I'm looking to get the Steeda LCA and UCA mainly for for improve handling ,I don't race or anything.. what are the difference between aluminum and steel other than weigh?? The aluminum UCA and LCA combo is about $180 more than the steel, wonder if its worth it...thanks for any input
You will always pay more for an aluminum Mustang product. Some claim that the aluminum arms are stronger, but IMO, how can you go wrong with some quality steel arms. I tell ya what....
If you buy steel ones, go with HPMR Mega Bite Jr's. They are HD, made of high quality steel.
If you buy aluminum, go with Steedas. They are high quality aluminum.
Seriously, for the average joe like u or I, the weight difference isn't worth the price. Now if ur into racing as more than just a hobby and are trying to make money, thats a whole other ball game.
EDIT: B/C I can't seem to type a complete thought today... Should read a bit better now.
When it comes to steel vs aluminum in any structural suspension compontent, the idea that comes to mind is weight.
However, for the aluminum arms to be as strong as the steel ones, much thicker aluminum must be used... I would ask the manufacturer what the arms weigh...and the thickness and alloy of the material used.
A steel arm made from 1.75" DOM steel tubing might have 1/8" thick walls... the similar strength aluminum arms would be the same diameter, but most likely 2-3 times the wall thickness..
what im trying to get at is, with smaller components, the weigh difference between steel and aluminum(when they both have to meet the same strength req) is usually very minimal. And IMO not worth the $.
If its something large where the weight of the aluminum one is 60% or less than the steel one, i say its definatley worth it.
I doubt your talking about more than .5lb savings on the control arms. Id save your money and put it towards motor, suspension and brakes. Then when you cant get the car to go any faster, handle any better, or stop any faster; then you start worrying about lightening the car...
youve gotta be pretty serious for that
I bought a set of aluminum Steeda LCA's from ebay and was going to put them in soon as a got a new set of bushings for them. Then, 2 weeks later, at the Steeda Stampede I won a set of the Steel Steeda LCA's in a raffle (fancy that). When I got them home I compared the aluminum to the steel. They are basically the same thing IMO. The aluminum didnt really feel noticeably lighter at all. And for a $85 price difference I wouldnt guess thats worth it. But if your interested in some aluminums Ill sell you mine for $170. They just need a set of bushings from Steeda(about $35).