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    #1

    Front end arms

    About 1-1/2 years ago, I changed out one of the front a-arms on my Protege for one off of a 2wd. Which, as we all know causes a LOT of negative chamber. This past weekend, I finally dug into it, to stop the massive tire wear. (A friend is borrowing the car for a while, putitng a lot more miles on it then I did.) The amount I had to cut off and move the holes was 1/2", sizeable for sure. I'm surprised it didn't cause other issues, like CV noise. Unrelated, the passenger side axle has lost another boot to the dry weather in the desert.

    -Jon R.
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    #2
    What do you think when you have a look at those things, about reinforcing them? We thought about the obvious weak spot, and decided that welding and such there was more likely to make some other part of the assy break.
    '90 AWD Protege, full GTR drivetrain swap, ~320 whp daily driver, RIP, and
    '90 AWD Protege, yet another GTR swap, Open class rallycar with a Toyota GT4 gearbox swap, thus crossing the line between hobby and mental illness. And a Brabus E55 K8, removing all doubt.
    http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/vbpi...?do=view&g=110
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2599486

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      #3
      I've found the stock arms to be pretty strong, as long as you don't drive sideways into a 8" tall concrete curb doing 35mph. I don't think welding a flat bottom plate to cover the entire bottom would weaken anything. Covering over the big hole in the middle of the arm certain would help from snagging it on something, but then you would want to cover the top hole as well, to keep debrie out, mud, water, dirt, etc... As you've found out in the past, it's the rust you can't see that will do the control arms in. Jim Pierce and I keep talking about building tubular control arms for the Escorts, it's would be very easy to make it a 1/2" shorter for the AWD cars too.

      -Jon R.

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        #4
        Originally posted by jrally View Post
        Jim Pierce and I keep talking about building tubular control arms for the Escorts
        less talking - more building! haha jk
        i'll buy a set as long as they are relatively affordable and use some sort of solid bushing/bearing. :D
        Escort GTR -- 11.87 @ 117.6 mph -- 320 HP / 325 Ft. Lbs. @ 23 PSI
        ... The first FWD BG with a Toyota E153 transmission conversion in the USA!
        Looking for BP x Toyota E153 adapter plates? PM me or contact me on Facebook: Riel Performance Parts

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          #5
          I haven't even had time to do the driver's side mount I was asked to work on. Jim and I dream a lot, he's a better DO-er than me. LOL

          -Jon R.

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            #6
            let me know if you need some arms for mock up to copy. I have a spare set of front lowers. I have long wanted tubular, but have not had the time to build them..

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              #7
              No problem Scott. If/when we make the arms, we'll be starting with the 2wd ones. Since 1/2" shorter at the ball joint is close enough for the AWD ones, I don't think we'll need a mock-up set. But, if we do, I'll know who to call. You guys saw the arms I built for my Celica, right..? (But that car has an entire custom subframe that they bolt up to)

              -Jon R.


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