SPL tension rods - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

95se · 11-20-2006, 01:05 PM

I am thinking about getting a set of these for my S14. Both of my lower control arms have cracked where the tension rod bolts into them since I installed energy suspension poly bushings in the tension rods back in 2001. So I'm thinking they might be causing the problems with the cracking of the LCA's. Well I was wondering if anyone has been using them for sometime and what they think of them. Any problems, noise issues, and how much rougher is the front end than having polyurethane bushings. I don't do any racing, its just a daily car. Let me know what ur thoughts are.

thanks

EchoOfSilence · 11-20-2006, 01:25 PM

Poly bushings have had problems in the past in the tension rods... they don't allow much play, and something (LCA) ends up having to give.

I have SPL's, and there are no complaints. not one. Get them

!Zar! · 11-20-2006, 01:50 PM

I have spl tension rods in both my s13 and s14.

No problems at all.

And if I ever did have any, Kuah would help me out for sure.

EndLeSS8 · 11-20-2006, 02:47 PM

I have them on my car, after the old OEM ones were leaking.

No probs at all. SPL has good customer service and very quick shipping.

sncs14 · 11-20-2006, 03:04 PM

SPL is #1 a-okay. You will have no regrets if you get any of their components.

McRussellPants · 11-20-2006, 03:15 PM

If you think your car's ride is abrasive with just tension rods you should prolly trade your car in for a lincoln on blown shocks.

gotta240 · 11-20-2006, 04:02 PM

spl with brake deflectors FTW.

My allignment guy said my spl's could only be adjusted to 6 caster at MAX. Anyone else have that problem? I want at least 8 from them....

is the allignment guy a retard or do they really only go to 6? I looked at them and they looked like they were maxed out(well, maxed in) to me.. whats up?

McRussellPants · 11-20-2006, 04:23 PM

mine went to 9.5

projectRDM · 11-20-2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95se

I am thinking about getting a set of these for my S14. Both of my lower control arms have cracked where the tension rod bolts into them since I installed energy suspension poly bushings in the tension rods back in 2001. So I'm thinking they might be causing the problems with the cracking of the LCA's. Well I was wondering if anyone has been using them for sometime and what they think of them. Any problems, noise issues, and how much rougher is the front end than having polyurethane bushings. I don't do any racing, its just a daily car. Let me know what ur thoughts are.

thanks

We've discussed this numerous times. ES has redesigned their TC rod bushings to prevent the LCA damage.

inertia · 11-20-2006, 04:44 PM

Youll never regret going SPL. i just recently under steered into a curb, at around 40+, My lca looks like a twizler, and the coilover ripped off at the top, and although the SPL tc did rip off also(which was expected to happen at that speed) BUT!! my spl tie rod is not even bent!!! i drove home 5 mies after the curb. ill snap pics tomorrow, but i was shocked to see that the tie rod had no damage.

TAMTANIUM · 11-20-2006, 08:24 PM

I just got SPL v2 tension rod for my car and they are awesome! I had tein before and they are no where near these bad ass SPL. They're so thick and beefy. The bushings are so sexy and nice. I think i like my tension rod more than anything on my car right now.

Jefferson · 11-20-2006, 09:25 PM

SPL is the only way to go for tension rods in my eyes. I did not fell the car any rougher than before when I installed them, but thats probally because I already coilovers and some of my rear multi-link.

Gotta240 -mine kind of did the same thing, it would only go to like 6.7 degrees. Kuah then sent me S13 ones since he said they were a tad shorter, now I can go to 9 degrees. This is on a S14 by the way

gotta240 · 11-20-2006, 11:21 PM

jefferson- thank you soooooo much for taking the time to reply. I think i need to talk to Kuah. He's been extremely helpfull in the past...hopefully we can work something out!

