Rear control arms

Timbo · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 11:13 AM

Do all rear lower suspension control arms have rubber bushings or do some of the raceing suspensions do away with the rubber and polyurethane, exc. And if they do! why? Thanks in advance....

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 11:45 AM

Lots of "race" cars use a solid type swivel mount, no rubber or urethane or whatever. This assures that any "movement" will be AT the tire, NOT due to suspension flex. The same reasoning applies to a stiff frame.

This helps the pit crew (mechanic) to "dial in" the suspension specs by eliminating a HUGE "variable", frame flex, suspension flex. etc. The down side? HARSH ride!

Also, this assumes your running on a SMOOTH race track! If not, some "flex" in the suspension may be beneficial helping the tire to get a better bite. But now you've introduced additional variables to "dialing in" the suspension.

While suspension work is a science, it's also an "art". Teams are constantly looking for the right or better setup for the track conditions on THAT day or night or rain or dry. It's all very complex and among the most guarded of "secrets" from one team to another.

Ernie

flipper35 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 01:30 PM

A heim or uniball depending on whether you need adjustability. Like Ernie said, controlling the suspension geometry is key to good handling. These take the spring rate and movement of the poly mounts out of the equation. Now about chassis flex . . .

Timbo · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2003, 11:42 AM

Can the uniball rod ends be replaced with the rubber bushings to minimize the harsh ride for street use?

auto10x · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2003, 01:35 PM

Anything can be done, but it is not very practical. Sounds like you may want to take the middle ground, urethene busgings.
auto10x
Bill

KobraKarl · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2003, 04:24 PM

Jag rear lowers are needle bearings, what is your suspension?

KK

Timbo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2003, 05:43 PM

A ford nine inch rearend with coilovers and Three link rear suspension (two lower arms and one arm centered on top for the upper) with a Panhard bar coming off the top of the RH frame rail, All links useing the uniball ends makeing for a slightly harsh ride and I am toying with the idea of changing them with some sort of rubber bushing for street use if I can?

mickmate · #8 (**permalink**) 08-28-2003, 08:06 PM

Heidts makes upper A-arms with a threaded polybushing. You may be able to screw them on as a direct replacement depending on thread size and width of mount.