A arm front Suspension

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 1:26 am

Can you think of any production cars that have double A arm front suspension? What I'm looking for is how strong the lower balljoint has to be to support all the forces of the car, as the A arm design typically mounts the shock/springs to the lower arm.

Thanks

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 1:32 am

Must be METRIC! Sorry!

KG68 · Post by **KG68** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 5:09 am

well a 122s volvo has double a arm front suspension but I think that they were standard then and switched to metric with the 140 series.

Richard Olafsson · Post by **Richard Olafsson** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 9:12 am

What about using parts from a Porsche 928, then you'll have no problems fitting the big Porsche brakes! They are aluminium too

Mike Ghia is using these on the next incarnation of his Oval together with 993 multi-link rear. He has posted some pics in his Yahoo photo album
Rich

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http://www.ricola.co.uk

ShaneW · Post by **ShaneW** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 1:16 pm

The cheepest (aka can find at any junk yard) unequile A-Arm set up is the Mustang II. Go to any hot rod mag and that is all you will see.

ShaneW

Li0nHart · Post by **Li0nHart** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 1:50 pm

Here Ya Go!!! http://www.heidts.com/heip17.htm

[This message has been edited by Li0nHart (edited 12-09-2002).]

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Mon Dec 09, 2002 3:31 pm

Thanks Guys!

A 928 has a double A arm setup? I'll have to check it out. Now you Mustang commentors are forgetting its gotta be METRIC! I don't want to mix standard and metric. Thanks!

Jason

Richard Olafsson · Post by **Richard Olafsson** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 12:20 am

There's also a guy on one of the buggy forums building a tube frame widened manx and he is using Mazda RX7 lower arms and fabricated uppers...
Rich

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http://www.ricola.co.uk

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:28 pm

My problem is that I don't trust the ball joints on lower arms not purpose built for the double A arm level of forces. Most have the vast majority of the forces traveling through the strut. I spent MUCH time last night surfing for 928 info and I liked what I saw. I can get a complete used 928 front suspension for $750, but I am concerned with the vertical dimension of the spindle. It has quite a span, and I'm a little worried that the upper arms will fowl on some of the stock body parts. I like the idea of sticking with the stock beetle splindle, and I think it (spindle) will be strong enough, but I do want to find a strong lower ball joint. Simon at Red 9 thinks the stock bug ones will be fine, and I think he's probably right, but it is A)1960 technology, B)not easily replaceable. I think this lower ball will wear more than usual, so it would be nice just to unbolt it and bolt on another. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, because I know the bug is much lighter than the cars we are talking about being donors, but I just don't want to worry as I'm zippin down the freeway. I think the 928 one is a good bet, but I'm not sure how different the dimensions of the tapers are. I'm going to spend some more time looking over Dobergoose's setup with the 928 spindles. THanks guys.

Jason

stands223 · Post by **stands223** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 7:32 pm

my grandpa has about 6 old mercedes 220's
in a feild and i looked at them and they are 4 wheel independent
and are built on pans like vw
these are the bottom line benz that arent expensive at all
could be a cheap possibility
if you find they work i could get them for you for a very small fee

Mike T · Post by **Mike T** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 11:26 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by volkdent:
<B>Can you think of any production cars that have double A arm front suspension? What I'm looking for is how strong the lower balljoint has to be to support all the forces of the car, as the A arm design typically mounts the shock/springs to the lower arm.

Thanks</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Check out this website. Look at the fabricated A-arms he built and read about how he chose the ball joints he used.
http://www.geocities.com/ewanspence/

Mike T.

Richard Olafsson · Post by **Richard Olafsson** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 12:34 am

I was worried about the lower balljoint too, but I and lots of other people have been running coil-overs with no front torsion leaves with no problems for a long time now.
Also, a lot of the hot rod mustang 2 type tubular arm replacement also use press in ball joints by the looks of them...
If I were you I'd make the arms myself, you'll end up with exactly what you want then with no compromise, in fact, that's what I'm doing!

Rich

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http://www.ricola.co.uk

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 10:35 pm

What do you think about hacking up a set of trailing arms and using the end casting as the balljoint holder and then weld the arms to that? It would save having to machine an end to press the balljoints into. But I have to say, I'm also worried about the torque under braking that will come with using the stock spindle. I know the spindle can handle it, but what about the arms? The 928 spindle has a much longer span between the two arms, thereby lengthening the lever arm action and reducing the stress on the arms. Whatdya think?

Jason

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 10:39 pm

I also wonder about putting all this force on a spindle that was designed for much less. When I compare a Porsche spindle with a bug spindle the beefiness difference is quite apparent. Though I like the idea, it seems a little odd to me to have 993 turbo brakes on such a small spindle and axle. I just keep wondering to myself that if Porsche could get away with smaller they probably would.

Richard Olafsson · Post by **Richard Olafsson** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 12:35 am

Cutting up a stock arm for the balljoint housing would be a bad idea unless you have a very skilled welder, CDS to cast takes skill to get right. Plus it would look cheap in the end. I', pretty sure there is a stock size of thick walled tubing that would be suitable for the housing, then you just cut off short lengths to suit.
This A arm thing has been done before with bug spindles, I don't see anything that would stop you doing it, it isn't stopping me!
Rich

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http://www.ricola.co.uk