Torque Arm Pros & Cons

chriscash · Sep 11, 2013

I have a '90 gt with a 347 swap, subframes, adjustable lower control arms, tubular uppers, kyb gas-a-just shocks and run nitto 555 275/45zr17 tires. My problem is not grip, i seem to have more then the car can handle since i keep breaking my upper torque boxes. I know that you can get the reinforcements but to me it seems like more like a patch then a solution. I have read a little about the torque arm kits from maximum motorsports but i would like real world opinions on them. I drive the car daily but race frequently so i dont want to compromise tooo much comfort for handling.

MFE92 · Sep 11, 2013

They're fantastic for cornering, in fact they're so good for cornering, you have to re-learn how to drive the car so you can fully trust that the car no longer wants bite you in the ass when hits the fan. But, they're heavy. And they require a lateral locating device such as a panhard bar or a watts link, further positively locating the rear end, but adding weight and expense in the process. They take up room and may require exhaust modifications.

chriscash · Sep 11, 2013

i heard from someone that they needed shock relocation to function properly...is this true?

MFE92 · Sep 11, 2013

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

didnt think so thanks for the help!! did you notice a big difference in take off as well or just cornering?

84Ttop · Sep 12, 2013

The factory four link works so well in these cars I see no need for the torque arm unless you road race. How exactly do you keep breaking the upper boxes? Pics help a lot. While I have seen some very badly torn up stock torque boxes the remedies and preventative measures are not all that costly if you can do them yourself.

jrichker · Sep 12, 2013

There may be some ground clearance issues that you won't notice until the first time you go up a steep driveway or entrance to a parking garage.

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

They have been breaking from general street use. I have had 2 pro welders try fix them then i tried myself and still break. And the problem is as well is that no one here has been able to push them back into their proper places and with them welded my axle was sitting off center. So im not even considering fixing them i want to get rid of them once and for all

Noobz347 · Sep 12, 2013

This isn't an accusation but an observation... I think maybe you needed to ask questions LONG before you got to this point. Wore out from general street use, my Aunt Fanny. An improper use and/or combination of control arms and control arm bushings are what is usually responsible for torque box breakage. Suspension bind induced by street driving and an incorrectly assembled 4-link.

The purpose of my saying all of that is so you don't get this all fixed up and end up right back where you are. I'm with 84TTop in thinking that a torque arm is not what you need. What you need is a properly setup 4-link.

The immediate concern though, is getting your upper torque boxes CORRECTLY repaired and aligned. This is a good place to start:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335821607&icep_item=321027220491

BTW... I tried once having a 'professional welder' make me a cake. It wasn't very good. Find yourself someone that KNOWS SUSPENSIONS to get that torque box replacement properly installed.

CarMichael Angelo · Sep 12, 2013

Damn it noobz,...Stole my reply.

I would've been more sarcastic though,.... good job keeping it all constructive and s hit.

Noobz347 · Sep 12, 2013

madmike1157 said:
Damn it noobz,...Stole my reply.

I would've been more sarcastic though,.... good job keeping it all constructive and s hit.

Sorry man... I didn't know it was your turn.

84Ttop · Sep 12, 2013

Noobz347 said:
The immediate concern though, is getting your upper torque boxes CORRECTLY repaired and aligned. This is a good place to start:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335821607&icep_item=321027220491

Here is my fix to that problem, Exactly this ^^^

84Ttop · Sep 12, 2013

I would like to know exactly what you are breaking? Pics definitely help

Noobz347 · Sep 12, 2013

Those things are preeeetty!

madspeed · Sep 12, 2013

sounds like he's def gonna need one of them

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

i live in the bahamas so there is no one who really knows how to fix it. the replacement there actually looks great. i didnt know that you could get those. thanks sooooooo much for the help guys really appreciate it i think i will go with that replacement for sure. i think ill change out my control arms same time. what do you guys suggest to put in? i definitely want adjustable lowers but what brand should i go with?

madspeed · Sep 12, 2013

where at in the bohemian world? my sis lived a mile or so from the bridge to Paradise Island. Spent some good times thee in February!

You in the service?

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

well not sure about adjustable
its whatever you guys suggest

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

no i live in grand bahama the island closest to florida

chriscash · Sep 12, 2013

84Ttop said:
I would like to know exactly what you are breaking? Pics definitely help

i sadly dont have any pics but they pull away from the main frame rails on the sides and the cross plate cracks

Torque Arm Pros & Cons

chriscash

Member

MFE92

chriscash

Member

MFE92

chriscash

Member

84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL

chriscash

Member

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

chriscash

Member

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

chriscash

Member

chriscash

Member

chriscash

Member

Similar threads

Torque Arm Pros & Cons

Member

Member

Member

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

StangNet's favorite TOOL

Member

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

Colonel Mustard

Member

Colonel Mustard

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency