Lower Control Arm Bushings

[Bobcat]

Guys ... thanks for the replies and suggestions .

Bob , I really like your idea about using spherical rod ends on the control arms , with ( I assume ) spacers to fill out the mounting bracket . Looks like I have another Winter project . Also looking at changing master cylinders sizes ( after calculations and input from my buddy at Roush Racing ) to match more closely the brake calipers for track usage .
The projects never end ... finally got the carb tuned to the merged collectors I had made earlier and installed ..... major hp and torque increase .... and now you give me another project .
Just curious , did you make a jig/fixture for the conversion ??

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Just curious , did you make a jig/fixture for the conversion ??

Not really. Since I was just going to weld them on straight, it didn't really need a jig. I just needed to be sure they would end up at the same distance.

Using simple threaded rod of the correct diameter, it was fairly easy to get them square and get the right distance.


After that, I mounted them up, and used plumb bobs to make sure they were exactly equal. As adjustments go, it was fairly tedious and time consuming. Mostly, I think, because I had to make it up as I went.

[Bobcat]

Bob .... looking at your pictures gave me an idea , maybe not a good one , but an idea .
They make the spherical rod eyes/bearings in various O.D.`s . To keep the adjustment playing/procedure to a minimum , wonder how it would work of you pressed two bearings in each end of the existing bushing support tubes ( or maybe one bushing and a thrust washer on each side of the tube . Your lengths and hopefully alignment wouldn`t have changed and it would accomplish the same thing ????
My lower arms are square tubing and already powder coated and this would minimize the cutting and welding .

What are your thoughts on that ?
Bob