Pix: Tubular Rear Control Arms

[SHO Mojo]

Hello, all! Though I'd share a few pictures of my recent rear control arm installation. I installed Zach Leahy's tubular arms and a torque box H-brace I've had for so long I forgot where it came from!

Before:

After:

H-Brace:

FWIW, the installation was really straightforward. The project started with replacing the rear strunt mounts, but I also installed all TPR bushings in the rear while I was at it.

The overall improvement in handling with this setup is tremendous, grip is improved, but control in hard corners is much better and more direct. Now, we'll see how long those heim-joint control arm ends last on the street!

Regards,

Steve C.

 

[PROPHET]

Nice very nice.

 

[SHOfun 93]

Nice, where did you purchase?

 

[Hack]

That is a sharp lookin' car you've got there! Those arms look pretty stout too.

 

[DHMag]

in the first pic (stock control arms) why is the exhaust wet just below the proportioning valve ? errant penetrant shot ? also, i see your proportioning valve arm is already missing, install bias plugs ?

 

[SHO Mojo]

More Info...

Let's see here...

Nice, where did you purchase?

I purchased these online from a Purdue student by the name of Zach Leahy. I believe he still hangs out here. He made a limited run, perhaps as a class project, not sure.

The arms are aluminum, and I had them powdercoated at Cincinnati Powder Coating.

That is a sharp lookin' car you've got there! Those arms look pretty stout too.

Thanks! I still have several more things I want to do, but was in great shape when I bought it from Jason.

in the first pic (stock control arms) why is the exhaust wet just below the proportioning valve ? errant penetrant shot ?

Yes...me and BP Blaster missed the mark that time.

i see your proportioning valve arm is already missing, install bias plugs ?

Well, honestly, I don't know. It was removed from the original factory arm when I started, so perhaps bias plugs were installed by Jason...can anyone give me clues as to how I find out?

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[luigisho]

Um you could find out by contacting Jason?

BTW, Does Zack still have any sets laying around? I haven't seen those around in a while.

 

[SHO Mojo]

No way...

Um you could find out by contacting Jason?

No way, Luigi...that'd be too easy, and besides, what would I learn!?!?

BTW, Does Zack still have any sets laying around? I haven't seen those around in a while.

If I'm not mistaken, I bought his last full set, and that was at least 2 years ago (or more). But, maybe he'll make more!

 

[SHOfun 93]

If he does, I will be jumpin on a set for sure!

 

[olympic]

I made a similar set out of steel for my car.

You can all the parts needed from www.aedmotorsport.com

8 rod ends
8 tube adapters
about 8 feet 1.25x0.095" DOM tubing
some 5/8"x1/8"and 7/8"x1/8" DOM tubing to make spacers for rod ends.

Then it's just a matter of cutting everything to length and welding in the tube adapters.

 

[SHO Dude]

FWIW, we came out with these quite some time ago.

They're a bit different, though. Lighter aluminum bars, teflon lined spherical ball ends and all Grade 8 hardware.

 

[rktmn]

I have been consiering making a set of tubular rear controls arms for myself, what would you guys recommend as to specs and materials. I was thinking about using a thick hollow aluminum tubing.

Also, what about the torque box H brace?

I beleive I saw an aluminum H brace in a post some time ago. Any preference between aluminum and welded steel?

Jose

 

[SASHO91]

i made my own, if you want to save a few bucks here it is. have fun with it. tell me if you need anymore help.http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=36883

 

[SHOguy 92]

i made my own, if you want to save a few bucks here it is. have fun with it. tell me if you need anymore help.http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=36883

You made Subframe connectors, these are rear tubular control arms Also I think the 3.2L intake manifold you speak of is not a 3.2L intake manifold. I know my 92 has these things sticking out tje back of the intake where as my 91 and 90 don't.

 

[SASHO91]

I meant the, H-brace. He asked about the H-brace. Should ahve cleared that up.
yeah i made my own SFC's as well.
Sorry bout the confusion.

 

[Lance Cheney]

I have been consiering making a set of tubular rear controls arms for myself, what would you guys recommend as to specs and materials. I was thinking about using a thick hollow aluminum tubing.

Also, what about the torque box H brace?

I beleive I saw an aluminum H brace in a post some time ago. Any preference between aluminum and welded steel?

Are you planning on heat-treating the aluminum afterword? For something like a control arm I don't think I'd use aluminum unless it's properly treated (I'm assuming you would have to weld on it -- if you could get a 1-piece arm then that's different). The tensile strength of annealed aluminum is pretty low.

For an H-brace that is unlikely to see significant loads (vs. the thickness/size), and where a failure won't cause an accident, it's probably fine.

-Lance

 

[SinisterSHO]

Someone I was talking with mentioned making thier own carbon fiber rear control arms, but they weren't sure of the strength of carbon fiber rod. Anyone have any idea if it could support the weight, and stress?