NiSilS14 · 11-21-2006, 12:54 AM

+1 on spl tension rods. I want to get the rest of their suspension arms. :-p

fromxtor · 11-21-2006, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Youll never regret going SPL. i just recently under steered into a curb, at around 40+, My lca looks like a twizler, and the coilover ripped off at the top, and although the SPL tc did rip off also(which was expected to happen at that speed) BUT!! my spl tie rod is not even bent!!! i drove home 5 mies after the curb. ill snap pics tomorrow, but i was shocked to see that the tie rod had no damage.

^^ Moral of the story SPL/Kuah rules, drifting on the streets is dumb

S13 Charlie · 11-21-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

spl with brake deflectors FTW.

My allignment guy said my spl's could only be adjusted to 6 caster at MAX. Anyone else have that problem? I want at least 8 from them....

is the allignment guy a retard or do they really only go to 6? I looked at them and they looked like they were maxed out(well, maxed in) to me.. whats up?

The alignment guy probably said that because the factory setting is 6 degrees. I went to an average alignment place and he didn't want to set it to anything else but 6 degrees. It's probably a liability thing. i.e. If you get in an accident, you can sue them for not setting your car up according to factory specs, etc. etc.

!Zar! · 11-21-2006, 09:54 AM

You can't dial in too much caster if you don't have adjustable toe linkages, because the more caster you dial in the more your toe changes.

gotta240 · 11-21-2006, 05:43 PM

excuse me for being a dumb ass, but aren't ajustable toe-links called tie rod ends in the front?

And to the previous reply. NO, he is not doing that for liablility at all. I took him my OWN specs and he agreed to do them. He even showed me how my tension rods are ALL the way screwed in. With them ALL THE WAY screwed in, they are at only 6 or 6.5.

naed240sx · 11-21-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !Zar!

You can't dial in too much caster if you don't have adjustable toe linkages, because the more caster you dial in the more your toe changes.

Haha what the hell are you talking about? STOCK toe linkages(TIE RODS) are adjustable. You can run 6,7,8,9, whatever castor and still have perfect toe settings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

With them ALL THE WAY screwed in, they are at only 6 or 6.5.

That's odd. Was that on SPLs? Maybe that was a problem with the older rods. I know that before buying my new ones kuah was telling me about how the redesigned ones allow you run around 10 degrees. On my car if I adjust them for maximum castor, my front sway binds like crazy, and I it moves the front wheels so far forward that you wouldn't be able to drive without trimming the fender. 9.5+ degrees is easy.

gotta240 · 11-23-2006, 01:14 PM

yup...on spls....

[email protected] · 11-23-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

And to the previous reply. NO, he is not doing that for liablility at all. I took him my OWN specs and he agreed to do them. He even showed me how my tension rods are ALL the way screwed in. With them ALL THE WAY screwed in, they are at only 6 or 6.5.

It depends when you purchased them, the very early batch of v2 S14 rods did not allow as much negative caster, but should still get you to 7-8 deg. The v2 S14 rods we have been selling for the past year will go a little more. Perhaps your chassis/tension rod brackets are slightly tweaked from a curb incident. If you really want more negative caster we can also send you S13 rods

jfandem · 11-23-2006, 02:50 PM

Whats a good caster spec for a stock susp height s14, with just SPL tension rods? What about later when I lower it with coilovers? I also have mine basically at the limit and think they were at 6.3 or 6.5. Should i adjust my caster any differently for drifting events? Will it help a bit since the rest of the suspension is stock?

***S14DB*** · 11-23-2006, 03:59 PM

I'm running 7.5 on the street and couldn't be happier. Adjustable arms sure make some techs freak out. I had to help the "kid" do it cause the old man tech wanted nothing to do with "race" pars.

I found that the ride quality got better with aftermarket arms over the stock TC rods. This was with stock shocks/springs. The stock bushings were so soft they would shake the front end on washboards/bumps. They weren't even leaking yet.

gotta240 · 11-23-2006, 06:25 PM

Kuah- yeah, i think I most likely got the first version. They've been on my car for a while now, and just barely got around to adjusting them.

