Treehousing Racing CAB replacements

[Spaz]

if i recall correctly, didn't someone did a strength comparison between the aul, arms and the steel arms?

if i am right i believe the ball joints where made out of harder material being longer lasting and having less play. and besides, unprung weight is some of the best weight to reduce.

feel free to correct me i'm going off the top of my head with 5 mins till work.

-cam

[UNHCLL]

Nope, you're on the right track Cam!

Yes, Unsprung weight is the best weight to remove. :up: However, ~3lbs per control arm isnt worth it for daily driven cars who dont see excessive track usage. Its not worth the $250/ea for the occasional auto-X.

Alu arms fatigue and wear out quicker than Steel. But their balljoints are a bit more durable like Stu said. Again, for a racer, it may be worth it... but most racers replace CA's after every 8-10 Club races. Gets very expensive very quick.

But, thats just my opinion, and we've all got one... just like we've all got assholes.

Ryan, I've been an ass. My apologies, but you're attitude is just childish like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum. Something I cant stand. But thats no excuse for my remarks. Sorry about that.

[Ryan Stewart]

The built ball joints is one BIG point of the alum arms. Every BMW I have had to replace control arms on has been because of an ailing ball joint. Its the first stop for diagnosis of a front end problem on a car that is 3+ years old.

Replacing a control arm every 10 club races doesnt seem that bad to me. Seeing as how I do mostly auto-x that would me I would have to change them at a max every year. If I actually wore them out, which I havent been able to do yet other than the joints themselves.

[Spaz]

The built ball joints is one BIG point of the alum arms. Every BMW I have had to replace control arms on has been because of an ailing ball joint. Its the first stop for diagnosis of a front end problem on a car that is 3+ years old.

Replacing a control arm every 10 club races doesnt seem that bad to me. Seeing as how I do mostly auto-x that would me I would have to change them at a max every year. If I actually wore them out, which I havent been able to do yet other than the joints themselves.

you know u can replace just the ball joints them self's, its a common misconception that you have to replace the whole arm when one ball joint fails.

basicly levager at a dealer to sell you more....ie making more, and besides the tech makes less money replacing an arm, then replacing the ball joint it self....and well dealers don;t want to pay out to much wages.

[Ryan Stewart]

But is it that much more economical to buy and press in a built set of ball joints than to just buy another arm?

[Spaz]

But is it that much more economical to buy and press in a built set of ball joints than to just buy another arm?

well, my price on oem Lemforder, steel control arm is about 169.54 (list 225.00) cdn

and
my price on the again oem lemforder

inner ball joint is 33.44 (list 59.65)
outer ball joint 35.59 (list 64.82)

and since i can press it in my self, i just saved around 100 cdn.

my price varies though...depending on how much i bought from the supplier the previous month

remeber these are canadian prices, and i found them quick :P


and just for kicks aluminum m3 arms

Genuine 562.48 (list 712.00)
Heyd [oem?] 355.32 (list 760.03)

suspringly they have this alll in stock next day deliviery


again all cdn prices....if u want a part let me know and i can get it for u


-cam

[nando]

you guys bitch about the cost of aluminum arms.. ix arms cost just as much, but they don't weigh any less. they do come with beefier inner ball joints at least (mine are the originals with 158k, still no play..)

[Spaz]

you guys bitch about the cost of aluminum arms.. ix arms cost just as much, but they don't weigh any less. they do come with beefier inner ball joints at least (mine are the originals with 158k, still no play..)

only because u are special!

[Rosica]

Benefit Analysis

Al Arms
- Pro's
Stronger ball joints
Lighter
Bling Factor

- Con's
Cost ~$130
Ball joints are not replaceable
Most weight is not unsprung
They are weaker than Steel

Steel Arms
- Pro's
Replaceable Ball Joints
Cost ~$70
They are stronger than AL

- Con's
Heavier


Make your own decisions, I vote for Steel.

[rwh11385]

edit: methinks I could have been right the first time. Sorry guys, but hard to visualize exactly which way it was moving if its been like 6 months. car is on jack right now.