A call for better front lower control arms

[Bill_VA]

There's a recent thread on the FFcars forum about suspension upgrades (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/567161-suspension-upgrades.html#post5381857) with photos of some user-modified LCAs with rod ends. Is there anyone out there doing these mods on a larger scale, or are any of our wonderful vendors willing to step up and make them? It would be really terrific if FFR would chime in and take on the challenge.

Ideally, they would need to be set up to allow for adjustments without the need to remove them from the frame mount, but not a show stopper as you would probably only adjust them once and be done.

The ends of the arms would need to be perpendicular to the frame (not at an angle like these):
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/257849d1466429204-call-better-front-lower-control-arms-image.jpg

But like this, so when adjustments are made you wouldn't have to mess with spacers:
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/257929d1466472892-call-better-front-lower-control-arms-dcp_2260.jpg
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/257937d1466472998-call-better-front-lower-control-arms-img_1356.jpg

[mikeinatlanta]

Can't see the pics, but I'm looking at doing my own as well. Don't care for the billet ones, but would prefer a simple adjustable steel arm.

[Jim Schenck]

We built a set of prototypes similar to your first picture but with double adjusters so they could be adjusted on the car. (had to adjust with the spacers removed on one side then replace them once the arms angle was set) At the time our arms were staggered similar to the mustang arms so we could also add caster with the extra adjustment. After testing them we decided the benefits were very minimal vs. a well greased and properly sized poly bushing so we redesigned our front lowers instead to add caster, have a smaller poly bushing and machined our own sleeves for less friction. Even our most serious race cars ever since then have just used the poly, not to mention it rides better on the street. Since then we have also switched to poly on the upper arms as well. For a race car I wouldn't argue against using them, just never had a strong enough argument for building them here.

[6t8dart]

I will probably have a lot of people disagree with me, but from a failure standpoint, for street use, I prefer one piece arms. Either cast/forged/stamped aluminum or steel. Its been my opinion going back many years that parts with many pieces designed for race use tend to become loose or break from lack of maintenance, also things that are under high load tend to crack near weld joints. Obviously, race/track cars are different. We build our cars and probably tend to do better maintenance than the average drivers ourselves. However, our cars do get sold and inexperienced people get behind the wheel and put many thousands of miles on the car without a grease gun in sight. I have also seen a few Mopars that run tubular welded control arms fail with dramatic results, with few exceptions, anything welded can eventually break after enough cycles. I have always stayed away from rod ends, they are intended for track use, not for street cars. I have the FFR forged rear lower axle arms and I wish FFR would come out with a forged aluminum lower front arm, I would buy that.

Ok...flame away at me, I know not all agree with what I said.

[2FAST4U]

My modified LCA
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/GT40_Bill/image_zpsxlz1fgvl.jpeg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/GT40_Bill/media/image_zpsxlz1fgvl.jpeg.html)

[AC Bill]

6t8dart, I have no argument with you. The one piece LCA design has to be much stronger overall.

Look at the heavy steel (fox) Mustang donor LCA. That would never fail as far as I can see..looks like something used in a Sherman tank.:) Overkill for our cars actually, but other than greasing the ball joint, zip-all in the way of maintenance.


http://images.cjponyparts.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/c/lca6-v_3.492.jpg

[mikeinatlanta]

Ok...flame away at me, I know not all agree with what I said.

You asked for it.;)
Even my lawn mower has heims. How could I ever explain my mower having a racier suspension than my hot rod?
55186

[AC Bill]

Mike does the mower come with adjustable coil overs too? :p

[2bking]

You asked for it.;)
Even my lawn mower has heims. How could I ever explain my mower having a racier suspension than my hot rod?
55186

Let's talk about it when you have 10,000 miles on the mower.:)

[mikeinatlanta]

Mike does the mower come with adjustable coil overs too? :p

Well...Of course it does! However, they are only preload adjustable. Looking for a nice set of DA with remote reservoir.


55188

[AC Bill]

Nice! My JD only has a transverse torsion bar, somewhat similar to the early original AC roadsters. Surprisingly it still handles well on hill slopes. lol

[6t8dart]

Well...Of course it does! However, they are only preload adjustable. Looking for a nice set of DA with remote reservoir.


55188

i sit here in silence...how can I argue with that. :rolleyes:

[mikeinatlanta]

Yep, some of us can't be helped. It's a disease.

[Bill_VA]

Really guys? 7 posts about a lawn mower? I was actually rather serious about this topic.

[mikeinatlanta]

Really guys? 7 posts about a lawn mower? I was actually rather serious about this topic.

So am I actually. Better to have a lighthearted lawn mower discussion than a heim joint debate don't you think?