[elcaminodragster]

Well Im buying the rear suspension for my El Camino soon. I just wanted to run a few items by all of you to see what you think.

I know for a fact im getting these items. . . .

Lower control arms
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LAK-21312/
Mount braces
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HSS-1402/
Upper control arms I need some help on. Here is what im looking at. . .
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-402500-B/
OR
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-4017-B/ (not sure about the spherical bearing tho. Is that ok for the street)
OR
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GLS-TBC-82/ (again is the spherical bearing ok for street?)

 

[ericnova72]

All of it is good stuff, the poly bushed stuff will be adequate for the street and strip use, go to the spherical stuff if you are more heavily drag oriented than street oriented. Only downside to the spherical stuff is that it wears a little faster, and transfers more road noise and road feel into the passenger compartment.

 

[elcaminodragster]

Is all the stuff they say about bushing bind really that big of a concern? Because the spherical bearing kind of has me worried about dirt and grim getting to it. Causing it to wear and mess up badly. I mean it sounds like its a great idea but still Idk about it.

Im not worried about the road noise or harsh ride. I have energy suspension bushings through out the entire car including body mounts. I have a very loud exhaust system so noise is no big deal.

Will the spherical bearing last me 5yrs 10yrs depending on how I drive. I know thats a loaded question but I dont want to have to replace the thing every year thats all.

 

[ericnova72]

This is just a guess from using spherical ends on a ladder bar or 4-link, and that is 4000-7500 miles, but just keep an eye on them with a periodic inspection and maybe cleaning. They are really more of a race thing, Sounds like poly would be better for you.

 

[hotrod389]

i run spherical rod ends in some cars and bushings in others. it all depends what your doing and how much money you have.

i try to keep the cost down when it comes to my cars ( i have alot of em)
i own 2 A bodys currently. i have used spherical rod end rear bars, polyurathane bushings, and solid aluminum for the stock 4 link. they all work great, the poly ones create much less noise, while flexing upon launches.

it really depends on what kind of times your running, how much street use, and how much you really care about comfort.

my favorite thing so far is gutting out the stock 4 link and installing truck arms, with a pan hard...
launches so much nicer!!! a set of good coil overs and your set!

 

[elcaminodragster]

Well like I said a smooth ride and road noise is no big deal to me. Im not looking for a floating feeling while driving. Nor do I care about noise.

Im not sure how to explain the ride quality Im looking for. I do know that I want parts that can handle the weekend abuse on the strip and stand up to daily street driving.

Anyone know who makes UMI parts or even where they come from??? I mean the are a heck of a deal I just dont want to buy cheap quality parts.

 

[SSedan64]

http://www.umiperformance.com/ Good quality parts.

Specialize in the Truck arm suspension, not cheap.>> http://www.hotrodstohell.net/

Had a ElCo in one of these Mags, Chevy High or CarCraft.>> http://www.hotrodstohell.net/magazine_coverage/magazine_coverage.htm

 

[elcaminodragster]

Well I bought theses. . .
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-402500-B/

The spherical bearing just didnt seem right for the street to me. Im sure its very good for the strip but not the best option for the street.

Thank you for all your help I really appreciate it :thumbup:

Now does anyone know of a good quality tool to check pinion angle???

 

[aosborn]

Those look like good units. Be sure to put a wrench to the jam nuts every once in a while. For street driving the urethane bushings don't flex much which can cause the links to twist when cornering or going into driveways, loosening the jam nuts. Not a big deal if you keep up with it, and not as much of a factor if you have stiff suspension.

I use a digital angle finder to set pinion angles. I bought mine from Snap-on years ago, but I think even Harbor Freight has them now.

I agree with you that the spherical bearings are not the way to go on a street car.

Have fun,
Andy