2G Tubular front k-member build - share ideas!

[99gst_racer]

Arms welded up. I'm going to temper them and turn the standoffs tomorrow.

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[greengoblin]

Looking good sir!

 

[99gst_racer]

Just finished the LCA's last night and they're shipping out today to be put to use. I'm very happy with how they turned out too.

I threw them on my UPS scale this morning. They came in 30% lighter than the OE arm, so not too shabby. OE arm = 5.0 lbs, 4130 arm = 3.5 lbs. So total weight savings = 3.0 lbs. IMO, I overbuilt these using the tubing that I used. I definitely erred on the heavy/strong side. I could probably safely pull more weight out with a thinner wall tube, but I don't think I'm even going to try it. If I can build them like tanks and still save 30% weight, that's OK with me.

The greasing system runs like a swiss watch. They pump full without creating a mess and the grease pushes through the flutes on the ball to let you know it's full.

Aside from the weight savings, other benefits include:
• A stonger, rebuildable, and greasable balljoint
• ~1/2" drop on the outboard pivot, which helps raise the roll center
• ~1/2" more shock travel (lowered mount)
• All sphericals, so no more bushing deflection

Let me know what you guys think of them.
I'll be sure to post updates with how they do on the car.

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[Blurred Talon]

Bad ass!
When I need new LCAs I know where to go.

Now make some adjustable uppers

 

[snowborder714]

They're sexy

 

[godschylde777]

are these for sale yet? if so id like a set.

 

[gixxerdrew]

These are going to be tested on my car. I think its safe to say the loads I will put them through are beyond what normal people will see. With the extra roll center I will drop the front down a bit more. Also I will adjust my front upper control arms outboard get a bit more front track out of the deal as well. Also will narrow the rear track a smidge the car should be handling quite nice. Looking forward to this.

 

[gho5tone]

Oh man if you're testing it then I am sold on these.

 

[Miasma]

Are you also still selling the front sub frame. I've been following the progress of this and I'm interested in getting one from you soon, however the rear engine mount position for my setup would need to be modified.

Because my car is a gs model, which I'm converting into an awd evo 8 swap I require a different sub frame to clear the t-case. The rear engine mount is on the opposite side from that of the gst/gsx subframe. I would be able to measure it and let you know where I would need the new the mount located, if you think that is possible? Im thinking of pursuing this over the next few months, so please let me know.

 

[SpoolinTalonAWD]

Wow. Those front lower control arms look amazing. I only pray these will be affordable enough for us street car guys.

Keep up the great work!

 

[godschylde777]

well are they ready for Gracy?

 

[dexterholland04]

I'm still really interested. Trying to get a hold of you, Paul!

 

[BLACKCARBON]

any updates?

 

[99gst_racer]

No updates...

 

[warren]

If you would sell I be more intersted in this

 

[boost97gst]

If these are even double the cost of stockers they are WELL worth it, IMO. You will have backorders for some time the demand will be so high.

 

[Killa_dsm]

I would definitely be interested in a set as well. I will be holding off from buying stock replacements for a bit to see how this turns out.

 

[BLACKCARBON]

any news on the subframe?

 

[T2Small]

Regarding the LCAs, they look fantastic and I'd love to have a set! It's time to retire my old set of spherical bearing control arms and I'd love to have a bit more suspension travel, and correct the roll center geometry.

However, I am interesting in how much misalignment those bearings allow. The sway bar forces act on one side of the shock fork and with two spherical bearings installed in that arm, the shock fork easily rotates with sway bar forces, and this in turn will also rotate the LCA. In my case the shock fork and LCA both rotate to the limits of the spherical bearing misalignment. This creates for some odd knocking noises.

However, with an older (second) set of control arms that I had custom built with high misalignment spherical bearings, I have no issues. These bearings allow the control arm to rotate just enough to not have this issue. The arm rotates but not far enough to hit the limits. (Last night I swapped the newer set for these older ones for tomorrow's autox as I was chasing down some ugly suspension noises.)

Because your LCAs are not the stock profile it is very possible that you won't run in to these issues at all, but it's worth double checking.

 

[warren]

I want one !

 

[Critic4Du3ce]

 

[99gst_racer]

If these are even double the cost of stockers they are WELL worth it, IMO. You will have backorders for some time the demand will be so high.

The balljoint alone that I use costs a good amount more than a stock arm...

any news on the subframe?

I'm house shopping right now, and once I get settled back into a new workspace, I'll be going again on this project. Meanwhile, here's a pic of the prototype arm set on Andrew Brilliant's time attack 2G in Australia right now.

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[OneMoreVR4]

thats a huge project. good luck man. id use the stock steering rack. less headaches i would imagine

 

[spyderdrifter]

Since they're in the same location, you planning anything for the front trailing arms and/or the wheel spindles? I think a full package of tubular K-member with all control arms (upper and lower) and spindles would be bad ass.

 

[eclipsegsx1736]

Any updates on the front LCAs? Would love to pick up a set for the race car