Need control arm bushings...what to go with?

[nando]

If you're a badass mother fucker like me, get the Treehouse CABs. If not, OE M3 bushings.

treehouse bushings are a bad idea on an ix. if I rub (slightly) with M3 offset, imagine what it would do with even more caster.

[Skafrog]

even more caster?
Take a look at the thread about Treehouse Caster talk, and look at my printouts.
Don't start throwing assumptions around.
FWIW, I have 225/50's on Ronals, and I only rub the swaybar at full lock.

[nando]

even more caster?
Take a look at the thread about Treehouse Caster talk, and look at my printouts.
Don't start throwing assumptions around.
FWIW, I have 225/50's on Ronals, and I only rub the swaybar at full lock.

you also don't drive an ix. :roll:

[Skafrog]

this is true, but not the point of my reply.

[nando]

I thought the whole point of THR bushings was more caster for the E36 5-lug swap? and what about the comparison Trent made with the M3 offset bushings? there was definetly a difference there.

[Brew]

If you're a badass mother fucker like me, get the Treehouse CABs. If not, OE M3 bushings.

treehouse bushings are a bad idea on an ix. if I rub (slightly) with M3 offset, imagine what it would do with even more caster.

Whoops, didn't realize he had an ix.

[Grant]

ok, nando, tell me what you would do if you were me. too many opinions. im confused. yours is only one that matters.

[nando]

lol..

I'd go with rubber something or other. your car is otherwise stock anyway. I'm sure factory ix bushings will be more than enough, and they are still cheaper than M3 offset. especially if you're not replacing control arms yet, you can always go with something more agressive down the road. I'd expect those ball joints to go out at around 150k. then you can be like me and spend $220 each on new control arms ;)

[Grant]

lol..

I'd go with rubber something or other. your car is otherwise stock anyway. I'm sure factory ix bushings will be more than enough, and they are still cheaper than M3 offset. especially if you're not replacing control arms yet, you can always go with something more agressive down the road. I'd expect those ball joints to go out at around 150k. then you can be like me and spend $220 each on new control arms ;)

I need new arms too. Gimme a good setup and let me know what I'm in for dollarwise. My philosophy is that I will only do major modifications when the original parts go bad. The arms and bushings have gone bad, so let me know. I don't have a great desire to stay stock forever, so let me know what's good.

[hamann318is]

When I did my suspension overhaul, I went with urethane m3 bushings. Since I replaced many things, I can only guess that the braking responce was increased (from what I've read this is a result of the offset bushings).

It seems to me that the m3 urethane bushings are the inbetween stage between the OE M3 bushings and the Treehouse ones. www.bmwbushings.com is the site I believe.

It's something to consider at least. ;)

[nando]

lol..

I'd go with rubber something or other. your car is otherwise stock anyway. I'm sure factory ix bushings will be more than enough, and they are still cheaper than M3 offset. especially if you're not replacing control arms yet, you can always go with something more agressive down the road. I'd expect those ball joints to go out at around 150k. then you can be like me and spend $220 each on new control arms ;)

I need new arms too. Gimme a good setup and let me know what I'm in for dollarwise. My philosophy is that I will only do major modifications when the original parts go bad. The arms and bushings have gone bad, so let me know. I don't have a great desire to stay stock forever, so let me know what's good.

well M3 bushings can't hurt. They will also last longer than the stock ones, but keep in mind they are around $90 each, plus $220 each for the control arms. that's $620 just for a control arm replacement. I got lucky and found a right ix control arm on ebay for $135 (came today), had to pay full price for the left side though. I've spent so much money on my car this month it's not funny.. but it'll feel good when it's all done. :)

the offset geometry will improve straight line stability as well as turn in. the stock ix has almost no caster (at least compared to other E30s), so it makes a pretty noticeable difference. if it were me, I'd go with M3 offset; rubber or urethane is your preference. I'm sticking to rubber since 99% of my driving is on the street.

[Grant]

now that's a helpful response. thanks nando.