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View Full Version : Which is Better Tubular or Box Rear Control Arms


CNTLOSE
05-20-2009, 08:38 PM
I was looking at the control arm kits offered by Latemodelrestoration.com and they have 2 of their own brand. They are $155 for the upper and lowers together. (These will be going on my 'vert so I am not looking for a set to take numerou 5k launches or to be adjustable.) One is tubular and the other is box.
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=LRS-5649B%20%20%20%20%20%201&comp=LRS

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=LRS-5649BT%20%20%20%20%201&comp=LRS
I am just wondering if it makes a difference with anything between the two designs?

One better for handling and the other for drag?
CNTLOSE
05-21-2009, 05:41 PM
Anyone? Anyone? Buller?
Rick93coupe
05-21-2009, 05:54 PM
I don't know the theory behind the difference between the two. I do know that none of the drag racing suspension companies use box walled tubing for their control arms. The only drag race specific company that comes to mind who uses a box type control arm uses a solid piece of aluminum and they're called Metco. Fwiw.
2fknfst
05-21-2009, 06:11 PM
my uppers are round and lowers are boxed not sure what difference there would be.
cstreu1026
05-21-2009, 06:12 PM
Think of trying to twist a ruler vs. a pencil. The round tubing resist torsional flex better than the square tubing.
2fknfst
05-21-2009, 06:15 PM
Think of trying to twist a ruler vs. a pencil. The round tubing resist torsional flex better than the square tubing.

yea it would be easier to twist a ruler because it is a thin and flat rather than something that is thicker and round like a pencil. :flipoff: :lol:. square control arms arent thin and flat..
cstreu1026
05-21-2009, 06:36 PM
Well thats how it was explained to me by an engineer at a ski company that switched to a tubular core in its skis. Who am I to argue with an engineer.
Rich
05-21-2009, 06:53 PM
I have personally seen a round control arm "fold"...never seen a box style do that...just ask beefcake, it was on his old 99 Cobra!

Now with that said...unless you plan on a lot of drag strip style launches on slicks...probably wouldn't make a difference.
CNTLOSE
05-21-2009, 09:09 PM
Thanks for all the replies :bigthumb
CNTLOSE
05-21-2009, 10:51 PM
I ended up ordering Maximum Motorsports Rear Lower Control Arms. After doing more research I did not want to go cheap, like the ones listed above. I bought them from American Muscle with Free Shipping. So once I get the car back to running, I can start tearing into the suspension.

Again thanks for the imput!
Timido
05-23-2009, 08:57 AM
Maximum Motorposrts are nice products. I have the Metco control arms in my Capri. They have held up to alot of abuse.
CNTLOSE
05-23-2009, 01:54 PM
Good to know, Thanks!

I only found one horror story on them, and that was with a 800 hp car...do not think I will be anywhere near that with the 'vert.
Black92LX
05-24-2009, 11:23 AM
I ended up ordering Maximum Motorsports Rear Lower Control Arms. After doing more research I did not want to go cheap, like the ones listed above. I bought them from American Muscle with Free Shipping. So once I get the car back to running, I can start tearing into the suspension.

Again thanks for the imput!

This was probably a very good decision as the MM have a spherical bushing which is supposed to be superior in design in resistance to binding.