Cutting Down GTP Arms

[CTOESHO]

Anyone know how long the GTP rear control arms should be? I am going to be cutting them soon. Thanks

 

[GR8WYT]

Be sure to check the length of the original arms first. For my 91, they needed 3 threads off each piece, according to the mechanic who installed them; I think it was about 0.25" in total.

 

[jelloslug]

I ended up cutting off .25" off of each section for a total of .5" on each arm, this left me with some adjusting room to spare.

 

[luigisho]

I had heard 1/2" on each side for a total of 1" per arm. Is this incorrect or is there enough room to play with either way? Maybe I should split the difference?

 

[PAracer]

I trimmed 1/2" off each for a total of 1" per assembly. Went from 2+ deg camber (IIRC) to zero camber.

 

[CTOESHO]

Well I measured my control arms and they are at 22 inches long at it's shortest point. Is this short enough to be installed?

 

[gosho89]

CTOESHO:
Well I measured my control arms and they are at 22 inches long at it's shortest point. Is this short enough to be installed?

With Eibachs I installed used GM bars that only needed to be adjusted down to around 23" in length. The key is to remove one arm at a time and run the mounting bolts through both arms until they match the stock arms, once the GM arms are installed on the car make an appointment to the alignment shop.

<small>[ June 25, 2003, 11:17 PM: Message edited by: gosho89 ]</small>

 

[luigisho]

Kerry did you do yours recently? It seems the GM bars have been lenghtened a bit since the new part# came out. It sort of makes sense. I think I remember the GP stance was widened a bit a few years ago.

 

[gosho89]

luigisho:
Kerry did you do yours recently? It seems the GM bars have been lenghtened a bit since the new part# came out. It sort of makes sense. I think I remember the GP stance was widened a bit a few years ago.

Yes I did my install two weekends ago, but my arms were used off a 2000 and a 2001 model year. Couldn't beat the price got all 4 for $100

 

[pbshow]

I bought mine brand new from GM two months ago and ended up triming .250 off each rod. Otherwise they wouldn't had enough travel adjustment for my Gen II.

Paul

1993 White ATX (for sale) cry
1998 Ebony SHO thumb

 

[shoinoff95]

gosho89:
Yes I did my install two weekends ago, but my arms were used off a 2000 and a 2001 model year. Couldn't beat the price got all 4 for $100

How come I can't find any deals like that around my area? I have tried to find these gtp control arms from salvage yard parts finders and I have yet to find a set at all!! headbang There must be more gtp's up northwest! Is there any chance that you could get ahold of some more for around that price? If so, I would send you the money for them, plus maybe a little extra for your efforts! thumb Let me know!

<small>[ June 28, 2003, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: shoinoff95 ]</small>

 

[luigisho]

To help you find more options for used arms, run a search in this section. We have had many discussions on this part and the last go-round or two it was mentioned that GM also used them in another car. Buick maybe? It should help broaden your chances of finding a cheaper used set.

 

[pbshow]

I should have also mentioned that before I bought my brand new arms from GM, I had bought four from a junk yard from a 2000 GTP, and they turned out to be junk! So much for the bargin price of $80.00. I'll never learn. headbang

Paul

 

[shoinoff95]

pbshow:
I should have also mentioned that before I bought my brand new arms from GM, I had bought four from a junk yard from a 2000 GTP, and they turned out to be junk! So much for the bargin price of $80.00. I'll never learn. headbang Paul

How were they junk? Were they bent or something?

 

[pbshow]

The threads were all rusted and galled. I tried to rethread them but it was a waste of time. Oh well, live and learn. doh

Paul beer

 

[Kevin Airth]

The GM adjustable rear control arms were and are on several GM cars. Here is a partial list:
Buick:97-03 Century, 98-03 Regal, Chevy:95-99 Lumina,00-03 Impala,95-03 Monte Carlo, Olds:09-03 Intrigue and of course Pontiac:GTP/Grand Prix-97-03.
Now not every car will have the adjustable arms, except GTP they all were equipped with them. Also when buying used remember you need to rob 2 cars because GM uses 2 fixed and 2 adjustable arms.
I have not had to cut any off so maybe GM did change the length. I got 4 in a Houston junkyard for $100. Watch out buying used for bent ones. The wrecker has a habit of tying down the cars using the suspension members. The control arms are very strong in compression/tension but will bend if pulled sideways. If you are buying new I know the part number changed from #10296341 to #10329694. For good GM parts prices try this place:
http://gm.parts-performance-accessories.com/
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