what do you look for in a good suspension arm? - Page 2 - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

mrchomponthis · 11-12-2010, 12:36 AM

Why do you need the most beefy control anyway? more often than not they aren't going to break...

godrifttoday · 11-12-2010, 01:48 AM

Why u want to have the more money? This ties into bigger is better theory

WISH ONE · 11-12-2010, 10:39 AM

The only time components really break IMO is when you crash bad, and if you happen to crash bad enough its likely even the most expensive parts will take a toll.
I would love to see companies stress and pressure test components using certified machinery, and not just the "oh yeah we ran a few track events, its holding up" approach. Theres so much bogus shit out there especially for our nitch market, everyone virutally makes the same thing and calls it the best. Half of the time parts come from the same place. Sad but true

sulik · 11-12-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrischeezer

Drift Works makes some pretty serious stuff. Use highest quality for the most vital components, and you can save with the lower budget parts for the small things.
not a big fan of china made.. but lots of ppl use em.

Driftworks isn´t china stuff.

The parts are fabricated in GB.

mrchomponthis · 11-12-2010, 01:32 PM

I pm'ed psm months ago asking them if they had any tensile strength tests done, also yamoto garage. no response from either of them....

axiomatik · 11-12-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sulik

Driftworks isn´t china stuff.

The parts are fabricated in GB.

He didn't say Driftworks is from China.

godrifttoday · 11-12-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sulik

Driftworks isn´t china stuff.

The parts are fabricated in GB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by axiomatik

He didn't say Driftworks is from China.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sulik

Driftworks isn´t china stuff.

The parts are fabricated in GB.

tqstarburst · 11-12-2010, 06:28 PM

what about yamato garage?

Backintoans13 · 11-12-2010, 06:49 PM

Im getting ready to order all my links here also, am thinking of either going SPL or Cusco. I like the fact that i can get everything else Cusco (Sways, Strut Bars, Coilovers) but like someone mentioned before, having parts readily available and customer service is nice to have. Those that have Cusco, would you go a different route if given the chance to reorder?

DJPimpFlex · 11-12-2010, 07:08 PM

I had cusco RUCA's on my S13 for a minute, but I sold them for SPLs. They are definitely good, but not the same quality as SPL. The hybrid adjusters make small adjustments really easy while keeping the heim joints straight.

Backintoans13 · 11-12-2010, 07:14 PM

One company that i wanted to get back like 7 yrs ago when i first got into 240's was Silk Road. I dont really see anything metioned of them on here but i found a site that also sells the links. What do ppl think of silk road?

*Jonnie Fraz* · 11-12-2010, 08:56 PM

I really think that the fabrication of the arms them self is kinda moot as long as you are buying from a reputable company ie...PBM, SPL, Battle Version, ect. Look at what you are replacing. I have only ever heard of a couple of E-Bay arms breaking. Mainly the failure is going to come from cheep heim joints.
Funny how some are speaking of NDT and DT of the parts that PBM, SPL, or Battle Version make. All you have to do is hold one of their parts in your hand. Just compare the welds to the crappy welds that are on the stock arms that have not failed in the 100,000+ miles.
Customer service is gonna go a long way with me also. Either Kuah, Dan or Alex will be more than happy to help you where they can with your purchase.
Both SPL and PBM make improvements on their products even when they do not have to.

WISH ONE · 11-13-2010, 02:10 AM

Yes!^!!!!!!

CaptainVlad · 11-13-2010, 08:12 AM

has anyone used those new Stance links?

godrifttoday · 11-13-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnie Fraz

Just compare the welds to the crappy welds that are on the stock arms that have not failed in the 100,000+ miles.

yes! When the car is not intended to be drifted! or else things bend..

mrchomponthis · 11-13-2010, 12:38 PM

just because a weld looks gross doesn't mean it's not strong FYI!

*Jonnie Fraz* · 11-13-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrchomponthis

just because a weld looks gross doesn't mean it's not strong FYI!

