Tubular Control Arms?

Guys:

Well, there's really no argument over struts. They are adequate and can be made to handle. I don't care for them is really all there is to it. If someone else wants them that's fine, of course. I even wrote a detailed article on how I'd go about converting to a strut using Volvo or Nissan rear drive struts, but didn't actually do it. So there may be some "gotchas" that would make it a problem.

My biggest "problem" with converting to struts on an AMC is that you don't gain anything, not unless the entire front end is cut away and a tubular support for the upper strut mount is created, or a new spring tower is made. The top of the spring tower is needed to support the strut, and the upper arm mounts are made into the spring tower panel. The upper arm supports could be cut out and a flat piece welded in, but unless done properly with lots of thought that could seriously weaken the spring tower. So there's no gain in room in the engine bay by using struts. All you manage to do is get rid of the trunnion, and it really doesn't have any more limitations than the strut does (caster limits instead of camber). It's also cheaper to rebuild the trunnion suspension than replace it, and it can be made to handle well also -- Donohue proved that in the 68-69 Javelins, though he wanted more flexibility, which is one reason AMC finally was convinced to redesign the front suspension for 1970. Modern rebuilt 64-69 American/Javelin/AMX trunnions are superior to the originals due to the polyurethane bushings used (in the original housings), and will handle much better and last longer. The big car upper turnnions have never been a problems, just the small car 64-69 design.

The lone exception to this is a drag racer. The drag strut setups are light and not intended for street use because they are so light. But they do get rid of a lot of weight, so there is a definite advantage.

Replacing the trunnion suspension with a new upper arm that takes a Mustang II type spindle along with the new tubular lower arm (might need to be shortened a bit to use the MII spindle) is a different story. You gain a big option list as far as brakes, and you get to add caster as well (a strut will allow adding caster but would still have camber limitations, trading one for the other is sort of a wash to me). That's obviously the best route -- IMHO.


Edited by farna - Apr/11/2010 at 5:53pm

alber1x wrote: EagleFreek wrote: To complete the AMC line up you need to make some front control arms to lift an AMC Eagle about 3-4".   Send me some arms and we'll see what we can do.  Bring it on.   Al

I can send you a whole front end! LOL, in fact, the frame is SO rotted, a Red Green method of removal might work. The strut rod brackets have already fallen to the ground and the steering, well, there is none because things rotted off the frame.
Seriously, the Eagle upper control arms  and front springs are the same as all others, the lower arms, well, because they are independent front suspension four wheel drive cars, the front is a bit tricky. The front drive axles need to get through there and the lower arms are offset, not straight like the other AMC cars. They are odd-looking lower arms.

Are the front '70 and up tubular control arms done yet?

The front control arms and coil over kits are done.  The arms are at the powder coater and should be back here in a couple of days for packaging and shipping.