Thread: Adjustable B13 Rear LCAs, gauging interest.

Welded up the first lower control arm today, they are beefy! I'm going to compare the stock lower control arms, to the aluminum and chromoly designs and report back with the mass differences. And the little boots fit awesome...these should really help keep contaminants out of the rod end.

nice!

Those aluminum ones look plenty good for non-rally use.
Thanks for the background on the rod-end quality ranges.
In for weights!

Couldnt have said it better,Ben
Those look very well built.

I see spots for a wrench on the aluminum tube to turn them (if they get stubborn over the years) but no spot on the steel ones. Hmmm?

Im down for sure

Stock lca with bushing inserts = 1 lb 13 oz


Aluminum radius rods 1.0 in. OD w/ .220 wall = 1lb 9 oz


Chromoly radius rods 1 1/8 in. OD w/ .083 wall = 2lb 1/2 oz


I have been trying to source a vendor that already has weldable tube ends w/ a hex built into them...haven't found one yet. I may have to purchase hex bar stock and have my lathe guy turn them specifically for this size. The hex is nice and does allow for super easy adjustment.

I'm quite satisfied with the aluminum offering.
Let me know what options (quality grades) I have for rod ends directly from you (or should I be sourcing those myself?) and let me know when you'll be ready to ship a set (four complete bars total including protective boots). We can talk price, and I'll place an order. Just give me the word.

Aluminum vs chromoly. Applications i.e street/rally/roadrace?

Here's the pricing.

Aluminum B13 Rear LCAs
$285 w/ economy style rod ends.


The aluminum version is only recommended for street, road race, and drag race applications and will need to be periodically inspected/maintained. With your choice of rod end, the aluminum kits will include:
(4) CNC machined radius rods with wrench flats.
(16) CNC machined steel rod end spacers.
(4) RH jam nuts
(4) LH jam nuts
(8) Protective rubber boots.



Chromoly B13 Rear LCAs
$315 w/ economy style rod ends.T

The chromoly version is very versatile and recommended for street, road race, drag race, and rally race applications. Also with your choice of rod end, the chromoly kits will include:
(4) TIG welded radius rods.
(16) CNC machined steel rod end spacers.
(4) RH jam nuts
(4) LH jam nuts
(8) Protective rubber boots.

Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Here's a list off the top of my head.

Aluminum Pros:
-Greater corrosion resistance, does not require coating or paint
-Comes standard with wrench flats for easy installation and maintenance.
-Less mass compared to the chromoly version
-Less expensive to machine and fabricate
-Widely available

Aluminum Cons:
-Will only accept 5/8-18 shank rod ends.
-Less fatigue strength compared to the chromoly version. This means that you should periodically inspect the control arms for any signs of damage or stress.

Chromoly Pros:
-Can be fabricated with either 5/8-18 or 3/4-16 shank rod ends.
-Greater fatigue strength compared to the aluminum version. Less maintenance required...these will most likely out last the car!
-Very versatile, can be used in many different applications.
-Has pretty TIG welds

Chromoly Cons:
-Will need a protective coating to prevent corrosion/rust.
-Currently does not include wrench flats, but we're working on a solution.
-Greater mass compared to the aluminum version.
-Custom made, not always available.
-More $