Control Arm material

[SeanC]

Hey guys,

I'm about to order a new set of lower control arms and I was wondering what the difference is between the chrome moly and the mild steel ones. Is it really worth paying like $40 more for the chrome moly ones? They are pretty much just for street use and the occasional track visit. Thank you!

Sean

[njrextreme]

Hey guys,

I'm about to order a new set of lower control arms and I was wondering what the difference is between the chrome moly and the mild steel ones. Is it really worth paying like $40 more for the chrome moly ones? They are pretty much just for street use and the occasional track visit. Thank you!

Sean

Weight is the biggest diff.. And the chrome moly will not rust after time.

[SeanC]

Would you say it is worth the extra money then? I'm on a really tight budget, but at the same time, dont want to skimp on parts.

[Injuneer]

Not worth the extra cost, unless you are trying to squeeze the last ounce of weight out of the vehicle. The weight savings is very small. Chrome moly is also more difficult to weld, increasing the risk of a brittle fracture if the welding is not perfect. I wouldn't worry about rust. The quality products are protected by tough powder coatings.

[SeanC]

Thank you very much Njrextreme and injuneer, exactly what I wanted to know!

[ConElite]

Mild steel and call it a day.

All my parts are mild.

[SeanC]

Thanks Conelite. One more question...I was going to get the single adjustable dual-poly-bushing control arms...What made you get the single rod end? Just the fact that it helps cornering also? Do they make a lot of road noise? I want to keep my car performing well all around and I don't want my suspension to bind with the poly bushings, but at the same time, dont want a majorly clunky suspension. What do you think?

[ConElite]

Thanks Conelite. One more question...I was going to get the single adjustable dual-poly-bushing control arms...What made you get the single rod end? Just the fact that it helps cornering also? Do they make a lot of road noise? I want to keep my car performing well all around and I don't want my suspension to bind with the poly bushings, but at the same time, dont want a majorly clunky suspension. What do you think?

I wont Lie, My car has a rough ride. And The road noise is mild to high. The reason I got the Single Rod end LCA's is because I planned of Building this car for handling. The Single Adjustable rod ends allow the Axle to Articulate a little more (From my understanding). It also allows you to Slightly, Very slighty adjust the thrust angle since got Relocation brackets.

[SeanC]

Alright...i'm going to go with the single rod end. I'm just really hoping my car isn't going to sound like its going to fall apart. Rough ride doesn't bother me so much, i'm kind of used to that aspect of these cars by now haha. I definitly want my car to have better handling, but I also want to take it to the strip now and then. I'm crossing my fingers i'm making the right choice...

[Injuneer]

There's a company making an LCA with a unique front spherical bushing, that is a combination of a steel ball riding in poly "cups" that hold the ball on each side. I'll see if I can find the link. Its been discussed on the "Suspension, Chassis and Brakes" forum of CamaroZ28.com.

I have spherical rod ends on both ends (plus spherical rod ends on the sway bar links and the torque arm), and I don't notice the harshness or noise... but the whole car has so loud it may be the noise just blends into the background.

[SeanC]

Thank you very much Injuneer! I really appreciate all the help.

From what i've read, as long as you keep the rod end lubed well its not bad. I just dont want to be driving down the street and have my car creaking like there is something wrong with it....I mean, I want good performance, but at the same time, I find that slightly ridiculous if its really loud.

As of right now, its not really my daily driver, so i'm not that worried either way. I currently go to school and Philly, and there is no way I would ever bring my car here. During the summer i'll be driving it more, but I'm almost kind of thinking its about to turn into pretty much just a "toy". After this summer, I go to school year round

[Injuneer]

Here's the links to the J&M LCA's. They have a poly/poly spherical arm:

http://www.hotpart.com/shop/index.ph...ct_detail&p=42

.... and a metal spherical/poly spherical arm:

http://www.hotpart.com/shop/index.ph...ct_detail&p=47

[SeanC]

Thank you very much Injuneer! I am definitely considering them. I'm really impressed with that design. It gets me excited when I get introduced to new stuff, because that's really what I want to be doing one day when I graduate.

This is a little random, but I just wanted to comment on how helpful everyone here has been to me. I have had many problems and questions about my car since I purchased it, and you guys are always such a great help. I have been trying to learn as much as possible about how everything works, what goes wrong, etc, and everyone on this board has been such a crucial aspect in doing this. I am so glad I bought an F-body. They are amazing cars, but the people associated with them are even better. This is really a great place, thank you all!

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

I use the aforementioned part from J&M. Works perfectly...no deflection and zero noise.

[Joe 1320]

If you plan on any kind of relaxed street cruising, Beware of rod ends on your control arms. A fair amount of road noise gets transmitted though the chassis that normally gets dampened by either rubber or poly bushings.