Is there any advantage in getting the adjustable LCAs vs the regular tubular model? Every post I have read so far where people have installed new LCAs have set the adjustable arm to stock length. Any reason to spend the extra $$$?

 

Thank's for the instruction's! Mine should be here Friday, can't wait!

 

I had the same question a while back. The adjustable ones let you alter your pinion angle should the need arise. I'm going with the nonadjustable BMR's--seem like the best deal out there right now, and look to be nice designs.

 

I bought the adjustable ones because I plan on lowering my car. When you lower the car the pinion angle will change. I wanted to be able to correct that.

 

So if you go with the Eibach Pro Kit springs you should buy the adjustable lower control arms?

 

IMO:I would say you would want the adjustable LCA if you are going to lower it. I'm leaving mine stock hieght, so that's why I went with the non-adjustable one's.

 

I'm not saying you have too but I wanted the ability to adjust the pinion angle if it changes (and I believe that lowering the 05 by 1"or more will change that angle). If you are not planning on taking your mustang to the drag strip pinion angle becomes less of an issue.
If you have an automatic it will probably be even less of an issue.
If however you have a manual transmission you want to keep that pinion angle around -3 degrees, other wise U-joints and drive shafts will take a beating. The chance of breaking stuff increases with the manual.
I'm still not sure which springs I'm going to end up with, either the pro's or the sportlines. But either set is going to require a rework of both the front and rear suspension to get things working correctly again. Having the ability to tweak the settings is never a bad thing. Cough cough.

Let me just add that in my previous life I was an alignment specialist. So I probably remember enough to be dangerous now

 

A drive-on style lift would keep the rear end from twisting, but you wouldn't be able to get to the e-brake cable. I'd recommend Boss Hog's method of putting jackstands under the axle - he advised me that this kept the rear from twisting since this also kept the suspension fully loaded

 

Using the theory that when you lower the car you should put on adjustable lower control arms. Lots of people have lowered their cars but I'm not sure how many of them have changed the LCA's? So even if I don't plan on going to the dragstrip and lower my car I should put on LCA to adjust the pinion angle? I have a 5 spd on order and have the Eibach springs and now I have to buy adj LCA's? :cry:

 

I want to check, but I THINK that lowering the car will actually improve the pinion angle. From what I have heard, a negative 2.5 degrees is a good place to start for drag racing (and no, I do NOT have a clue why!). On the 05, the upper arm is shorter than the lower arms. When you lower the car, you will be pitching the pinion down, to a more negative position.

The reason I want to check the actual angle is that I have no idea how much it is going to change it. It might be too much, at which point you need adjustable lower or upper arms to correct.

 

OK, since this question seems to be popping up more and more, I just emailed Steeda about the need for adjustable LCA's with a suspension drop. I'll post as soon as they get back to me. B)

 

In case you want to read while you wait.

Pinion angle

 

Posted a great response from Gus at Steeda in this thread: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...&st=0&p=283333&

 

Excellent Thread, posts and pictures. Thank you to all.

Of all the articles and publications that I have read regarding the new stang, the only real re-occuring negative comment I see that is not overwhelmingly subjective are those regarding the problem addressed with this mod.

That having been said, I am under the impression that all references to the elimination of the "hop" are refering specifically to that which happens under heavy excelaration. Assuming I am under the right impression, I am wonder what effect, if any, this mod has on the "hop" which reportedly occurs when cornering over rough or broken pavement.
:scratch:

 

Here's a response from BMR that I recieved today.

"Since you are not planning on racing the car, the non-adjustable control arms would work just fine. I would also recommend a set of control arm relocation brackets to improve the control arm angle and also an adjustable panhard rod to center the rear axle. Both of these will benefit you when you lower the car. Let us know when you are ready."

Thanks,
BMR Sales

 

Thanks for the additional info. Based on other posts, it seems like the adjustable panhard rod is not necessary with a mild drop. The control arm relocation brackets are interesting, though. Wonder if they are really needed, though. Also, they look like they bolt on, but then the description by the price says "weld in." More answers, more questions...

 

A post-install and driving with them for a week note: Folks if you get LCA's with urethane bushings at one or both ends, make sure you grease them! I did attempt to grease mine immediately after installation, but my grease gun conveniently ran dry So I didn't get to grease them until yesterday when I bought a new tube of grease. Before fully lubing them, I'd hear a clunking sound when turning sometimes, and sometimes when shifting. Now after properly greasing them, they're rock solid and no noises of any kind. I had to buy a special fitting for my grease gun for the front grease fitting since the space is limited, so keep that in mind.

 

Mod Guru's:

Can anyone offer any insight into the question above?

 

Bump.


No one answered his question.

Also, I am not sure if we came to a consenus or not.

Are Adjustable LCA's required when lowering the car? Just the relocation brackets? Both?

 

Richard,
I'll take a shot at the answers.

1. I don't think the arms will help a whole lot on the "rough pavement cornering hop" problem. I hate to say it but I believe that problem is more a result of the solid axle than it is the soft control arms.

2. Lowering your car will change the pinion angle . . . BUT the arms are very nearly level in stock form so the amount the pinion angle would change should be very small amount. I doubt it would be enough to cause a problem.

The Boss Hog . . . . just my opinion