Upper control arms— yes again

[danmas]

Folks,

I have read through the forum a few times. I have power steering and getting ready to install my UCAs. I recall people talking about cutting down the rear legs a bit, and I have read through it several times. I just went to measure. With the back leg as tight as it can go I hit 7.25”. That seems like it fits the bill of 7.35 or 7.75 to get the caster (not castor )I need. However, I distrust that I have it right. Has something changed such that it is no longer necessary (my UCAs came reassembled from factory five) or is it more likely that I am measuring wrong?

Thanks!
Dan

[JohnK]

Some people have reported being able to achieve the caster numbers they want without cutting the control arm adjusting sleeves. I'm not exactly sure why some people are able to and others are not. My perspective was that I would rather do the mod when doing the initial suspension assembly than have to take things apart and cut the upper control arms after attempting to do an alignment and discovering that I can't achieve the numbers I want. It's a simple and free mod, so no real downside to doing it, IMO.

[scrubs]

I got to 6 degrees and opted to just cut them down myself.with a cut off tool. Easy job, much more flexibility in adjustments.

Easier now while access is greater

[Jeff Kleiner]

I don't know where you're getting that 7.35 or 7.75 number from but if you set them like this you'll be at approximately 8 degrees positive caster (caster, not castor---castor is an oil ;)) and .5 degree negative camber.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184759&d=1666032431

Jeff


184759

[danmas]

I don't know where you're getting that 7.35 or 7.75 number from but if you set them like this you'll be at approximately 8 degrees positive caster (caster, not castor---castor is an oil ;)) and .5 degree negative camber.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184759&d=1666032431

Jeff


184759

Hi Jeff, and thanks.

Yes, caster. I am a wizard and all that. Fixed in original post.

I got the numbers from this post (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?41047-Front-Suspension-Upper-Control-Arms-Cutting-and-position&p=470694&viewfull=1#post470694)

And this post (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29449-Upper-control-arms-amp-Rough-Alignment-Mk4&p=402350&viewfull=1#post402350).

I think for me the issue was where I was measuring from. It looks like all three measurements are approximately the same just measured from different points. For me, both sides are at the 8.5" with stock control arms and no modifications. Here is the meta point... It is possible that there has been a change to the UCAs such that the cut down is no longer necessary. I may go ahead and cut them down anyway given the relatively insignificant effort.

Appreciate it folks.

Dan

[scrubs]

It is possible that there has been a change to the UCAs such that the cut down is no longer necessary.

Anything is possible. For reference, my kit was delivered mid January...

[CraigS]

A lot depends on your preferred camber. If you want some negative you can't get much more than .5deg unless you reduce caster. It ends up all determined by the length of the rear arm. More negative camber means less + catser and vice versa. Also I like options, so would not want to have my future alignments limited because an arm is bottomed out. I can shorten the rear sleeves for you on my lathe for free. I remove all but a 64th or so of the round ends. Just include a $10 bill w/ them to cover return postage. Email me at craigstuard at comcast dot net.

[Dash]

Hello all, first time posting! Been lurking since I bought my MK3 and have found a bunch of answers to issues that I was having with the vehicle. Like the original poster, I have recently installed power steering and need to adjust caster. After reading many posts about this change, it appears that I will need to lengthen the front upper control arm. I have purchased a 5 inch sleeve and was wanting to know the best way to replace since the car is complete? kinda looking at it where the front has a weld on one side and a nut and bolt on the other side, just curious how to change? Maybe I am thinking too much?

Thank you for all of your assistance with this rather fun endeavor!

[danmas]

A lot depends on your preferred camber. If you want some negative you can't get much more than .5deg unless you reduce caster. It ends up all determined by the length of the rear arm. More negative camber means less + catser and vice versa. Also I like options, so would not want to have my future alignments limited because an arm is bottomed out. I can shorten the rear sleeves for you on my lathe for free. I remove all but a 64th or so of the round ends. Just include a $10 bill w/ them to cover return postage. Email me at craigstuard at comcast dot net.

This is very kind of you. I decided to do it myself. My cut isn’t pretty but its close and works well. Thank you for the offer!

[CraigS]

Dash don't worry about the difference between left and right uca's. Be sure to loosen the pinch bolts/nuts (red arrows).
184807
Then unscrew the old sleeve and screw on the longer one.

[Dash]

Perfect! Even with pictures! Thank you Craig......