The chassis/tension brackets are actually good. When i got the spl's i got the nismo powerbrace as well. Everything in the front of the car was good as well because the powerbrace bolted up without any problems.

Sorry, didn't mean to bring it to the forums...Just wondering if that was normal and it seems it shouldn't be. So far your service has been THE BEST i have ever recieved in ANY automotive parts/supply business. Would it be possible to trade for the newer version so i can adjust caster to desired specs?

thanks again.

and guys...this is why you buy spl and nothing else....supreme support!!

[email protected] · 11-24-2006, 06:14 PM

RE: gotta240

Please shoot us an email at [email protected], with the name the original purchase was placed under and your current address and phone number. Also let me know if you want the S13 rods (for more than 7deg caster) or new S14 rods (may only get you 1deg more caster).

RE: jfandem

Most drifters like running higher caster values, and as a general rule more caster helps most cars running moderate or little camber to have better turn-in response. However it is possible to overdo it, and Nissan factory specs already call for alot of caster. IMHO I would start within 2deg of factory specs.

gotta240 · 11-24-2006, 06:24 PM

will do, and thanks again.

MIKE

11-20-2006, 01:25 PM	#2
EchoOfSilence Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles/Berkeley, CA Posts: 2,238 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Poly bushings have had problems in the past in the tension rods... they don't allow much play, and something (LCA) ends up having to give. I have SPL's, and there are no complaints. not one. Get them __________________ Petition Nissan to Make the IDx on http://IDxClub.co !

11-20-2006, 01:50 PM	#3
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	I have spl tension rods in both my s13 and s14. No problems at all. And if I ever did have any, Kuah would help me out for sure. __________________

11-20-2006, 02:47 PM	#4
EndLeSS8 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Burnaby, Canada Posts: 595 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	I have them on my car, after the old OEM ones were leaking. No probs at all. SPL has good customer service and very quick shipping. __________________ 268generation.com -United for His Renown-

11-21-2006, 09:54 AM	#17
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	You can't dial in too much caster if you don't have adjustable toe linkages, because the more caster you dial in the more your toe changes. __________________

11-23-2006, 03:59 PM	#23
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 20,181 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	I'm running 7.5 on the street and couldn't be happier. Adjustable arms sure make some techs freak out. I had to help the "kid" do it cause the old man tech wanted nothing to do with "race" pars. I found that the ride quality got better with aftermarket arms over the stock TC rods. This was with stock shocks/springs. The stock bushings were so soft they would shake the front end on washboards/bumps. They weren't even leaking yet. __________________ Comments should be taken as Opinions not as Statements of Fact

11-20-2006, 01:05 PM	#1
95se Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 385 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	SPL tension rods I am thinking about getting a set of these for my S14. Both of my lower control arms have cracked where the tension rod bolts into them since I installed energy suspension poly bushings in the tension rods back in 2001. So I'm thinking they might be causing the problems with the cracking of the LCA's. Well I was wondering if anyone has been using them for sometime and what they think of them. Any problems, noise issues, and how much rougher is the front end than having polyurethane bushings. I don't do any racing, its just a daily car. Let me know what ur thoughts are. thanks

11-20-2006, 03:04 PM	#5
sncs14 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Las Vegas Age: 42 Posts: 1,003 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: sncs14 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	SPL is #1 a-okay. You will have no regrets if you get any of their components.

11-20-2006, 03:15 PM	#6
McRussellPants Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 2,168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you think your car's ride is abrasive with just tension rods you should prolly trade your car in for a lincoln on blown shocks.

11-20-2006, 04:02 PM	#7
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	spl with brake deflectors FTW. My allignment guy said my spl's could only be adjusted to 6 caster at MAX. Anyone else have that problem? I want at least 8 from them.... is the allignment guy a retard or do they really only go to 6? I looked at them and they looked like they were maxed out(well, maxed in) to me.. whats up?

