Anyone ever try the Allstar Performance Roller (Needle) Bearing or their Steel Front lower control arm bushings? I'm looking into all the alternative bushings. I've been using the Global West Del-A-Lum bushings in my stock OEM upper and lower front arms for the past 20+ years but I may just try the Roller (Needle) Bearing bushings in a new set of their Deluxe OE style lower arms. My biggest concern would be if they develop any substantial clearance in the bearing portion, .... It may result in unwanted clunking. Larry
I considered the Afco version but went with the Global arms as time I factored in my time for refurbishment of my stock arms and new ball joints and the bushings it was more attractive imo to just go ahead and do the arms, for a more stealth looking approach the needle bearings are the way to go tho
Thanks Ethan, I wasn't aware of the Afco version. Since I just bought a set of the Global West upper arms that have all the geometry corrections built into them I really wouldn't gain anything by buying a set of their lower a-arms. By the time I buy a pair of new Allstar Deluxe lower arms, moog ball joints, and needle bearing bushings, I am going to be $300 ahead of the game over the Global West lowers. With all that weight of a street car loaded on the lower control arms I've always felt more comfortable with the lower a-arms being coined as one piece, plus I never personally cared for the look of any tubular lower a-arms on the car, especially from underneath. You're right in that I'll have some labor to assemble them, ..... I have more time than money. I'll be talking to Allstar, Global West and Afco to get their $.02 Larry
Did Allstar make any changes to their OE style arms. Are they stronger or lighter than the stock originals?
I spoke with Allstar today and the Deluxe are supposed to be stronger. I may order a set in just to check out. I'll keep you guys posted. Larry
I spoke with Doug at Global West yesterday and we discussed the pros/cons of the Allstar Needle bearing bushings VS his Del-A-Lum bushings. First off I have to say Doug was very objective and was interested in hearing about the Allstar bushings. He came up with two important differences between the two bushing designs. First, the Allstar bushings incorporate a roller side thrust bearing that would seem to require setting a careful preload with locking fastener to prevent galling or binding if over tightening, and making sure it wasn't too loose as to be sloppy. Second, he noted that the Allstar bushing has no provision for keeping contaminates out of the bearing (as in no seal of sort). Without any type of seal on a street car application it would render possible bearing failure in short order. Doug did explain how his Del-A-Lum bushings have no need for precise preload and since his thrust washers are right up against the bushing body that contamination is eliminated from the equation. In closing we both agreed that the Allstar bushing looks to be a fine quality product that is more geared to the "Circle Track" application it was originally intended for, if not for the simple fact that those suspensions are serviced on a regular basis. That's pretty much what I had thought but it was nice to get Doug's expertise opinion. Larry
so would these be more of a racing type thing? i would think the needle bearing and de-a-lum versions would transmit a ton of noise to the car on the street.
