CONTROL ARM BRACES: Don't leave home without'em

Got the Hotchkis ones back in March from Summit, and the GW ones less than a week ago from Jeg's. Also, got my Edelbrock 5211's yesterday. They are considerably less beefy than the others obviously, and also seem to have a hollow tube whereas the other two seem solid.

 

They should all be hollow tube.

If I were in you position, I think I would call Global West and ask them about the design change and see if they would be willing to let you swap out for the design shown in the picture that I posted. It would be nice if they would do that.

 

Not sure what you mean, the GW ones you and I posted are the same. What am I missing?

 

Look where the upper control arm attaches:



Notice how short the boss is where the bolt goes through. Then look at the pic of yours. What you will notice is what is wrong with many of the designs out there. There is about 1/2" to 3/4" of space between where the brace contacts the upper control arm saddle and the braces main tube.

This creates unnecessary leverage and hence deflection and stress on the upper control arm bolt.

 

Still don't see it... sure you aint looking at the Hotchkis ones (ones w/o the GW decal)?

That is why I got the GW ones... the bolt holes are shorter.

 

does it really mater..I never heard of a tubular brace ever failing, and both styles(bolt sleeve,bolt tab) are both stonger then factory tabs..

I noticed on some of the bolt sleeve versions.. the way the sleeve is welded to the bar is slightly different...weather angled differently, or the sleeve is even flush with the bar or it over hangs, then weld, then bar if you get what I mean

 

ok, I tried zooming in on that stock GW pic above, but can't really see where the bolt holes apparently do not protrude like mine on the top mounting hole (decal side).

 

Trying to explain this problem without an illustration is as clear as mud. So, here are three illustrated pictures:

 

ok, see it now.

Actually, in checking, I see I bought the TS-82's directly from GW (not Jeg's) on November 7th, less than a month ago. I will contact them.

 

I have the first design Edelbrock braces on my Olds. They have been on for 5 years or so. No problems with them at all.

I have Edelbrock adjustable uppers, Hotchkis lowers and a Moser 12 bolt with the raised upper mounts. I'm using the stock anti-sway bar, but plan on putting on an HR bar. Best 60' to date is 1.55 on a 275 drag radial.

 

Edelbrocks just received few days ago.

 

Where do you find that second set? All I'm finding from Summit and Jegs is the non-adjustable style.

 

Also, how do these go with the weld-in braces such as from TNT or HR? In place or in conjunction with?

 

I tried buying the Edelbrock new design adjustable braces from Summit, they don't have them in stock. The guy asked if I would hold while he made a phone call, I said OK. He came back and said they are on national back order with no projected availability date given. I bought UMI, along with tube lower and tube adjustable uppers, they should be here next week.

 

Recently, I installed my new exhaust system. This system fits in the factory location with offset-offset mufflers. I find that the UMI control arm braces substantially restrict the area available for the cars mufflers. So, I will be replacing them with Edelbrock # 5212 units that more closely matches the original equipment control arm braces for the Grand Sport models.

 

Oldzy,

Let us know what GW says about the different design- I am going to get a set of braces, and would like to go with the ones that Speedtigger posted, if they are going to be offered. Do you think the GW design with the shorter saddle tube would give more exhaust clearance???