11-20-2006, 04:23 PM	#8
McRussellPants Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 2,168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	mine went to 9.5

11-20-2006, 04:44 PM	#10
inertia Leaky Injector Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philly Age: 40 Posts: 75 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Youll never regret going SPL. i just recently under steered into a curb, at around 40+, My lca looks like a twizler, and the coilover ripped off at the top, and although the SPL tc did rip off also(which was expected to happen at that speed) BUT!! my spl tie rod is not even bent!!! i drove home 5 mies after the curb. ill snap pics tomorrow, but i was shocked to see that the tie rod had no damage.

11-20-2006, 08:24 PM	#11
TAMTANIUM Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Socal. wc Age: 38 Posts: 1,022 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I just got SPL v2 tension rod for my car and they are awesome! I had tein before and they are no where near these bad ass SPL. They're so thick and beefy. The bushings are so sexy and nice. I think i like my tension rod more than anything on my car right now.

11-20-2006, 09:25 PM	#12
Jefferson Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 394 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	SPL is the only way to go for tension rods in my eyes. I did not fell the car any rougher than before when I installed them, but thats probally because I already coilovers and some of my rear multi-link. Gotta240 -mine kind of did the same thing, it would only go to like 6.7 degrees. Kuah then sent me S13 ones since he said they were a tad shorter, now I can go to 9 degrees. This is on a S14 by the way

11-20-2006, 11:21 PM	#13
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	jefferson- thank you soooooo much for taking the time to reply. I think i need to talk to Kuah. He's been extremely helpfull in the past...hopefully we can work something out!

11-21-2006, 12:54 AM	#14
NiSilS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 569 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	+1 on spl tension rods. I want to get the rest of their suspension arms. :-p

11-21-2006, 05:43 PM	#18
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	excuse me for being a dumb ass, but aren't ajustable toe-links called tie rod ends in the front? And to the previous reply. NO, he is not doing that for liablility at all. I took him my OWN specs and he agreed to do them. He even showed me how my tension rods are ALL the way screwed in. With them ALL THE WAY screwed in, they are at only 6 or 6.5.

11-23-2006, 01:14 PM	#20
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	yup...on spls....

11-23-2006, 02:50 PM	#22
jfandem Leaky Injector Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 123 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Whats a good caster spec for a stock susp height s14, with just SPL tension rods? What about later when I lower it with coilovers? I also have mine basically at the limit and think they were at 6.3 or 6.5. Should i adjust my caster any differently for drifting events? Will it help a bit since the rest of the suspension is stock?

11-23-2006, 06:25 PM	#24
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	Kuah- yeah, i think I most likely got the first version. They've been on my car for a while now, and just barely got around to adjusting them. The chassis/tension brackets are actually good. When i got the spl's i got the nismo powerbrace as well. Everything in the front of the car was good as well because the powerbrace bolted up without any problems. Sorry, didn't mean to bring it to the forums...Just wondering if that was normal and it seems it shouldn't be. So far your service has been THE BEST i have ever recieved in ANY automotive parts/supply business. Would it be possible to trade for the newer version so i can adjust caster to desired specs? thanks again. and guys...this is why you buy spl and nothing else....supreme support!!

11-24-2006, 06:14 PM	#25
[email protected] Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Austin TX Posts: 660 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	RE: gotta240 Please shoot us an email at [email protected], with the name the original purchase was placed under and your current address and phone number. Also let me know if you want the S13 rods (for more than 7deg caster) or new S14 rods (may only get you 1deg more caster). RE: jfandem Most drifters like running higher caster values, and as a general rule more caster helps most cars running moderate or little camber to have better turn-in response. However it is possible to overdo it, and Nissan factory specs already call for alot of caster. IMHO I would start within 2deg of factory specs.

11-24-2006, 06:24 PM	#26
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	will do, and thanks again. MIKE