Suggested dimensions for the front upper control arm

[Geoff Kent]

Hi All,

first posting here, so please go easy on me if I'm not using the right words to describe my question!

Does anyone have the suggested default dimensions for the front control arm? I can't find any documentation anywhere for a 'rough size' prior to the proper wheel alignment.

Any help would be appreciated!

Have fun,
Geoff.

[Erik W. Treves]

Just eye ball it.... it doesn't really matter until you get the weight of the car on the suspension and then the correct ride height.

[edwardb]

Agree with Erik. Just estimate it for now. Very generally, the front adjuster will be out further than the back to provide the proper amount of caster. But, as already stated, you really won't know until the actual alignment is done. For my current build, I installed it with a few threads showing on the back adjuster, and 2-3 times that amount on the front. Good enough for now. You can see in this pic.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Front%20Suspension/th_IMG_3396_zpsaoq9daop.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Front%20Suspension/IMG_3396_zpsaoq9daop.jpg.html)

[Geoff Kent]

Thanks guys... will wing it!

[karlos]

Agreed that you can just eyeball it and get it close. However, I've attached a couple photos you can use to get in the ballpark (every car will be different, so no absolutes here). These are from my Mk4 which is aligned per specification. As mentioned above, the front adjuster shows more threads than the rear. The tie rods are also shown for reference. Left and right sides are fairly symmetric. Hope this helps.


47619

47620

[CraigS]

Whether you do your own alignment of take it somewhere, I recommend that you do it at go kart stage w/ the body off. It is SO much easier when you can reach the sleeves. Also, put some gear oil or light grease on the threads so they are easier to turn w/ the weight of the car on them.

[Geoff Kent]

Thanks for all the advice guys!