Rear lower control arm bushings 99-02 firebird

[Jason Shepard]

Originally Posted by Tom Goldman

You might want to check the use of the Global West lower arms with your Division tech director.
I have been told by Division One tech that the use of spherical bearings in the lower bars is not allowed in Stock . which is a shame because the Global West parts are top shelf.

The only thing I could find says they cannot be adjustable. Otherwise no other restrictions

[Jeremy K]

Originally Posted by Jason Shepard

The only thing I could find says they cannot be adjustable. Otherwise no other restrictions

This is the exact wording.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Jeremy K

This is the exact wording.

The Global West lower control bars are not adjustable and meet the rule.
I believe what Tom was referring is to the interpretation and language of spherical bearing versus solid bushing.

The only difference is the spherical bearing has reduced friction when compared to thermoplastic bushing with a steel sleeve insert for rotation. Needle bearings are being allowed in front control arms in lieu of bushings; to me, there is no difference.

The Global West bars are great pieces and work. Also, BMR has non-adjustable lower bars with the thermoplastic bushings and even has some "Scratch and Dent" bars on sale.

http://m.bmrsuspension.com/?page=pro...productid=2312

[Jason Shepard]

Has anyone had any luck pressing solid bushings into the stock arms? My traction bar mounts are attached to my stock arms.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Jason Shepard

Has anyone had any luck pressing solid bushings into the stock arms? My traction bar mounts are attached to my stock arms.

Unless you are trying to save money, the task to do so and time is not worth when you can purchase aftermarket bars that are stronger than the OEM.

[Tom Goldman]

Originally Posted by Jeremy K

This is the exact wording.

And there you have it , a Heim end is a spherical bearing ,the Global West arms are spherical does not matter if its non adjustable .
Don't get me wrong , I would love to use them on my Stock customers cars, I've inquired about them as recently as earlier this year. but here is where the "East Coast vs West Coast" rule books come into play , A matter of interpretation .
I won't risk a customers DQ for what is most likely a negligible gain over a bushing.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Tom Goldman

And there you have it , a Heim end is a spherical bearing ,the Global West arms are spherical does not matter if its non adjustable .
Don't get me wrong , I would love to use them on my Stock customers cars, I've inquired about them as recently as earlier this year. but here is where the "East Coast vs West Coast" rule books come into play , A matter of interpretation .
I won't risk a customers DQ for what is most likely a negligible gain over a bushing.

That is crazy Tom!
NHRA Tech needs to correct their interpretation of a heim end and spherical bearing.

A heim end is not a spherical bearing; the heim end contains a spherical bearing and all heim ends are threaded and adjustable.

The Global West bars are identical in form and fit and function as the OEM bars and not adjustable. The only difference is it has a solid bushing at one end and a spherical bearing contained at the other end.

Since needle bearings in lieu of bushings are allowed as a replacement to front lower and upper control arms, what is the difference?

[west coast]

I agree with SSdiv6 about what a Heim joint and a spherical bearing is. I did ask this question to NHRA about what a heim joint was? Heim joints are an adjustable threaded rod end. I should have gotten this in an email, but this was just an open question at that time. Have learned from my mistakes and get my question answered in emails for future discussion. My next question has to do with what is written in the rule book, a rear trailing arm my be replace with an NHRA accepted OEM type aftermarket unit. Under NHRA accepted products there is nothing list for suspension parts. So if you want to use one of these products you need to get a letter from NHRA saying it is accepted. Would be nice if they maintained a list of what has been accepted.

Is there anyone out there that has a letter from NHRA on rear control arms that has been accepted. And what is there application.

[SSGN]

If you want to keep the stock bars,HRPARTS offer a Delrin bushing and it seems to work very well. Best of luck.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by west coast

I agree with SSdiv6 about what a Heim joint and a spherical bearing is. I did ask this question to NHRA about what a heim joint was? Heim joints are an adjustable threaded rod end. I should have gotten this in an email, but this was just an open question at that time. Have learned from my mistakes and get my question answered in emails for future discussion. My next question has to do with what is written in the rule book, a rear trailing arm my be replace with an NHRA accepted OEM type aftermarket unit. Under NHRA accepted products there is nothing list for suspension parts. So if you want to use one of these products you need to get a letter from NHRA saying it is accepted. Would be nice if they maintained a list of what has been accepted.

Is there anyone out there that has a letter from NHRA on rear control arms that has been accepted. And what is there application.

James, You figure it's not okay for a racer to make his own solid bushing trailing arms? I sure hope we haven't devolved to that state.