Very true, but an experienced fabricator can tell a good weld from a bad one. My point is this the arms built by the formerly mentioned companies are going to be far stronger than the stock arms, and they held up for a while...true?
Some classes of racing do not allow aftermarket arms and even under pretty harsh conditions they do not tend to fail. Now here is the flip side to the coin...In the event of a mishap the arms are designed to fail so damage is not done to the subframe or the chassis. There will always be a weak link...it is the nature of the beast.
So I guess what would be my advice is to buy a nice set of arms from a company that tickles your fancy. If you are good with a company that you will not get to talk to one of their key people, by all means do so. I work pretty hard for my money, so I don't mind making a few calls and chatting before I send my cash away, and being disappointed when my parts are not up to my standards. I would also ask around and see what your buddies are using. See what they like and dislike about the brand that they are using.
I think that if you track your car on the regular and drive it daily, I would at least check the rod ends at least every track day.
I am pretty sure that you are pretty careful with your money and that is why you stared this thread...to see what we are using and what we think about the parts we have. To be perfectly honest I have a mix of Powered by Max, Battle Version, and I built my toe rods. I don't have anything bad to say about any of them.

Hope that helped

mrchomponthis · 11-13-2010, 04:10 PM

I agree with all your points, I more so started this thread to just give people an opportunity to voice there opinions. I personally have Kazama tension rods, random brand rucas, and peak traction arms, and am looking into pbm toe arms. In my opinion s chassis guys are "perfect consumers" with the lack of information on products being sold. My welding teacher William Galvery once told me, I'd never buy any type of suspension component if i don't know what the hell its made out of, gases used, filler used, and metal used. I think all companies should have this information accessible to there consumers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnie Fraz

Very true, but an experienced fabricator can tell a good weld from a bad one. My point is this the arms built by the formerly mentioned companies are going to be far stronger than the stock arms, and they held up for a while...true?
Some classes of racing do not allow aftermarket arms and even under pretty harsh conditions they do not tend to fail. Now here is the flip side to the coin...In the event of a mishap the arms are designed to fail so damage is not done to the subframe or the chassis. There will always be a weak link...it is the nature of the beast.
So I guess what would be my advice is to buy a nice set of arms from a company that tickles your fancy. If you are good with a company that you will not get to talk to one of their key people, by all means do so. I work pretty hard for my money, so I don't mind making a few calls and chatting before I send my cash away, and being disappointed when my parts are not up to my standards. I would also ask around and see what your buddies are using. See what they like and dislike about the brand that they are using.
I think that if you track your car on the regular and drive it daily, I would at least check the rod ends at least every track day.
I am pretty sure that you are pretty careful with your money and that is why you stared this thread...to see what we are using and what we think about the parts we have. To be perfectly honest I have a mix of Powered by Max, Battle Version, and I built my toe rods. I don't have anything bad to say about any of them.

Hope that helped

hellion240sx · 11-13-2010, 05:13 PM

I agree with your teacher, he might know what he is talking about haha. someone said there was avideo of them making the suspension, anyone have a link? also I am thinking about going with pbm suspension, or spl. customer service for spl is by far the best I have experienced. I'm just up in the air. I also agree with the strength of the product test. that would be nice to know. email them again. show them this thread. see if they can give some input. I work hard for my money as well, hell I have four jobs, I certainly don't want to waste my money.

tims05 · 11-13-2010, 06:54 PM

I know its been asked but anyone have any opinions on the Yamato Garage parts?

*ManoNegra* · 11-13-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims05

I know its been asked but anyone have any opinions on the Yamato Garage parts?

They look like just another come late budget company trying to get their piece of the s-chassis pie.
Why bother when there's already plenty of reputable proven options?

GunmetalSR · 11-13-2010, 10:19 PM

YouTube - Parts Shop MAX newest super low S-Chassis camber arm fabrication
i love this video...its inspiration for me to weld better

hellion240sx · 11-13-2010, 11:34 PM

werd, just watched the vid. ten mins and you have an arm

R33E8 · 11-14-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims05

I know its been asked but anyone have any opinions on the Yamato Garage parts?

