260DET Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Wondering what is a sure and simple way to modify the front lower control arms inners to fit spherical bearings (Heim joints), not rod ends. We were thinking of removing the existing tubular locater welded into the arm and replacing it with a fixed bush into which the bearing could be pressed. But perhaps the bearing should be positively located in the arm by a shoulder on one side and a circlip on the other. So, who has done what and how did it turn out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katman Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Don Oldenburg at DP Racing in Huntington Beach still makes the Mac Tilton/BRE front control arm speherical bearing setup for a Z. Don's retainer is tack welded to the arm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2126 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 260DET, Are you talking about installing the spherical bearing into the existing cavity the stock bushings are in. I don't see a reason why you couldn't! I think the only issue you may run into is the sizing of the spherical bearing.....both OD and ID. And centering and securing the new bearing in the cavity. With this mod, you could also incorperate adjustable TC rods so you can adjust your caster. But you are probably planning to do that already! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Ron Carter has done this: http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11109&cat=500&page=7 Actually the description of the DP setup is pretty much what this is. Maybe Ron got these from DP... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karay240 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 If you do decide to go the spherical bearing/bushing, make sure you get ones w/ Teflon coating AND a rubber boot around the bearing. Try to stay away from the ones you have to regease w/ the zerk fittings. They're a PITA and don't last as long. Just my $0.02 from experience. Kenny http://www.rbmotoring.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260DET Posted June 24, 2005 Author Share Posted June 24, 2005 Thanks all, just have to persuade Mr Fussy Machinist to enlarge the stock hole a bit rather than a complete redo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastzcars Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Katman. Do you have contact info for DP racing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katman Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 DP Racing 714) 892-1513. They may have a website now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dat260 Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 http://www.designproductsracing.com/DesktopDefault.aspx Cheers, Ari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastzcars Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 Thanks guys for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260DET Posted June 28, 2005 Author Share Posted June 28, 2005 What we have decided to do is to machine the housing out but only partway through the eye of the arm. The spherical (monoball) bearing will then be pressed in to sit against the shoulder created as above. It will be followed by a ring which will be tack welded to the arm to retain the bearing. Will try and do a pic in due course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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