Ridetech Control Arm updates? - Page 4 - Lateral-g Forums

Smoker03 · #31 06-26-2013, 06:07 AM

I received the revised 1st gen F-body arms yesterday. They look great. They only come with the zero offset slugs, so I'll have to order up some of the offset slugs to get the caster where I need it. Other than that they seem to be a very high quality piece. I just got off the phone with Ridetech and they are sending me the offset caster slugs. That is excellent customer service and product support. Light years ahead of my previous suspension supplier.

BBC71Nova · #32 06-27-2013, 04:17 AM

Hmmm. The temptation builds. Me want...

Smoker03 · #33 06-27-2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBC71Nova

Hmmm. The temptation builds. Me want...

Pull the trigger. I am very happy with the quality of their parts. I've used a mix bag of parts before on other cars that worked, but a fully engineered system is the way to go. Do it once and do it right. You will save time and money in the long run.

Rick Dorion · #34 06-28-2013, 01:23 PM

At 2012 SEMA it was announced that all strongarms would go delrin. I was pretty psyched as I had just acquired my B-body. Apparently, the announcement isn't really true? From this thread it seems there isn't a rollout plan to convert all types? I'd be happy for a projected date!

camsdad · #35 06-28-2013, 05:18 PM

Is there or will there be a set available for a 1st gen f-body using 3" drop coil springs and shocks?

**marolf101x** · #36 06-28-2013, 06:07 PM

Rick,

I apologize if we were unclear at SEMA.
The Delrin bushings are designed as a direct replacement for our poly bushings. As such, any control arm that has a poly bushing will be changing to Delrin as soon as we can get everything changed over.

However, some of our control arms were designed to use the OE style rubber bushings. (especially control arms that use the OE cross shafts, like the 58-64 Impala, tri-5 Chevy, etc). The 65-70 B-Body uses rubber, but we make the cross shafts, so the change is easier. We just have to go through all the applications we have and re-design everything to fit the new bushings, then test fit them on a vehicle to make sure it all works. Since Delrin does not "move" it is very "dimension critical" to make it fit in the vehicle. I will not release a part that we "think" will fit. . .we have to know for sure.

Most applications will change. . .but some may need to retain the OE rubber bushing. For example, the 58-64 Impala uses an odd cross shaft that is "bent" in the middle to allow clearance for the steering shaft. Obviously these are much more "design intense" and will require more time.

**marolf101x** · #37 06-28-2013, 06:10 PM

kurt,

At this time we do not offer a control arm that uses a "stock style" coil spring and shock. Everything we do is for Shockwaves or coil-overs.
There may come a day when we make traditional "large spring, small shock" control arms, but it's a ways off.

Rick Dorion · #38 06-28-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marolf101x

Rick,

I apologize if we were unclear at SEMA.
The Delrin bushings are designed as a direct replacement for our poly bushings. As such, any control arm that has a poly bushing will be changing to Delrin as soon as we can get everything changed over.

However, some of our control arms were designed to use the OE style rubber bushings. (especially control arms that use the OE cross shafts, like the 58-64 Impala, tri-5 Chevy, etc). The 65-70 B-Body uses rubber, but we make the cross shafts, so the change is easier. We just have to go through all the applications we have and re-design everything to fit the new bushings, then test fit them on a vehicle to make sure it all works. Since Delrin does not "move" it is very "dimension critical" to make it fit in the vehicle. I will not release a part that we "think" will fit. . .we have to know for sure.

Most applications will change. . .but some may need to retain the OE rubber bushing. For example, the 58-64 Impala uses an odd cross shaft that is "bent" in the middle to allow clearance for the steering shaft. Obviously these are much more "design intense" and will require more time.

Thanks alot for the clarification!

camsdad · #39 06-28-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marolf101x

kurt,

At this time we do not offer a control arm that uses a "stock style" coil spring and shock. Everything we do is for Shockwaves or coil-overs.
There may come a day when we make traditional "large spring, small shock" control arms, but it's a ways off.

That's what I figured.... Damm!
Thank you for your reply.