Another LCA question

Moshbmx1
12-13-2007, 12:36 AM
Looking at the UMI relocs and lca's. Ive read that adjustable is only really needed for cars running 28", big tires, and I dont plan on running these tall of tires. Ive also read that if you want "the best" to go with adj too. Are they really necessary??

teke184
12-13-2007, 07:30 AM
what exactly defines "the best"??

if by the fact that you'll have the adjustment if you ever DO want to run big tires...then i guess they are the best choice.

but the best at doing what 99% of people need them to do....they are overkill.

save some money...get regular ones

Moshbmx1
12-13-2007, 11:19 AM
Best meaning that from what Ive read they say that having the ability to tweak and adjust all components of ones suspension gives them the "best", which I can understand. However, will the LCA's ever need adjusting...doubt it. Looks like im going with the non-adj

Sam Strano
12-13-2007, 12:32 PM
Bad idea.... Non-adjustables are the ones that bind the axle.

I'd recommend single-adjusts, and they do have a use. No car I've ever seen has the rear axle perfectly straight and adjustable arms are a simple easy way to make sure the axle goes dead ahead. And frankly for $179, it's not worth skimping especially when you also take care of the stiction and binding issues that boxed or tubular LCA's with poly bushings cause. They are fine for drag racing, but not so much for handling and such...

As for the LCA brackets. Do you need them? They again will monkey with handling. If you have wheelhop, or just want to upgrade I'd start with only the single adjustable arms and see what happens. If you have hop, it's very likely the LCA's will cure it. If not we can investigate LCA brackets.

Moshbmx1
12-13-2007, 02:56 PM
I was planning on giving you a call today Sam. Yea, i have horrible wheel hop, thought i was going to break something. So the single adj UMI LCA's are where I should start? Whats the best way to make sure that Ive got them adjusted properly?

Sam Strano
12-13-2007, 03:51 PM
You start with them @ stock length... you really need an alignment rack to know you have the axle 100% straight. The length does not effect the hop, that gets helped by just not having all the bushing deflection and actually wind-up in the stock arm.

Moshbmx1
12-13-2007, 04:26 PM
Alignment racks probably arent that common in most alignment/performance shops are they?

Moshbmx1
12-26-2007, 02:20 PM
Parents got me the Single Adj UMI LCAs for christmas..courtesy of Strano of course :D Now just gotta wait to get the car out of storage to put em on....and the TA rearend cover

firebirdStud
12-26-2007, 09:43 PM
Most dealerships have alignment racks. Buddy up to someone who works there. I dont have to, cuz I already work at a GM dealership. So, How long are those rod ends on the single adjustable ones supposed to last?

Moshbmx1
12-27-2007, 11:46 AM
Most dealerships have alignment racks. Buddy up to someone who works there. I dont have to, cuz I already work at a GM dealership. So, How long are those rod ends on the single adjustable ones supposed to last?

Im assuming a long time....?

Sam Strano
12-27-2007, 11:58 AM
Rod-ends are quite tough... they "last" forever. As they wear they can develop a little play (a few thousandths) which can make a bit of a clunk, but that's now worn-out by any means.

It's the price you pay for easy to replace, relatively inexpensive parts that do not bind. Replacement ends of good quality, which is what UMI uses, not $5 junkers are about $30or so each if you need more, and that is really, really rare.

firebirdStud
12-27-2007, 01:11 PM
ok, good to know sam. thanks!