Tubular control arm questions

[Whamhammer]

Hello all,

I have some questions about tubular control arms for my '02 WS6.

1) How much weight difference are they over the factory peices?

2) How accessable are replacement parts for them (end rods, ball joints etc?)

3) Do they use the same eccentric bolts as the factory control arms? If not, where may I get them.

[pajeff02]

I installed UMI tubular controls arms on both the front and back of our car. I presume from your questions that you are taking about the front?

1. Not a whole lot of difference imo. I weighed stuff and you will probable save a couple of pounds.

2. If you go with UMI, you can buy the rod ends from them. Not likely that you'll wear one out, but I suppose it is possible.

3. I went with the tubular K-member as well and that has slotted holes rather than a cammed bolt. Probably just re-use your existing bolt.

[Whamhammer]

I installed UMI tubular controls arms on both the front and back of our car. I presume from your questions that you are taking about the front?

1. Not a whole lot of difference imo. I weighed stuff and you will probable save a couple of pounds.

2. If you go with UMI, you can buy the rod ends from them. Not likely that you'll wear one out, but I suppose it is possible.

3. I went with the tubular K-member as well and that has slotted holes rather than a cammed bolt. Probably just re-use your existing bolt.

The reason why I ask is that I am driving through Baltimore highways and main roads, which are not very good and will likely cause suspension components to have an early demise. I don't thing the control arm itself will fail, but I think that what looks like a tie rod end on the end of it will take a beating. Its good to know that they have replacement parts and that some oem stuff will cross-over.