control arms

[grizwald]

so, i've got my front suspension apart and notice that the lower control arms don't move so freely. the uppers are decent. is there a certain amount of resistance that should be present in the lowers? i'm thinking i'd like to make them move with the least amount of resistance possible. the bushings are all stock...might even be origional, who knows.

 

[gstock8732]

there should be a small amount of resistance. Howeve as dumb a question it is, did u loosen the bolts for the arm. If yes then Mostlikely the bushings are warped and binded. Causing the friction. So if I was u, I'd get the energy bushing if u are gonna keep the stock arms.

 

[grizwald]

i've never touched the control arm bolts at all. only thing i've done up front is install new shocks up until now.

 

[Supe]

Get Global West Del-a-lum bushings.

 

[grizwald]

Get Global West Del-a-lum bushings.

man, those are nice looking. i was playing around on summit's website today looking at different options. the car is certainly no corner carver. it's on its way to be a drag only car. i'd hate to put this all back together only to take it all apart again to do bushings. there's a part of me that thinks it would be a waste to go buy poly bushings because handling isn't a huge concern. but then those del-a-lum bushings look like they'd free up the front suspension quite a bit.....this all started as a simple trick spring install!!!

 

[Supe]

The del-a-lum's have virtually zero bind. They're as good as a rod end.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

If you don't want to have to take it apart again, go with the Delalum stuff. Poly will deteriorate & bind more than stock. Delalum bushings don't do either & have a MILLION MILE (lifetime) warranty... Delelum doesn't make awful sounds either.

Tommy

 

[grizwald]

well, i'll be taking the arms out tonight to see what the deal is. i have to do something to free them up a bit. i want to have a bigger "baby wheelie" this year!

 

[355_79bu]

X3 on the GW delalum bushings. I have them in the upper and lower a-arms as well as the frame side of the rear lower control arms. No bind, no deflection, no squeaks, and no deterioration like rubber or poly. The arms move like they are on roller bearings. This is ideal for any type of suspension, drag race setup or a car setup for good handling.

 

[grizwald]

well, got the arms out the other night and all but one bushing look as good as new. not sure if the bolts were just too tight and that was what was holding up the arms from having more range of motion. i've been told by others that the arms are supposed to be as tight and hard to move as they were...but in my mind, that defeats the goal i'm trying to acheive (max weight transfer). now the decision...spend money or try to make due with what i've got.