1JZ E30 Vert Build Thread with Pastry filled wheels

[jc43089]

MMM Purty!

[Jdesign]

jc43089 said:

MMM Purty!

Thanks!!

[Jdesign]

So I was looking at my front control arms and I tore the boots on my ball-joints when I removed my knuckles.

Does anyone have any suggestions for brand / company to get new control arms?

Or should I get new boots?

Or should I just press in new ball-joints?

Also could I upgrade to something newer/ lighter from an E36 or E46??

[Earl]

E36 arms would give you more camber. E46 arms would give you a ton of camber over e36 arms.

[Jdesign]

Earl said:

E36 arms would give you more camber. E46 arms would give you a ton of camber over e36 arms.

So I assume Dimension "B" Increases?

Also any thoughts on Brands?

[jc43089]

Is there anywhere that has has listed what the A and B dimensions actually are?  Here is the source of that pic but they don't actually list the dimensions.  They do have notes from test fitting the different arms to an e30 though.

http://vorshlag.smugmug.com/Projects/E30-V8/9984510_6HwM6c#!i=764524152&k=QKjHtRg

[Jdesign]

I was looking at getting these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-BMW-E36-8PC-HD-CONTROL-ARM-SUSPENSION-KIT-SOLID-BUSHINGS-KIT-318-325-328-Z3-/281101320276?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4172f1c054&vxp=mtr

[Jdesign]

jc43089 said:

Is there anywhere that has has listed what the A and B dimensions actually are?  Here is the source of that pic but they don't actually list the dimensions.  They do have notes from test fitting the different arms to an e30 though.

http://vorshlag.smugmug.com/Projects/E30-V8/9984510_6HwM6c#!i=764524152&k=QKjHtRg

That's helpful, thanks. It looks like you would need M3 arms for a 5lug swap depending on how you go about it. I would hate to buy arms that are NOT E30 and have them totally throw my caster angle off.

[Jdesign]

Have found some less than impressive review for those parts^ I will continue my search.

[jc43089]

Aren't the e30 ball joints replaceable?  I am replacing the ones on my 36, which the inner ones are not supposed to be replaceable, but if I buy replacements for an e30 they are a direct fit.

[andyhundley]

Just buy replacement e30 lemforder control arms on pelicanparts.com.

[andyhundley]

Control arms aren't something you should go cheap on. Especially since your car is slammed and it puts more stress on your ball joints. It would suck to have one let go driving and damage your car/hurt somebody!

[Jdesign]

andyhundley said:

Control arms aren't something you should go cheap on. Especially since your car is slammed and it puts more stress on your ball joints. It would suck to have one let go driving and damage your car/hurt somebody!

I agree with you 100%. 

jc43089 said:

Aren't the e30 ball joints replaceable?  I am replacing the ones on my 36, which the inner ones are not supposed to be replaceable, but if I buy replacements for an e30 they are a direct fit.

I was thinking I might just get new ball-joints and press them in, seems like the safest route.  The BMW castings are the best for these control arms from what I have read, and that leaves me the option to use any ball joints I want.

[jc43089]

Jdesign said:

I was thinking I might just get new ball-joints and press them in, seems like the safest route.  The BMW castings are the best for these control arms from what I have read, and that leaves me the option to use any ball joints I want.

Once it is off of the car any mechanic shop with a hydraulic press can pop the joints out and new ones in for a few bucks.  Saves a lot of messing around.  The right tool makes it a 5 minute job.

[Jdesign]

jc43089 said:

Once it is off of the car any mechanic shop with a hydraulic press can pop the joints out and new ones in for a few bucks.  Saves a lot of messing around.  The right tool makes it a 5 minute job.

I have a press at work, I guess I am lazy if I could just buy a whole new part.

[Jdesign]

So I looked over the balljoints again and they are just fine, I only tore the boots removing them. I decided I will just replace the boots and re-grease the joints. Would anyone happen to know what the dimensions of the boots? I was looking into getting something more durable like urethane. I had Energy suspension boots on my civic and they were awesome, I just don't know what size to order. here is a picture for reference:

[RamRod E28]

just get new ball joints they may seem fine now but they're out already so why not??? They're gonna go bad eventually...

[Jdesign]

Ramze46 said:

just get new ball joints they may seem fine now but they're out already so why not??? They're gonna go bad eventually...

Because of the stress it will put on the arms of pushing the ball-joints in and out. Normally that's why its suggested you replace the whole arm. I have factory arms now, I figure I wont be able to find castings as nice unless I get OEM. So why replace them if they don't need it yet. I have always had the mentality of don't replace it unless it's broken or is an upgrade.

Also consider the cost.

$400 on arms that dont need to be replaced < $20 maximum on new boots

[RamRod E28]

Well then get fancier ball joints

[Jdesign]

Ramze46 said:

Well then get fancier ball joints

Still take the risk of stressing the arms then I think I am just gonna put some boots on there, run it, and if shit breaks, deal with it then.