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Problem solver upper control arm bushings #3155882
07/01/23 11:35 AM
07/01/23 11:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 275
Oakwood Ont Canada
340mouse Offline OP
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340mouse  Offline OP
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I am now needing an alignment on my 68 Barracuda, it looks way off, exactly how do the problem solver upper control arm bushings work, do they rotate until tightened by the cam bolts or ?. Thanks Dave

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 340mouse] #3155890
07/01/23 11:52 AM
07/01/23 11:52 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,672
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Andrewh Offline
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they are offset
so one side is thicker than the other if I recall correctly.

instructions show how to install them to give you more which ever direction you need.
some people don't like them because they are so thin on one side and will wear out faster.
I opted for the firm feel a-arms that already has stuff built in instead of helper bushings.
unless something is wrong with your frame, then that won't help switching to the tubular arms.

I don't know if anyone did it for mopars but modern cars have cam bolts to adjust it instead of the bushing being offset.

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 340mouse] #3155907
07/01/23 12:40 PM
07/01/23 12:40 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,838
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Can...
moparmike1 Offline
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moparmike1  Offline
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Can...
Hi Dave,

Read through this thread, it should answer your questions:

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2273367/moog-offset-bushings.html

Mike.

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: moparmike1] #3155946
07/01/23 01:51 PM
07/01/23 01:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog Offline
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Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
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Moog offset.jpg
Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: Kern Dog] #3155959
07/01/23 02:52 PM
07/01/23 02:52 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,076
CA
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crackedback Offline
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Why moog decided to orient that picture with front of the car at bottom of pic? Confuses people all the time.

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 340mouse] #3156160
07/02/23 11:06 AM
07/02/23 11:06 AM
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Benton, IL.
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DaveRS23 Offline
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I have had instances when even with the offset bushings, the alignment couldn't get to the optimum position.

For many, many years I have employed the 'Ford fix'. I have a machine shop shorten the trailing arm on both sides by about 1/4". That, along with the offset bushings gives plenty of adjustment with no down side. Other than a little more expense.

twocents

And just for the record; that fix is the only thing remotely related to a Ford on my Cuda. biggrin


Master, again and still
Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: DaveRS23] #3156237
07/02/23 02:26 PM
07/02/23 02:26 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 794
massachusetts U.S.A.
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1969ronnie Offline
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1969ronnie  Offline
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massachusetts U.S.A.
wave Hi Dave , Please Explain what part and where on the trailing arm to Shorten . I'm Not picturing what to cut or machine off ? We want to learn or Understand better . drive thank you Ronnie

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 1969ronnie] #3156248
07/02/23 03:04 PM
07/02/23 03:04 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,787
A collage of whims
topside Offline
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A collage of whims
Upper control arm is the V part of a triangle.
The ball joint/spindle is at the intersection point.
If you shorten the rear leg, or lengthen the front leg, the point where they meet moves, in this case back.
That provides more caster.

Some of the old SS cars, like mine, had theirs done by Jack Arnew - his deal was to widen (lengthen) the front leg.
Side effect was the front wheels had consistent camber, whether on the ground or in a wheelstand.
In my car's case, we could get over 7 degrees of pos caster.

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: topside] #3156340
07/02/23 09:20 PM
07/02/23 09:20 PM
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Benton, IL.
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DaveRS23 Offline
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Topside has it. I have the rear upper control arm bushing knuckle cut or machined off where it meets the arm. Then another cut that removes about 1/4" off the arm. The exact amount is not critical. Then weld the UCA knuckle back on. The beauty of this is that it doesn't have to be perfectly square. The bushing will take up any minor deviation. Think of it as moving the ball joint towards the back of the car. Shortening the rear arm effectively swings the ball joint back. Same thing the offset bushings do. Just more of it.

A picture would be worth a thousand words here.


Master, again and still
Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 340mouse] #3156693
07/03/23 08:58 PM
07/03/23 08:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 275
Oakwood Ont Canada
340mouse Offline OP
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340mouse  Offline OP
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Oakwood Ont Canada
Originally Posted by 340mouse
I am now needing an alignment on my 68 Barracuda, it looks way off, exactly how do the problem solver upper control arm bushings work, do they rotate until tightened by the cam bolts or ?. Thanks Dave

It looked way off, got my undies in a knot worrying, taking it apart today and found I had enough adjustment with the stock setup, so now just waiting to get an alignment done. Thanks Dave

Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: 340mouse] #3156694
07/03/23 08:59 PM
07/03/23 08:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085
Benton, IL.
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DaveRS23 Offline
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Benton, IL.
up


Master, again and still
Re: Problem solver upper control arm bushings [Re: DaveRS23] #3156765
07/03/23 11:45 PM
07/03/23 11:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,787
A collage of whims
topside Offline
Too Many Posts
topside  Offline
Too Many Posts

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Posts: 20,787
A collage of whims
FWIW - and going by memory, as the car's not with me - Jack added what looked like about 1/2" to the width (or length, if you prefer) of the front "leg".
We could actually get 8+ pos caster, but 7 was plenty: straight as a string @ 130 MPH, and nothing disturbed that.
Only downside, if I didn't mention it already here, was when turning the car in the lanes, you don't want your hand between the steering wheel spokes.
It would self-center with a vengeance...

BTW: Learned in my BMW & Vintage TransAm racer days to approximate driver's weight in the seat; 1/2-tank of fuel was really splitting hairs,,,







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