces. Overall the quality and price point of the Founders products is unrivaled IMO.
I just wish they would offer us a reasonably priced STB!
I just wish they would offer us a reasonably priced STB!
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From: Las Vegas
Car: 1987 Formula (original owner)
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt/3.45
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
Competition is healthy, no doubt. Both companies are very 3rdgen-friendly with regards to products, quality and service, even representation. I've purchased from both, and I will continue to purchase from both. I wouldn't want to be forced to state that one is "better" than the other, as we can't go wrong with either company. I want them both to stick around for us, so I hope both are happy with a share.
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From: Birmingham Alabama
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
Competition is healthy, no doubt. Both companies are very 3rdgen-friendly with regards to products, quality and service, even representation. I've purchased from both, and I will continue to purchase from both. I wouldn't want to be forced to state that one is "better" than the other, as we can't go wrong with either company. I want them both to stick around for us, so I hope both are happy with a share.
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I think it's safe to say you will get a quality product from a number of reputable companies that manufacture aftermarket components that will be an upgrade to the stock stamped steel factory suspension components.
Craig
Craig
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I had the UMI PH-Rod, Uppers, SFC and LCA's in my 87 TA (which I sold three years ago). Great pieces, and excellent build quality.
I currently have Founder's PH-Rod (adjustable), Upper and LCA's that will go into "The Project". Quality seems similar.
+ 1 for dust boots on the strut tower plates
I will say that the UMI LCA's seemed heavier..
I currently have Founder's PH-Rod (adjustable), Upper and LCA's that will go into "The Project". Quality seems similar.
+ 1 for dust boots on the strut tower plates

I will say that the UMI LCA's seemed heavier..
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From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Golden, CO
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10 D44
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
Or, a bellows to fit over/protect the strut rod in the wheel well, since the factory "cylinder" doesn't fit with the aftermarket strut mount?... this would be between the spherical bearing and the strut body.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,041
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From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 621
Likes: 149
From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Car: 1986 IROC Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I understand that thisnis a comparison between UMI and Founders but where does BMR fall into place? Im looking at all my options. Thanks!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 621
Likes: 149
From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I have their strut tower brace. It cleared the factory hood on my 86 trans am. Only product I have bought from them. Don't have any complaints.
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Car: 1986 IROC Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
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From: Birmingham Alabama
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
I have bmr front control arms and they fit great
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From: cleveland ohio
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: CharlesOdoryOB
Transmission: 82513892892
Axle/Gears: pbr disc 3.27 nine bolt
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
are you supposed to pull the factory covers off the struts? when using the upper strut mounts?
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From: cleveland ohio
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: CharlesOdoryOB
Transmission: 82513892892
Axle/Gears: pbr disc 3.27 nine bolt
Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
oh crap ya mine didn't come with instructions we installed the mounts with them and did the alignment guess ill have to pull them and realign
Last edited by Azrael91966669; Jul 4, 2016 at 02:55 PM.
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From: newfoundland canada
Car: 1989 camaro rs
Engine: ls 5.3 carb
Transmission: t56 six speed
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?
everything in my car is founders, except umi strut tower mounts, lets be serious, these are two great company's, but founders cant be beat when it comes to price! and there's no quality sacrificed, easy company to deal with also, thanks
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