Recommended Aftermarket Rear Control Arms

**Suzaku** · 01-18-2011, 09:26 PM

I just found out that my stock trans am rear control arms are horribly bent like about 1-2 inches to the left? and I've been driving on them like that for damn near forever...

What would be a recommended / best aftermarket control arm with the least wheel hop?

Metco

http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/cam...trol-arms.html

http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/cam...-brackets.html

or

BMR

ws6project.com/user_stor/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=235_23_232&products_id=3179

or anyone with personal experience with another company with a better recommendation?

**RyanJM** · 01-19-2011, 05:50 AM

I have UMI and they products are great and not too much money compared to others, you can get them direct or I actaullly ordered mine from WS6store since I was ordering other parts.
I would order set with the panhard bar and just do it all at once.

**allbaugh_04** · 01-19-2011, 06:21 AM

I use the UMI as well with relocation brackets, i didn't see much improvement on my worn out nittos, but maybe I need to lower them to the lowest setting.

**krese** · 01-19-2011, 07:02 AM

i went with BMR and got the relocation brackets (have not installed the relocation brackets just yet). i got the nonadjustable ones and they were a pain to install but i knew i was going going to take the time to try and adjust things ever. i'm happy i did it, one less thing to worry about.

**godless-phoenix** · 01-19-2011, 07:49 AM

i have the umi non-adust. LCA, and the relocation brackets set at 3", a non-adjust. panhard bar, non-adjust. torque arm, a spohn 1" rear sway bar with a umi aftermarket rear sway bar installation kit (for stock axles),umi heavy duty aluminum sway bar mounts, umi boxed weld on subframe connectors, and a strut tower brace...still need the front sway bar, but the car feels 10 times better than stock did...if you plan on lowering your car, get the adjustable panhard bar and torque arm

**godless-phoenix** · 01-19-2011, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I use the UMI as well with relocation brackets, i didn't see much improvement on my worn out nittos, but maybe I need to lower them to the lowest setting.

...when i 1st put those brackets on, i put it on the 3" setting. then a little while later, i did the 2" setting just to see how it felt, and i went back to the 3" setting cause i couldnt stand the wheel hop anymore...

**allbaugh_04** · 01-19-2011, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by godless-phoenix

...when i 1st put those brackets on, i put it on the 3" setting. then a little while later, i did the 2" setting just to see how it felt, and i went back to the 3" setting cause i couldnt stand the wheel hop anymore...

I'll change mine then, just to see what the difference it might make.

I haven't experienced wheel hop yet, even stock.

**TA98** · 01-19-2011, 09:39 AM

we have the Metco ones on our 2011 5.0 but i was planning on getting the BMR's for my Trans Am unless i can get a deal on the Metco's from work.

**godless-phoenix** · 01-19-2011, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I'll change mine then, just to see what the difference it might make.

I haven't experienced wheel hop yet, even stock.

maybe ur just not driving it hard enough

jk, hehe

**DIRTY JERZY** · 01-19-2011, 11:07 AM

+1 For UMI great products fast shipping friendly service just my 2cents

**Suzaku** · 01-19-2011, 11:21 AM

Thanks guys, I'll be getting the UMI ones then.

What are the downsides of having adjustable control arms?

Do the settings come loose when driving? Okay for strip?

**godless-phoenix** · 01-19-2011, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Suzaku

Thanks guys, I'll be getting the UMI ones then.

What are the downsides of having adjustable control arms?

Do the settings come loose when driving? Okay for strip?

i would say the only downside too adjustable ones (besides price) is that the ride is probably to rough for street driving, but good for track racing though

**new2dgame** · 01-19-2011, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by godless-phoenix

...when i 1st put those brackets on, i put it on the 3" setting. then a little while later, i did the 2" setting just to see how it felt, and i went back to the 3" setting cause i couldnt stand the wheel hop anymore...

Why do u need relocation brackets ?

**raynor139** · 01-19-2011, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Suzaku

Thanks guys, I'll be getting the UMI ones then.

What are the downsides of having adjustable control arms?

Do the settings come loose when driving? Okay for strip?

The biggest complaint with adjustable ones usually is the noise. The ride I don't mind but the noise can get old especially on long trips.

**godless-phoenix** · 01-19-2011, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by new2dgame

Why do u need relocation brackets ?

you dont...BUT they relocate the part of the lower control arm that bolts to the axle, putting it at more of an angle, so there's more down force placed on the rear tires for better traction... and the relocation brackets for the rear sway bar are because i have a mac rear and cover "gurdle" and the stock location of the rear sway bar would hit up against the the thicker differential cover. putting longer endlink bolts and bigger bushing mounts for relocating the rear sway bar, gives better clearance for something like the situation i had, and or for aftermarket rear ends...

**35th-ANV-SS** · 01-19-2011, 02:51 PM

Oops, forget to show sig

**Suzaku** · 01-19-2011, 04:56 PM

Ok, an update on the issue. I took a look at my car today with my brother who is really deep into the fairlady series and we discovered that my spohn adjustable panhard bar had come loose / adjusted incorrectly and had ended up pushing the rear end about 2 inches to the left.

The control arms are perfectly fine, but I'd like to replace them anyways. Anyone have any experience with the UMI offset adjustable control arms?