Author Topic: Upper Control Arms  (Read 1054 times)

Offline daveh

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 813
Upper Control Arms
« on: July 21, 2011 - 09:30:58 AM »
Hi Guys,

Has anyone used these upper control arms or have any opinions?  Would they be that much better over the stock units.  They promise better handling but I'm not certain.  If you would have any better suggestions I'm all ears.  Thanks

Dave

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380105265554&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT




Offline ChallengerHK

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 7338
  • I'm working on it - No, really
Re: Upper Control Arms
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2011 - 02:42:21 PM »
I had a set, but sold them before I could install due to money woes. I can't therefore say if they work, but I can say that a) the science behind them is sound, and b) I'm told that the Hotchkiss design is better, but for about twice the investment.


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

Advice Thread - Taking Pictures Of Cars

Offline HP2

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4478
Re: Upper Control Arms
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2011 - 02:43:40 PM »
The better handling aspect actually comes from allowing a more aggressive alignment than is possible with the originals and is not automatic because you switch to tubular arms. Most tubular arms do provide a greater range of adjustment to get additional caster and camber when compared to the stock arms,especially when you've lowered the car. However, if that is the only reason your switching, you can get most of that same benefit with $40 worth of offset bushings. There is some debating whether or not they are actually stronger or lighter than factory arms. It depends on the manufacturer. They are necessary if you are converting to coil overs and eliminating the torsion bars.


Offline brads70

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 18747
Re: Upper Control Arms
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2011 - 04:01:22 PM »
 :iagree:  what he said!  :biggrin:
I'd add to that.... I would never buy an upper control arm that wasen't braced at the ball joint area, but that's just my  :2cents:   I went with the Hotchkis uppers because of that.
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline dodj

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 6197
Re: Upper Control Arms
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2011 - 10:07:23 PM »
The better handling aspect actually comes from allowing a more aggressive alignment than is possible with the originals and is not automatic because you switch to tubular arms. Most tubular arms do provide a greater range of adjustment to get additional caster and camber when compared to the stock arms,especially when you've lowered the car. However, if that is the only reason your switching, you can get most of that same benefit with $40 worth of offset bushings. There is some debating whether or not they are actually stronger or lighter than factory arms. It depends on the manufacturer. They are necessary if you are converting to coil overs and eliminating the torsion bars.


:iagree: X2
If I had the extra $ (like 700 of' em), I'd go the Hotchkis route. If you need to watch the $, Moog offset bushings. That's the way I'm going. :2cents:
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

Offline daveh

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 813
Re: Upper Control Arms
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2011 - 01:26:26 PM »
I think I'll do the same.  I just didn't like the fact that they weren't gusseted.  For a street car I'm just going to stick with the stock for now.  Thanks