They use QA1 rod ends which are pretty good.. I have a set of rucas and toe arms from them but haven't installed them yet.. The quality is OK.. I'm waiting for some spherical bearing covers before I install them..

hellion240sx · 11-14-2010, 09:54 AM

o yeah it's on the PBM site now...

I'm such a hesitater when it comes to buying :/

*Jonnie Fraz* · 11-14-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunmetalSR

YouTube - Parts Shop MAX newest super low S-Chassis camber arm fabrication
i love this video...its inspiration for me to weld better

I love this video also...Now all their arms are TIG welded instead of MIG. If you are a welder/fabricator you know how much more skill and time it takes to do that.

XxCAPTAINxX · 11-14-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims05

I know its been asked but anyone have any opinions on the Yamato Garage parts?

yeah i have their RUCA's for s13. they are beefy and look well made. i have done a couple events with no problems but thats not saying much. basically they look legit but im going PBM as soon as these break(if they do)

Irresistible · 11-14-2010, 01:35 PM

I may as well ask my question in this thread...

Would keeping stock traction rods and RLCAs, and getting some adjustable toe rods and RUCAs be okay? Obviously I won't have as much flexibility with alignment. All I need is 0 toe and a little bit of camber, will I be good with just the two links?

mrchomponthis · 11-14-2010, 02:46 PM

just get ruca's and tension arms. Thats all you really need

and if you want a little more buy energy bushings for the other arms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irresistible

I may as well ask my question in this thread...

Would keeping stock traction rods and RLCAs, and getting some adjustable toe rods and RUCAs be okay? Obviously I won't have as much flexibility with alignment. All I need is 0 toe and a little bit of camber, will I be good with just the two links?

mrchomponthis · 11-14-2010, 02:55 PM

You are assuming things you don't know!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManoNegra

They look like just another come late budget company trying to get their piece of the s-chassis pie.
Why bother when there's already plenty of reputable proven options?

11-12-2010, 12:36 AM	#31
mrchomponthis Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: fghjghjfg Age: 36 Posts: 877 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	Why do you need the most beefy control anyway? more often than not they aren't going to break... __________________ CHOMPONWHAT?

11-12-2010, 01:48 AM	#32
godrifttoday Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: los angeles Age: 40 Posts: 3,120 Trader Rating: (82) Feedback Score: 82 reviews	Why u want to have the more money? This ties into bigger is better theory __________________ NEED Bolt kits for your car?

11-12-2010, 10:39 AM	#33
WISH ONE Post Whore! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: orange county ca Posts: 2,738 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	The only time components really break IMO is when you crash bad, and if you happen to crash bad enough its likely even the most expensive parts will take a toll. I would love to see companies stress and pressure test components using certified machinery, and not just the "oh yeah we ran a few track events, its holding up" approach. Theres so much bogus shit out there especially for our nitch market, everyone virutally makes the same thing and calls it the best. Half of the time parts come from the same place. Sad but true __________________ PARTING/SELLING MY COUPE. PM ME.

11-12-2010, 01:32 PM	#35
mrchomponthis Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: fghjghjfg Age: 36 Posts: 877 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	I pm'ed psm months ago asking them if they had any tensile strength tests done, also yamoto garage. no response from either of them.... __________________ CHOMPONWHAT?

11-12-2010, 07:08 PM	#40
DJPimpFlex Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Age: 38 Posts: 6,158 Trader Rating: (115) Rides Gallery: DJPimpFlex Feedback Score: 115 reviews	I had cusco RUCA's on my S13 for a minute, but I sold them for SPLs. They are definitely good, but not the same quality as SPL. The hybrid adjusters make small adjustments really easy while keeping the heim joints straight. __________________

11-12-2010, 06:28 PM	#38
tqstarburst Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Texas Age: 32 Posts: 1,314 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	what about yamato garage?

