Rear upper control arms

red82gt · 07-26-2000, 11:07 PM

I was thinking about getting a panhard rod to control axle movement in corners but I can't afford it right now. I was wondering if upper control arms make a noticeable difference in lateral stability. For the future I am planning lower control arms (Maximum Motorsports or Global West) so I'd need something that will work with these but I don't think either company makes uppers. Or will the lowers make a noticeable difference? I need help on this one.

------------------
GT-40 heads (ported, polished, + milled), B303 cam, 1.7rr's, JE pistons, Offy intake, Holley carb, Flowtech 1 5/8" shortys, Flowtech X-pipe, MAC Flowpath exhaust, MAC pulleys, 373's, subframes, Eibachs+Tokicos, B+M ripper, FMS Clutch, Zoom Quadrant+cable, 17" CSA Ultra rims, 235/45ZR17 Yokohama AVS S4's, Carbed, Naturally Aspirated, and Nasty!

Skankin · 07-31-2000, 03:09 PM

The GW's have the Del-alum bushing on the axle side, and is suppose to laterally locate the axle. Apparantly it does do a good job, but there is some bind associated with it... and thus it isn't possible to use a panhard rod with the GW LCA's (as the panhard goes through it's arc, the axle must move laterally... but the GW's prevent it).

Just using the GW LCA's is probably the simplest band-aid solution.

The upper control arms are crap... but ones with stiffer bushings are even WORSE. They are angled so that they bind, and reduce the lateral motion of the axle. Using firmer uppers will eliminate the 'snap' oversteer, but it adds even more bind... it's arguably better than stock for the dragstrip, but it's not a good idea for handling (factory five does sell a cheap, complete set).

Also, the UCA's inclination (upwards towards the front) causes AWEFUL rear jacking when breaking. It'd be best to think about getting rid of the uppers... check out the "Lateral location of rear axle" post for some other options.

drudis · 08-01-2000, 11:10 AM

Either OR (not both).
Decide on a company, and stick with it. Panhards and control arms are a dangerous combination IF you go between companies (not designed for it).
Stick with ONE company. Personally, I like Griggs. Then get the "kit" one piece at a time as money falls from the sky :-) Get the whole enchalada kit over a period of time, but DONT mix/match companies.

------------------
Darius Rudis
Roadracer: Home built t-arm/panhard suspension powered by an S-trimmed motor :-)
My Mustang Page

07-26-2000, 11:07 PM	#1
red82gt Sober voice of Reason Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Kelowna, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,514	Rear upper control arms I was thinking about getting a panhard rod to control axle movement in corners but I can't afford it right now. I was wondering if upper control arms make a noticeable difference in lateral stability. For the future I am planning lower control arms (Maximum Motorsports or Global West) so I'd need something that will work with these but I don't think either company makes uppers. Or will the lowers make a noticeable difference? I need help on this one. ------------------ GT-40 heads (ported, polished, + milled), B303 cam, 1.7rr's, JE pistons, Offy intake, Holley carb, Flowtech 1 5/8" shortys, Flowtech X-pipe, MAC Flowpath exhaust, MAC pulleys, 373's, subframes, Eibachs+Tokicos, B+M ripper, FMS Clutch, Zoom Quadrant+cable, 17" CSA Ultra rims, 235/45ZR17 Yokohama AVS S4's, Carbed, Naturally Aspirated, and Nasty!

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07-31-2000, 03:09 PM	#2
Skankin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,349	The GW's have the Del-alum bushing on the axle side, and is suppose to laterally locate the axle. Apparantly it does do a good job, but there is some bind associated with it... and thus it isn't possible to use a panhard rod with the GW LCA's (as the panhard goes through it's arc, the axle must move laterally... but the GW's prevent it). Just using the GW LCA's is probably the simplest band-aid solution. The upper control arms are crap... but ones with stiffer bushings are even WORSE. They are angled so that they bind, and reduce the lateral motion of the axle. Using firmer uppers will eliminate the 'snap' oversteer, but it adds even more bind... it's arguably better than stock for the dragstrip, but it's not a good idea for handling (factory five does sell a cheap, complete set). Also, the UCA's inclination (upwards towards the front) causes AWEFUL rear jacking when breaking. It'd be best to think about getting rid of the uppers... check out the "Lateral location of rear axle" post for some other options.

08-01-2000, 11:10 AM	#3
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	Either OR (not both). Decide on a company, and stick with it. Panhards and control arms are a dangerous combination IF you go between companies (not designed for it). Stick with ONE company. Personally, I like Griggs. Then get the "kit" one piece at a time as money falls from the sky :-) Get the whole enchalada kit over a period of time, but DONT mix/match companies. ------------------ Darius Rudis Roadracer: Home built t-arm/panhard suspension powered by an S-trimmed motor :-) My Mustang Page