How well do LCAs work?

BlueRuckus

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Jun 30, 2005

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Miami, FL

Dec 6, 2005

#1

• Dec 6, 2005

• #1

After a decent run at the track on radials, I would like to improve my traction without having to get DRs just yet. Does anyone have any before and after testimonials about Lower Control Arms?

I have heard that cheaper LCAs make more noise. Is this true? I was considering the Steeda or Maximun Motorsports ones. My main concern is noise.

I do plan on going DRs and a better rear end, but much later.

Thanks for any advice. :SNSign:

 

reeber

10 Year Member

Mar 10, 2004

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Berlin, NJ

Dec 6, 2005

#2

• Dec 6, 2005

• #2

I replaced both upper and lower control arms at the same time and it completely eliminated wheel hop.. That gave me about a .300 quicker 60ft... on street tires..

 

Fast02

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Sep 29, 2004

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Dec 6, 2005

#3

• Dec 6, 2005

• #3

I did both as well. I have no side to side action anymore. Car feels planted and solid in the rear. I have wheel hop in reverse =P

No squeaking yet with the Steeda Aluminum ones.

 

tomustang

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Dec 6, 2005

#4

• Dec 6, 2005

• #4

Most LCA's will cause noise due to the bushings they are replacing, but in most cases it isn't noticable.

Aftermkt LCA's help reduce wheel hop due to the bushings and design of control arm, locates the axle better. Also to help binding issues due to bushings

 

ssbauer

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Mar 14, 2002

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Springboro, OH

Dec 6, 2005

#5

• Dec 6, 2005

• #5

I have the stock LCAs and they are noisy buggers when it is cold out. It is driving me crazy.

For me at least, the aftermarket ones may be noisy but at least there is no wheel hop...

 

BlueRuckus

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Jun 30, 2005

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Miami, FL

Dec 6, 2005

#6

• Dec 6, 2005

• #6

Fast02 said:

I did both as well. I have no side to side action anymore. Car feels planted and solid in the rear. I have wheel hop in reverse =P

No squeaking yet with the Steeda Aluminum ones.

Click to expand...

Have you noticed less wheel spin at launch?

 

tomustang

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Dec 6, 2005

#7

• Dec 6, 2005

• #7

BlueRuckus said:

Have you noticed less wheel spin at launch?

Click to expand...

Fast02 said:

Eibach Sportlines
Chirps only-Sumi 315's

Click to expand...

From sig

would still be different from your Pro Kit and his more stiffer Sportlines

 

03ghoststang

Well-Known Member

Jul 16, 2005

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Los Angeles, California

Dec 6, 2005

#8

• Dec 6, 2005

• #8

those LCA's really plant the wheels to the floor i my self am getting the steeda ones for christmas

 

scalder

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Aug 1, 2003

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Dallas/Plano TX

Dec 6, 2005

#9

• Dec 6, 2005

• #9

They'll help you some but those lowering springs aren't doing you any favors. Get some Fox V8's for the rear and Fox 4 cyl springs for the front...now we're talking!

 

F

Fubar02GT

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Jul 30, 2005

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Bradford

Dec 6, 2005

#10

• Dec 6, 2005

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when i do mine i will be doing uppers & lowers with drag springs & shocks and 315's...i don't anticipate any wheelspin...

 

scalder

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Aug 1, 2003

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Dallas/Plano TX

Dec 6, 2005

#11

• Dec 6, 2005

• #11

Fubar02GT said:

when i do mine i will be doing uppers & lowers with drag springs & shocks and 315's...i don't anticipate any wheelspin...

Click to expand...

Beware the broken axle then....

 

propellerhead

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Apr 13, 2004

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"but what's with the but shots?"

Dec 6, 2005

#12

• Dec 6, 2005

• #12

Do LCAs prevent or minimize the ass end from kicking out to the left?

 

jstreet0204

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Jun 26, 2003

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Winston Salem, NC

Dec 6, 2005

#13

• Dec 6, 2005

• #13

ssbauer said:

I have the stock LCAs and they are noisy buggers when it is cold out. It is driving me crazy.

For me at least, the aftermarket ones may be noisy but at least there is no wheel hop...

Click to expand...

Mine squeak when it is cold out as well. A good soaking with white lithium grease usually fixes it for a couple of months.

 

BlueRuckus

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Jun 30, 2005

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Miami, FL

Dec 6, 2005

#14

• Dec 6, 2005

• #14

Anyone else? Anyone else who's ETs dropped due to LCAs? Or at least, less spin at launch and through 2nd and 3rd gears?

THanks

 

F

Fubar02GT

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Jul 30, 2005

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Bradford

Dec 6, 2005

#15

• Dec 6, 2005

• #15

scalder said:

Beware the broken axle then....

Click to expand...

at the same time i'm gonna weld the axle tubes and since i'll have the 4.10's i'll probably also tack on 31 splines (not pricey at all) and a matching posi unit

 

AdRock

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Nov 13, 2003

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South Texas

Dec 6, 2005

#16

• Dec 6, 2005

• #16

propellerhead said:

Do LCAs prevent or minimize the ass end from kicking out to the left?

Click to expand...

Sort of. The TQ is what makes it kick out like that. With the arms in the rear will plant better and be less likely to move around. They also stop almost all of the side to side motion of the axle so the car feels more solid during hard driving.

 

tomustang

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McLean Hospital

Dec 7, 2005

#17

• Dec 7, 2005

• #17

AdRock said:

Sort of. The TQ is what makes it kick out like that. With the arms in the rear will plant better and be less likely to move around. They also stop almost all of the side to side motion of the axle so the car feels more solid during hard driving.

Click to expand...

It's more about the differental.

 

98stangv8

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Oct 3, 2003

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fayetteville, nc

Dec 7, 2005

#18

• Dec 7, 2005

• #18

My first time I went to the track, my 60 ft times were 2.2--2.3...the second time after installing upper and lowers, they were consistently 2.0...I went from 14 flat with no traction and spinning through the first 2.5 gears...to 13.56 and only spinning in first....some of that was just getting practice...but I noticed a big difference...
​

 

squares98

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Aug 20, 2004

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Orange,ca

Dec 7, 2005

#19

• Dec 7, 2005

• #19

what he said, Ive noticed after taking mine off(global west) that traction sucks, rear steer is rediculous, and wheel hop is just plain annoying. Sure the ride is nice and quiet now, but hard launches are no longer a piece of cake, and I have to slow down alot for turns i used to take with ease.

 

hognutz

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Nov 12, 2002

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albany, oregon

Dec 7, 2005

#20

• Dec 7, 2005

• #20

LCA are a must period. in drag racing uppers can help as well. uppers are a waste if you like conering as they just produce bind.

I like the MM spherical drag arms. they are dual purpose for me. they locate the rear very well and do not bind. best set of control arms I have ever run on any car period. global west makes a nice arm as well.

many of the cheap drag oriented arms blow in the turns which does not matter to some as they run soft springs and all the bind is not an issue cause the car handles like sh&t anyway. I like to have as much of both as I can so the MM and global west products are great.