1LE Question

[Dewey]

I've decided to go 1LE for all my suspension needs, and have some questions about the parts. I've heard stuff about the LCA's, shocks and springs, panhard, etc. But I've never heard the upper control arms (UCA's?) mentioned. What exactly do the control arms do? Also, how many are in the rear? I see them on LMPerformance as 2's, but in the database, only one part # is listed. And the $2-$6 insulators...are they just bushings, and such? They are online as "harder durometer bushings", but are they the same as the one's I'd get from gmpartsdirect? Mucho thanks in advance.

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

Upper control arms are in the front. Don't buy the 1LE ones. In that area Global West are better. They improve cornering. AutoX guys like them alot. I wish they weren't so expensive. There are upper and lower control arms. Read about it in my sig under road race suspension.

[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: Dom ]</p>

[Dewey]

Dang. That summed it up quite nicely. You're the man. Not sure what you mean by "In that area" though. What's wrong w/ the 1LE ones?

[Patrick Javert]

are you gonna want to lower your car at all? if not, then cool, the 1LE stuff will work, if you are, you're gonna wanna get some adj. stuff, besides the springs/shocks.

[Dewey]

nope. no lowering. clearance is limited enough.

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

They won't be a big upgrade there. That's all I meant. It's not like getting 1LE sway bars or springs-A drastic change. It's just not worth the labor time IMO. I think the only thing that changes are the bushings. Don't get me wrong, 1LE stuff is great. I just haven't seen anyone going to 1LE upper/lower front arms. And in that area aftermarket is actually pretty good.

[Dewey]

Oh, then my stock control arms are fine for whatever else I want to do then? My main concern was the shox/springs anyway. If it ain't broke don't fix I guess.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dom:
They won't be a big upgrade there. That's all I meant. It's not like getting 1LE sway bars or springs-A drastic change. It's just not worth the labor time IMO. I think the only thing that changes are the bushings. Don't get me wrong, 1LE stuff is great. I just haven't seen anyone going to 1LE upper/lower front arms. And in that area aftermarket is actually pretty good.<hr></blockquote>


Only the bushings are changed, high durometer rubber, but you have to buy the entire arm (bushings not sold separately) and they are expensive. Although, I may do it just because I want a complete 1LE suspension.

[Dewey]

Phew. Thanks Firebird. I thought I was being silly for wanting the whole 1LE setup. But like you, I just have to have everything uniform. (I won't buy any home a/v stuff unless it's Sony and silver) Damn, do I sound like a chick?

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dewey:
Phew. Thanks Firebird. I thought I was being silly for wanting the whole 1LE setup. But like you, I just have to have everything uniform. (I won't buy any home a/v stuff unless it's Sony and silver) Damn, do I sound like a chick?<hr></blockquote>

Look at the Technical Database for ALL the parts and numbers.

[Dewey]

Heh, had that done last week. Got it all printed out for prices on GMpartsdirect.com Even the Koni shox. Now that I have my control arm/bushing questions answered, I can shop around for best deals, etc. Thanks to all for the info.

[LMPerformance]

We use the PA racing and the BMR front a-arms they save weight add, add more adjustability and are better for lowered cars. Thats about it.

[ May 09, 2002: Message edited by: LMPerformance ]</p>

[BobC]

not sure on pa racing. read about a guy who wrecked when his broke. was it installed wrong, or not up to street use... not sure... heard great stuff about global west ones, but big money... i say leave upper a arms till other stuff done because it will affect how car is classed if you race.

bobc