Aftermarket strut rods for finer caster settings : HOTCHKIS, QA1...

[Sly_drums]

Hi, I would like to know if the aftermarket HOTCHKIS strut rods are any good for our E-bodies and what they allow ? And how they compare to the aftermarket QA1 ?

I am thinking about ordering a pair of them for my 71 Challenger. All my front end is new except for the strut rod bushings that I need to change.
I just changed my power steering box for a FIRM FEEL stage 3 with rebuilt steering coupler but now my car drastically goes to the right when I am driving if I don't hold the steering wheel. I think this was hidden by the looseness on the steering I had until now. Strange thing is that when I am braking, the car suddenly go straight.
I am explaining my problem here :
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=118369.0

A few months ago I came to the shop for an alignment, they could set the camber right on both wheels but unable to get the good caster values, especially on the passenger side front wheel.

Now I am thinking about changing the bushings on the strut rods because they may be responsible for this problem, but why not upgrade and go HOTCHKIS to be able to set finer settings ?

Thank you !

[1 Wild R/T]

Before you buy allot of new parts for the wrong reason....  Back to your steering pull.... Engine off, sitting in the drivers seat... Watch the steering wheel as you start the engine... Does the wheel stay still? or does it kick to the right? If it kicks to the right your pull is from the steering box, If it doesn't kick then we can look at other causes.....  Aftermarket strut rods are great for their intended purpose, that isn't to mask a problem with another component....

[HP2]

I agree. Get the steering sorted out to avoid future problems.

With strut rods, yes the adjustable units can be used to fine tune the arc of the control arm, which may add a degree or two of caster. To use them just to crank in 3-5* of caster is not a good thing as then you can introduce bind on the lower control arm. Caster is best achieved with upper control arms.

[jordan]

I had a set of adjustable strut rods when I put my car together.  It used a stock bushing at the k-frame.  The bushing totally broke within my first 1000mi of driving that caused the car to pull left, and was especially bad when I touched the brakes.  If I did any hard braking, the car would pull to the left and then lock up the right front.  So I decided to replace the whole unit with the Hotchkis unit without a bushing to fail.  I have about 1000 miles on them now, and have had no issues.  The car handles better than ever.  I had my alignment set up like a mid 2000's mustang.  I hope this helps in some way.