Upper Control Arm Decisions

[MechEng_Matt81]

I'm buying upper control arms, but money is an issue. I want a boxed control arm with polyurethane bushings, but the only one in my price range is

#21102 Lakewood, and it has Delrin bushings, and I don't know if Delrin polymer is good to have or not. I can't tell for sure but it looks like you can't replace the bushings in these things. Has anyone bought these?

I am also considering the tubular set:

#5267 Edelbrock, but the construction doesn't seem to be as strong as the Lakewoods.

These are the best two options I know of, but I can't seem to decide.
If anyone has experience with either of these, or any other arms, advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DFWMalibu]

There are many other better options look at many of the site sponsors...

Chris K.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

A good Delrin set up's better than poly all day long. it doesn't squeak & poly turns to mush over time. You really don't want poly in the rear. It binds the suspension something fierce.

Tommy

 

[UMI Sales]

Hello
I just wanted to throw this out there for you as another suggestion. Like mentioned above we are a sponsor of this site as well. And I noticed you are interested in Boxed lowers as well so below are a few links to show you what all UMI Performance has to offer that might be of interest to you. And when you purchase from UMI Performance you are not only getting a good quality product that performs. It is also made right here in the USA.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_60_70

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_60_71

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_60_72&products_id=83

If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will be more than glad to help.
Thanks
Brad

 

[abigda]

Hello
I just wanted to throw this out there for you as another suggestion. Like mentioned above we are a sponsor of this site as well. And I noticed you are interested in Boxed lowers as well so below are a few links to show you what all UMI Performance has to offer that might be of interest to you. And when you purchase from UMI Performance you are not only getting a good quality product that performs. It is also made right here in the USA.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_60_70

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_60_71

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_60_72&products_id=83

If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will be more than glad to help.
Thanks
Brad

Brad, what would be your recommendation of arms for 95% street driving and maybe the track once or twice a year?

 

[Norm Peterson]

A good Delrin set up's better than poly all day long. it doesn't squeak & poly turns to mush over time. You really don't want poly in the rear. It binds the suspension something fierce.

Tommy

But Delrin anywhere in the rear, where you need multi-axis motion everywhere, is even worse than poly.


For 95% street driving I'd strongly consider arms with Roto-joints, Johnny-joints, or other spherical joint in one end. For LCAs, if you get the ones with provision for the OE rear sta-bar you'll always have the option to run one without having to buy lowers a second time.


Norm

 

[UMI Sales]

Hello

Brad, what would be your recommendation of arms for 95% street driving and maybe the track once or twice a year?

Hello
Like mentioned above to maintain a great ride quality on the street. As well still allow the rear-end to articulate eliminating any possible issues what binding as long as they are properly greased. I would suggest going with the Roto Joints as well (part # 3037). And they will still allow you to adjust your pinion angle as well for best all around performance. And the nice thing about them are they are rebuild-able as well. So when the delrin does happen to wear down over a certain period of time like a poly bushing (which depends on how the vehicle is driven). For a few bucks you have a new set again. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Thanks
Brad

 

[LS6 Tommy]

A good Delrin set up's better than poly all day long. it doesn't squeak & poly turns to mush over time. You really don't want poly in the rear. It binds the suspension something fierce.

Tommy

But Delrin anywhere in the rear, where you need multi-axis motion everywhere, is even worse than poly.


For 95% street driving I'd strongly consider arms with Roto-joints, Johnny-joints, or other spherical joint in one end. For LCAs, if you get the ones with provision for the OE rear sta-bar you'll always have the option to run one without having to buy lowers a second time.


Norm

So true, Norm!! I failed to mention that you NEVER want just solid (even Delrin) bushings on a converging 4 link like A G-body. You MUST have a spherical bearing or something similar on at least the chassis end of the lowers, & preferrably both ends of the uppers.

Tommy

 

[UMI Sales]

Hello
Like mentioned above the roto joints will allow the rear end to articulate as well to eliminate any binding issues. To give you a better idea on the construction of our version of the roto joint. Below is a link to show you what we have to offer and what is involved with the design.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=roto_joint

If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Thanks
Brad

 

[abigda]

i installed a set of the Roto-joint uppers as recommended, and they improved traction dramatically, even with the stock lowers. Also something i was extremely pleased with was the fact that they gave me several more inches of exhaust clearance, which everyone knows is something these cars lack