Was about to order some poly bushes for the caster arm, but wondered if anyone here has converted to ball joints? Seems like a pretty obvious thing to do to a track car to me, will never have to replace bushes again, and I've heard that poly bushes in this spot can get eaten up pretty quickly on a track car?
Would like to hear of any experiences. Also where did you get them from? I'm probably going to order some from Performatek next week, unless I hear of any horror stories/cheaper suppliers locally.
Sheldon
I believe people use 105 caster arms which have the ball joint. I think it is easy to fit by drilling a couple of holes to attach. I have seen it but not done it myself.
It is a sensible modification.
Neil
Quote from: Sheldon Mcintosh on September 01, 2010, 10:01:16 PM
Was about to order some poly bushes for the caster arm, but wondered if anyone here has converted to ball joints? Seems like a pretty obvious thing to do to a track car to me, will never have to replace bushes again, and I've heard that poly bushes in this spot can get eaten up pretty quickly on a track car?
Would like to hear of any experiences. Also where did you get them from? I'm probably going to order some from Performatek next week, unless I hear of any horror stories/cheaper suppliers locally.
I've used the PU bushes from Performatek and can't complain. I have read that the ball joint set up does provide even more consistent wheel alignment (probably 'only' the caster angle). It was also used on the SZ's.
I did it. I got a pair of 105 ball joints second hand from the 105 Factory many years ago for about $20 I think. The hardest part is filing the aluminium spacer to the right shape to fit between the balljoint and the body. I kept putting texta on the face that sits against the body, sitting it in there, sliding it around a bit and then taking off the high spots. On the engine bay side I tapped 2 holes the appropriate distance apart in a piece of 16mm wide x 8mm thick plate.
If you want new joints, Turin Imports would probably have them cheaper if you don't mind making the other bits.
The way the joint works I wouldn't put any thing else in there.
Scott
So Scott did you make up a spacer yourself, or get the kit? This is the one that Performatek sells.
I foresee a phonecall to Vin in my future.
That's the ticket Sheldon for road or track.
Yeah I cut the spacers out of some 12mm aluminium plate I had.
Scott
Only small drawback for the road car purists is a minor increase in steering wheel vibratrions as the ball joint doesn't dampen like the original rubber bushings but for the driver in you, it's worth it.