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Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? #668785 04/13/10 12:33 PM 04/13/10 12:33 PM
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA JF_Moparts OP super stock
JF_Moparts OP super stock Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA	All, I'm thinking about making a few improvements to my 71 Sebring's suspension and I'm looking at the Hotchkis upper A arms. My goal would be improved tracking and much reduced bump steer. I've already modified the suspension of my car with the following: 205 lb/inch torsion bars 1 1/4" anti-sway bar Polygraphite everywhere Rick E's disk brake swap, 11.75" Fast ratio pitman and idler KYB shocks 255/45-17's all around So I'm wondering if the Hotchkis arms would be a good addition to what I've already done. My car bump steers like crazy! Thanks. Jim

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668786 04/13/10 12:47 PM 04/13/10 12:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 31,082 Oregon A AndyF I Win
AndyF I Win A Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 31,082 Oregon	If you have bump steer issues then call the guys at Firm Feel and talk to them. They are probably the most experienced Mopar suspension folks around.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668787 04/13/10 01:06 PM 04/13/10 01:06 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	I have them and for the most part like them. Get the tie rod bump steer kit and the get their shocks instead of the KYBs or buy mine so I can get the Hotchkis shocks. Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668788 04/13/10 07:20 PM 04/13/10 07:20 PM
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA H Hotchkis enthusiast
Hotchkis enthusiast H Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA	We'd recommend swapping out the KYBs for a more high performance shock like Bilstein. The cheaper shocks just don't perform well and for a few more dollars a performance shock will provide considerably better service for years to come. Definitely one of those "you get what you pay for" situations - even if you don't use ours. As far as your tracking and bumpsteer issues go, a combination of tubular control arms (for extra caster) and our adjustable tie rods will dramatically reduce bumpsteer and improve tracking. Each car is different, but we can offer recommendations on spacer settings for the tie rods. A third thing is to find an alignment shop that can actually work on your car. Most modern shops really don't do a very good job of aligning vintage muscle cars. Stock Challenger Before and After

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: Hotchkis] #668789 04/13/10 08:56 PM 04/13/10 08:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA JF_Moparts OP super stock
JF_Moparts OP super stock Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA	Quote: We'd recommend swapping out the KYBs for a more high performance shock like Bilstein. The cheaper shocks just don't perform well and for a few more dollars a performance shock will provide considerably better service for years to come. Definitely one of those "you get what you pay for" situations - even if you don't use ours. As far as your tracking and bumpsteer issues go, a combination of tubular control arms (for extra caster) and our adjustable tie rods will dramatically reduce bumpsteer and improve tracking. Each car is different, but we can offer recommendations on spacer settings for the tie rods. A third thing is to find an alignment shop that can actually work on your car. Most modern shops really don't do a very good job of aligning vintage muscle cars. Stock Challenger Before and After I forgot to mention that I already have tubular upper A arms in the car, but not the ones you offer. If the corrected geometry arms make a big difference, then they're worth it to me. I currently run the C-body tie rods. I have a good shop for alignment - Bagge & Sons in Culver City, recommended to me by autoxcuda of CPW fame. What would help me the most, quite honestly, is for someone who knows their stuff to ride or drive my car and make recommendations. I actually called Hotchkis last week and asked if that service was available, or if you'd be hosting any performance clinics. I was transfered to a voice mail and left a message, but have not heard back yet. I'm not afraid to spend the money, but I need some insight into the value/improvement I'll be getting from the product. I don't like shooting in the dark. Jim

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668790 04/13/10 09:12 PM 04/13/10 09:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	Quote: I currently run the C-body tie rods. Do they lower the point where they attach to the control arm? Are they ajustable to your ride height? The tie rod ends that Hotchis sells is not to beef up the tie rod ends. They are there to correct the bumpsteer. Doing this maybe a worth while upgrade, esp if your concern is bumpsteer. Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668791 04/13/10 10:06 PM 04/13/10 10:06 PM
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA JF_Moparts OP super stock
JF_Moparts OP super stock Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA	Quote: Quote: I currently run the C-body tie rods. Do they lower the point where they attach to the control arm? Are they ajustable to your ride height? The tie rod ends that Hotchis sells is not to beef up the tie rod ends. They are there to correct the bumpsteer. Doing this maybe a worth while upgrade, esp if your concern is bumpsteer. Well, yeah, they don't do any of that. I was just adding what I forgot to put in my opening post. I want to get my car to ride and handle the best it possibly can, within reason. I just want to see some kind of cost/benefit beforehand. Jim