11-12-2010, 06:49 PM	#39
Backintoans13 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Las Cruces, NM Age: 41 Posts: 620 Trader Rating: (16) Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Im getting ready to order all my links here also, am thinking of either going SPL or Cusco. I like the fact that i can get everything else Cusco (Sways, Strut Bars, Coilovers) but like someone mentioned before, having parts readily available and customer service is nice to have. Those that have Cusco, would you go a different route if given the chance to reorder?

11-12-2010, 07:14 PM	#41
Backintoans13 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Las Cruces, NM Age: 41 Posts: 620 Trader Rating: (16) Feedback Score: 16 reviews	One company that i wanted to get back like 7 yrs ago when i first got into 240's was Silk Road. I dont really see anything metioned of them on here but i found a site that also sells the links. What do ppl think of silk road?

11-12-2010, 08:56 PM	#42
Jonnie Fraz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cali Age: 55 Posts: 1,371 Trader Rating: (29) Rides Gallery: Jonnie Fraz Feedback Score: 29 reviews	I really think that the fabrication of the arms them self is kinda moot as long as you are buying from a reputable company ie...PBM, SPL, Battle Version, ect. Look at what you are replacing. I have only ever heard of a couple of E-Bay arms breaking. Mainly the failure is going to come from cheep heim joints. Funny how some are speaking of NDT and DT of the parts that PBM, SPL, or Battle Version make. All you have to do is hold one of their parts in your hand. Just compare the welds to the crappy welds that are on the stock arms that have not failed in the 100,000+ miles. Customer service is gonna go a long way with me also. Either Kuah, Dan or Alex will be more than happy to help you where they can with your purchase. Both SPL and PBM make improvements on their products even when they do not have to. __________________ Stealth-Custom-Fab.com

11-13-2010, 02:10 AM	#43
WISH ONE Post Whore! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: orange county ca Posts: 2,738 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	Yes!^!!!!!!

11-13-2010, 08:12 AM	#44
CaptainVlad Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago, Illinois Age: 33 Posts: 329 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	has anyone used those new Stance links?

11-13-2010, 12:38 PM	#46
mrchomponthis Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: fghjghjfg Age: 36 Posts: 877 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	just because a weld looks gross doesn't mean it's not strong FYI! __________________ CHOMPONWHAT?

11-13-2010, 05:13 PM	#49
hellion240sx Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NOLA Age: 42 Posts: 1,514 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I agree with your teacher, he might know what he is talking about haha. someone said there was avideo of them making the suspension, anyone have a link? also I am thinking about going with pbm suspension, or spl. customer service for spl is by far the best I have experienced. I'm just up in the air. I also agree with the strength of the product test. that would be nice to know. email them again. show them this thread. see if they can give some input. I work hard for my money as well, hell I have four jobs, I certainly don't want to waste my money. __________________ R.I.P. KAIN. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE BY MY SIDE! 240 addict miata addict

11-13-2010, 06:54 PM	#50
tims05 Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: nj Age: 39 Posts: 162 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I know its been asked but anyone have any opinions on the Yamato Garage parts?

11-13-2010, 10:19 PM	#52
GunmetalSR Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Metairie, Louisiana Posts: 221 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	YouTube - Parts Shop MAX newest super low S-Chassis camber arm fabrication i love this video...its inspiration for me to weld better

11-13-2010, 11:34 PM	#53
hellion240sx Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NOLA Age: 42 Posts: 1,514 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	werd, just watched the vid. ten mins and you have an arm __________________ R.I.P. KAIN. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE BY MY SIDE! 240 addict miata addict

11-14-2010, 09:54 AM	#55
hellion240sx Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NOLA Age: 42 Posts: 1,514 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	o yeah it's on the PBM site now... I'm such a hesitater when it comes to buying :/ __________________ R.I.P. KAIN. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE BY MY SIDE! 240 addict miata addict

11-14-2010, 01:35 PM	#58
Irresistible Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,994 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	I may as well ask my question in this thread... Would keeping stock traction rods and RLCAs, and getting some adjustable toe rods and RUCAs be okay? Obviously I won't have as much flexibility with alignment. All I need is 0 toe and a little bit of camber, will I be good with just the two links?