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Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

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Old Jul 11, 2019 | 06:32 PM
  #1  
Grandview IROC Z's Avatar
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From: Grandview, Rhea Cty, TN
Car: 89 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 PosiTraction
Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I want to replace my front lower control arms (A-arms) with stock new ones but I cannot find any available, I would prefer them with out bushings so that I could install Del-a-lum bushings and new ball joints. I am trying to keep my car stock for an occasional Auto X. Does anybody know where to get new A-arms? If I have to buy the aftermarket tube A-arms then I want to spend my money wisely. I have looked at the new RRx Spohn video and these A-arms seem to be well made and cheaper than UMI or DSE. I have searched the forums and find that there is some not to good remarks on the Spohn A-arms, but these posts are fairly old and do not say whether their A-arms are the fairly new RRx version. Has anyone installed the new RRx version, did they lower the front of the car like the earlier version.
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Old Jul 11, 2019 | 08:43 PM
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Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

There are a lot of negative reviews on Spohn A-arms to the point that you'd be a fool to buy it. I'd like to say they did the redesign to take care of those problems but I think the real reason there's a new product is because the factory burnt down and they had to start over. Did they fix the flaws? I don't know, you want to find out for us?
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 10:14 AM
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I have a set I will give you if you pay shipping. Getting the old bushings out is easy, getting new ones in is not. I'm just paying it forward. MantyZ28 did the same for me and I swapped my old ones out in an afternoon. Massive difference even though my old bushings hadn't completely failed. Shoot me a PM if interested.
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 10:38 AM
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From: Brainerd, MN
Car: '84 Trans Am
Engine: 357 SBC
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 3.73, Torsen Diff
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Tootie Pang
I have a set I will give you if you pay shipping. Getting the old bushings out is easy, getting new ones in is not. I'm just paying it forward. MantyZ28 did the same for me and I swapped my old ones out in an afternoon. Massive difference even though my old bushings hadn't completely failed. Shoot me a PM if interested.
Blowtorch ftw!
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 01:53 PM
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Car: 89 Camaro
Engine: Dart SHP 400-Holley Terminator EFI
Transmission: Tremec T56 Magnum F
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 3.55:1
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Jorlain
Blowtorch ftw!
You blowtorch the new bushings in???
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 02:04 PM
  #6  
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From: Brainerd, MN
Car: '84 Trans Am
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Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 3.73, Torsen Diff
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Haha, no. To remove the old ones. They just pop out with some heat.
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 06:48 AM
  #7  
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Car: 1989 IrocZ
Engine: 421 Dart Stroker
Transmission: 4L60E Cahall Performance Built
Axle/Gears: Midwest Chassis Fab 9/ 3.55 gears
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

UMI sells nice A arms with the spring perch. Dont know if they are just comparable with their k member or stock as well. They have the Del bushings as an option. I powdercoated my original a arm set years ago. But they are off the car now. To change the bushings you will need a press.
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 07:08 AM
  #8  
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Tootie Pang
I have a set I will give you if you pay shipping. Getting the old bushings out is easy, getting new ones in is not. I'm just paying it forward. MantyZ28 did the same for me and I swapped my old ones out in an afternoon. Massive difference even though my old bushings hadn't completely failed. Shoot me a PM if interested.
Take tootie up on this, of you don't I will.
Anyone tried to box a set of these? Cut and weld a metal plate like folks do with the trailing arms and such?
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 08:16 AM
  #9  
Grandview IROC Z's Avatar
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From: Grandview, Rhea Cty, TN
Car: 89 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 PosiTraction
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I have already gotten with Tootie Pang and will be getting his A-arms, Thank you all for your comments and help.

When I get them I will remove bushings and ball joints, weld in strengthening straps, dust blast, paint, install Del-a Lum bushings and new ball joints.
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 09:13 AM
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Grandview IROC Z
I have already gotten with Tootie Pang and will be getting his A-arms, Thank you all for your comments and help.