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668792 04/13/10 11:23 PM 04/13/10 11:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	I just have the arms so far, and for me there is a noticeable difference. I think my only gripe is one of the dust boots fell off during one of the adjustments. It did not even make it around the block before this happened. And I'm afraid that I will have to remove the arm just to re-attach the boot. I hope this is not going to be a re-occurring problem. These are 'Made in America' right? 5924454-DSC05190.jpg (64 downloads) Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668793 04/13/10 11:30 PM 04/13/10 11:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	Although I picked mine up, they were packed very well. 5924469-arms.jpg (64 downloads) Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668794 04/13/10 11:35 PM 04/13/10 11:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	I ended up doing my own alignment. I just dropped a plumb bob from the lower ball joint, Chalked up 20 degrees... I'm sure the actual pivot point is a inch or so out from this point depending on the the location of the upper ball joint but this will give me a estimate and good starting point. 5924483-IMG_4496small.jpg (54 downloads) Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668795 04/13/10 11:41 PM 04/13/10 11:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	I used a wheel dolley or gojak (on all 4 tires to make car level) for a turn table and I had a old Camber caster guage I used. You can get these for less than $200 in the off brands. Before I thought of using the wheel dollies for turn tables, I was going to use some tile pieces with grease between them. I also had a friend with some real turn tables but it turned out the balls were worn out. Oh, I have aluminum hubs so the guage would not stick on the hubs without some help. I guess I should have asked 68HemiB to give me a hand but I'm a little stubborn about working by myself sometimes. 5924493-IMG_4503small.jpg (63 downloads)

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668796 04/13/10 11:53 PM 04/13/10 11:53 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	Before 5924509-driversbe.jpg (67 downloads) Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: HealthServices] #668797 04/13/10 11:53 PM 04/13/10 11:53 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	After 5924511-drivers.jpg (81 downloads) Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668798 04/14/10 12:08 AM 04/14/10 12:08 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,483 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,483 So Cal	Quote: What would help me the most, quite honestly, is for someone who knows their stuff to ride or drive my car and make recommendations. I actually called Hotchkis last week and asked if that service was available, or if you'd be hosting any performance clinics. I was transfered to a voice mail and left a message, but have not heard back yet. I'm not afraid to spend the money, but I need some insight into the value/improvement I'll be getting from the product. I don't like shooting in the dark. Jim I think that is a good idea. I bet your issue or more non bump steer related. Like shocks. I think you could get the Hotchkis shocks for around $400 for 4. Not hard to install yourself, and you wouldn't need to re-align the car or pay labor to install the uppers. Maybe bring your car out to Spring Fling and maybe after 1pm when the midway activity dies down some someone there could could drive it? Just a suggestion. You can drive mine after 2pm or so. But I don't have any Hotchkis stuff on my car though.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: autoxcuda] #668799 04/14/10 12:54 AM 04/14/10 12:54 AM
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA JF_Moparts OP super stock
JF_Moparts OP super stock Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,164 Los Angeles, CA	Quote: Quote: What would help me the most, quite honestly, is for someone who knows their stuff to ride or drive my car and make recommendations. I actually called Hotchkis last week and asked if that service was available, or if you'd be hosting any performance clinics. I was transfered to a voice mail and left a message, but have not heard back yet. I'm not afraid to spend the money, but I need some insight into the value/improvement I'll be getting from the product. I don't like shooting in the dark. Jim I think that is a good idea. I bet your issue or more non bump steer related. Like shocks. I think you could get the Hotchkis shocks for around $400 for 4. Not hard to install yourself, and you wouldn't need to re-align the car or pay labor to install the uppers. Maybe bring your car out to Spring Fling and maybe after 1pm when the midway activity dies down some someone there could could drive it? Just a suggestion. You can drive mine after 2pm or so. But I don't have any Hotchkis stuff on my car though. Hmmm, possibly. This year I'll be bringing my Road Runner to the Spring Fling, but maybe I can bring the RR on Saturday and the Satellite on Sunday, assuming someone is there to assess the Satellite. Jim

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A a [Re: JF_Moparts] #668800 04/14/10 01:07 AM 04/14/10 01:07 AM
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,024 In the twisties R RokketRide super gas
RokketRide super gas R Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,024 In the twisties	Yeah, assuming you can locate him, he'll be running around like a crazy person all weekend!

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668801 04/14/10 01:46 AM 04/14/10 01:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,483 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,483 So Cal	Quote: Hmmm, possibly. This year I'll be bringing my Road Runner to the Spring Fling, but maybe I can bring the RR on Saturday and the Satellite on Sunday, assuming someone is there to assess the Satellite. Jim Maybe talk to the Hotchkis guys on Saturday and see if you could set a time or something up for Sunday. Quote: Yeah, assuming you can locate him, he'll be running around like a crazy person all weekend! This is true. But by 1-2pm on Saturday I've calmed down a bit.

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: JF_Moparts] #668802 04/14/10 02:30 PM 04/14/10 02:30 PM
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA H Hotchkis enthusiast
Hotchkis enthusiast H Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA	We'll be at the Fling both days, so come talk to Drew on Sat and see if you can set up time to look at your car on Sunday. Elana's blue Challenger had C-body tie rods and while they are beefier, they aren't adjustable, and when we swapped in the Hotchkis parts, the car drove much straighter. She said she noticed it especially on the dragstrip, where the car used to move around at mid track, it now goes totally straight. She'll be at the show, and is usually pretty willing to let people drive her car. Health Services - All the parts are made in the US. Have you called the tech line about your dust boot?

Re: Has anyone used the Hotchkis geometry-corrected A arms? [Re: Hotchkis] #668803 04/14/10 02:44 PM 04/14/10 02:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal HealthServices Why would you even post that?
HealthServices Why would you even post that? Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,759 So Cal	Have not yet, still on my lift after changing the u joints yesterday. I'll call right now. Allen Here's a novel idea, let's not throw a bunch of parts at the car hoping it will fix the problem and instead spend a little time diagnosing it first. Life was a little easier when I was just a wrench.

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