Tubular control arms/air ride??

[bjkttr]

I am sure this is posted somewhere but I am going to ask because I have read lots of different opinions. I am looking at installing aire ride on a 65 c10 project and was wondering it tubular control armsystem are a good idea or not really work spending the cash? Please let me know the pro's and cons. I am new to air ride so please bare with me

[andrewmp6]

Depends how low you want to go and wheel size you want to run?

[PGSigns]

I have air on my 65 with a set of cupped stock arms. Worked fine. I am swapping out the stock arms for a set of tubular arms because I got a good deal on them and they look cool. If you can weld then a set of cupped lower arms work great and will get you down to the point of the crossmember sitting on the ground when aired out. If you don't have access to welding them the tubular lower arms become a easy option for bagging the front.
Jimmy

[dec010974]

hello. i don't know if this true but I was told that tubular control arms wouldn't help you gain any additional Clearance. When my truck is aired out, with inner fenders removed, my stock control arms lay on the ground, with my frame 2 approximately inches above the ground. Dang, i want those 2 inches to disappear. good luck with your suspension. Clark.

[lolife99]

Tubular or cupped a-arm on a stock crossmember only allow the a-arms to pivot up to the max amount.
Depending on tire height, you should be able to lay the a-arms on the ground, since they are the lowest point of the front suspension.
You need to move the crossmember UP in the frame to gain ground clearance.
This can be done with a frame Z, sectioned crossmember, or aftermarket crossmember like Porterbuilt's Dropmember.
Personally, I hate the extreme negative camber of cupped a-arms, when the truck is layed out.
The Dropmember will always be my first choice.

[dec010974]

Thanks for the information lolife99, "Pun intended", 'cause that's how we roll.

[bjkttr]

I am not to worried about laying my frame I just want to improve handling and have a good ride. I was told with using stock control arms and air bags it is bad on the balljoints . And you will have to replace them more often?

[andrewmp6]

Just depends on how you use the air ride on,If your the type always playing with it from fully up to dumped over and over all day every day that might do it.But if your the type that will dump it to park it and lift it to drive it and leave it alone you won't see any extra ball joint wear.

[PGSigns]

Here are the players in ride and handling and a basic overview of how they change what you feel.
Tires, low profile stiffer ride a little better feel in handling due to less side wall flex. Taller profile tire has a softer ride and a little less tight feel on the handling due tot he sidewall flex that gives a better ride.
Shocks, A good set of shocks can do wonders for the ride and handling. Shocks that can be tuned can provide both on demand.
Sway bars, have a huge effect on handling with out hurting ride. Drive one of these trucks that did not come with a front bar on it then drive it again with a 1" bar and you will see night and day.
Ride height, has little effect on the ride but a lower Center of gravity will improve the handling.
Spring rates, a softer spring rate with more stored energy can give a softer ride. A stiffer rate will improve the handling by better being able to resist the loads put on the springs in hard cornering.
So all this stuff works together to give you the feel you want. First thing you need to do is decide what is is you are after.
Have you read this thread?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251
Jimmy