When I get them I will remove bushings and ball joints, weld in strengthening straps, dust blast, paint, install Del-a Lum bushings and new ball joints.
Awesome! Please let us know how it turns out and post some pics of the "straps" you weld in. I have always been curious if that helps or not.
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Old Jul 14, 2019 | 02:04 PM
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Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I always thought that the issue with the stockers was weight, not strength. Meaning boxing them only adds weight, because they're already plenty strong. Just curious though, could be wrong.
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Old Jul 14, 2019 | 03:04 PM
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Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I think he is wanting to reinforce the aftermarket tubular a arms.
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Old Jul 15, 2019 | 07:35 AM
  #13  
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Abubaca
I always thought that the issue with the stockers was weight, not strength. Meaning boxing them only adds weight, because they're already plenty strong. Just curious though, could be wrong.
IDK Chris but from the looks of this I can't see any weight savings here. I do like those bottom sway bar links.
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Old Jul 15, 2019 | 08:55 AM
  #14  
Grandview IROC Z's Avatar
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From: Grandview, Rhea Cty, TN
Car: 89 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 PosiTraction
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I intend to strengthen the stock A-arms not the aftermarket. Here is a you tube video from 3rd Gen Guy that will show you what I intend to do. Hope this video will clarify what I intend.. Thanks again guys, for your comments.
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Old Jul 15, 2019 | 05:15 PM
  #15  
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I sent you a PM Grandview. I'm very sorry but I can't find my old LCA's anywhere. They aren't small and aren't light. I was sure I had kept them to pass them on but I've looked everywhere. Sorry about that. I'll keep thinking of places to look. I've checked my basement, garage, under workbench, and other hiding areas.
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Old Jul 16, 2019 | 06:53 AM
  #16  
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Grandview IROC Z
I intend to strengthen the stock A-arms not the aftermarket. Here is a you tube video from 3rd Gen Guy that will show you what I intend to do. Hope this video will clarify what I intend.. Thanks again guys, for your comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG2eteQdbQE
Thanks for posting this. This is exactly what I was thinking could be done.
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Old Jul 16, 2019 | 03:01 PM
  #17  
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Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 406 on N20 w/ EFI
Transmission: P.B. 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt w/ 3.91
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

if anyone else wanted my old a-arms for free(just pay full cost of shipping), please let me know. they are in a box in my basement storage area. in great shape structurally, just neeed to be cleaned and bushings redone
either reply here or pm me.
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Old Jul 16, 2019 | 05:01 PM
  #18  
Grandview IROC Z's Avatar
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From: Grandview, Rhea Cty, TN
Car: 89 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 PosiTraction
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I will take them, I will PM you
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Old Jul 16, 2019 | 05:02 PM
  #19  
Grandview IROC Z's Avatar
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From: Grandview, Rhea Cty, TN
Car: 89 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 PosiTraction
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

I will take them, I will PM you
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Old Jul 21, 2019 | 04:53 PM
  #20  
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Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Oh hey, someone posted one of my videos!

so ya, the del-a-Lum bushings with QA1 extended ball-joints are a sweet combo.
the BJ are kick-A** at the Autocross.
the QA1 extended BJ raise the Roll Center by 1/2in and also drop the car 1/2in without changing any factory geometry.
It makes it WAYY easier to point the car where you want it. (experienced guys can probably explain better)
i don't recommend them for a daily driver as they need to be checked for tightness every 1K miles or so.

As far as the welded A-arm: i did that to ensure the ears didn't bend when installing the bushings.
with the welded bits in place, i simply hit the bushing housings with a dead blow hammer. took like 15 seconds each.
Pic is what it looked like before.
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Old Jul 23, 2019 | 09:43 AM
  #21  
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Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 406 on N20 w/ EFI
Transmission: P.B. 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt w/ 3.91
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

Originally Posted by Grandview IROC Z
I will take them, I will PM you

SOLD to Larry (Grandview IROC Z).

shipped out yesterday. I am excited to see what he does with them !!
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Old Jul 23, 2019 | 10:15 AM
  #22  
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Replacement Frt Lwr Control Arms Recommendation

These cars feel great with fresh LCA's. I should have boxed my LCA's at the ears like McLovin, Woulda saved a lot of headache and simple to press the new bushings in. I can't think of any reason not to.
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