Friendly reminder. Check your RUCAs.

[rancid240]

These are used jics I bought off of yahoo auctions. I have ran them for about a year. The drivers side arm broke on the freeway over a large bump, sending the car into a near fishtail. I was close to home so I made it back easily. Im not insinuating that JIC arms are of low quality or anything, since I did buy them used. Just a warning to check your arms every once in a while.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c64/rancidnsx/DSCF2400.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c64/rancidnsx/DSCF2401.jpg

[drift freaq]

This is not aimed at you Rancid its a general call out.

Like I have said in previous posts on rucas , people these things were intended for race cars that get checked all the time. Not slapped on street cars subjugated to adverse weather conditions. Then all of a sudden , oh my my ruca broke, it must be because of the shitty manufacture.
To all the Canadians and cold climate folks, here on the forums, Word!!This is what will happen to yours, no matter who makes it. None of them and I mean none of them, were ever designed to be run straight through a Canadian or midwestern winter and last let alone one year or multiple years.
People need to take responsibility and check these things. Instead of trying to blame it on manufacturers, because they were to blase to inspect the stuff, on a regular basis.

[NemeGuero]

I checked mine today. ;)

[slideways2004]

I checked mine today. ;)

me too. i check and lubricate them once a week

[NemeGuero]

You lube the bushing, or what?

[KOUKI KA-T]

Checked mine too. Still sitting in the box they came in 12 months ago :ugh:
I think I'll actually put them on this weekend...

[mr_240sx]

Checked mine too. Still sitting in the box they came in 12 months ago :ugh:
I think I'll actually put them on this weekend...


i ordered mine around christmas time when josh had the kazama GB !

maybe ill be ambicious enough to install them this week-end/ next week

[crazyikimasho]

Its also added protection to buy arms with boots on the end of the bushing. Even if you do have them you still should check them and keep the rods clean and lubed.

[swwifty]

umm, you would have never seen that coming even if you did check your RUCAs.

Race cars see a lot more stress than street cars. I find this unacceptable. It looks like the bolt just sheared off completely.

[NemeGuero]

You probably would have seen a fracture line.

[drift freaq]

umm, you would have never seen that coming even if you did check your RUCAs.

Race cars see a lot more stress than street cars. I find this unacceptable. It looks like the bolt just sheared off completely.
And you sir missed the point of my post completely. Race cars are run for 1-2 hours at a time over the course of a day, over a race weekend. At the end of the race weekend they are quite often torn apart inspected and quite often rebuilt with some parts or all parts replaced.
Now, if that does not clearly explain my point for you, I will spell it out. Constant matinence!!!
You cannot tell me, that someone that is in a extreme weather climate or not, puts on a part that was designed with constant matinence in mind and then ignores it, is not running the risk of severly fatiguing the part or even breaking it.

[swwifty]

And you sir missed the point of my post completely. Race cars are run for 1-2 hours at a time over the course of a day, over a race weekend. At the end of the race weekend they are quite often torn apart inspected and quite often rebuilt with some parts or all parts replaced.
Now, if that does not clearly explain my point for you, I will spell it out. Constant matinence!!!
You cannot tell me, that someone that is in a extreme weather climate or not, puts on a part that was designed with constant matinence in mind and then ignores it, is not running the risk of severly fatiguing the part or even breaking it.

Let me get this straight. Your saying that RUCAs should be replaced after a average race weekend? Or just looked at to tell if they should be replaced, and then replaced if neccesary?

Either way, I'm not buying it. RUCAs aren't a wear item. They should be designed to withstand the forces they will encounter under normal and racing driving conditions. There is no maintenance involved. Sure, if you track your car or have a full blown race car you should inspect the suspension before events; however, we're not talking about race cars here. These parts are being put on street cars, and the manufactuers know that. They can't expect the average joe, to inspect his suspension weekly. Plus, even if you did inspect it you probably wouldn't even see it unless you had a huge crack.

[Irukandji]

Let me get this straight. Your saying that RUCAs should be replaced after a average race weekend?

Where the hell did he even imply that?

Either way, I'm not buying it. RUCAs aren't a wear item. They should be designed to withstand the forces they will encounter under normal and racing driving conditions.

I think the point of this thread is to just give everyone a friendly reminder to check the Rucas. He's not trying to say RUCAS will fail on you.


An easy way to keep the bolts from corroding is to just spray a little wd40 on the threads once in a while.

[drift freaq]

Let me get this straight. Your saying that RUCAs should be replaced after a average race weekend? Or just looked at to tell if they should be replaced, and then replaced if neccesary?

Either way, I'm not buying it. RUCAs aren't a wear item. They should be designed to withstand the forces they will encounter under normal and racing driving conditions. There is no maintenance involved. Sure, if you track your car or have a full blown race car you should inspect the suspension before events; however, we're not talking about race cars here. These parts are being put on street cars, and the manufactuers know that. They can't expect the average joe, to inspect his suspension weekly. Plus, even if you did inspect it you probably wouldn't even see it unless you had a huge crack.

Boy,you either love construeing peoples statements, or your just good at missing points. Point of my statement about the race cars is inspection and replacement if nessecary. i.e Constant matinence!! There I said it again.

Hmmm, a movable heim joint is not a wear item. YOu fail basic engineering 101.
You think Ruca's with no rubber in them are designed for street use? Man, you have not been around long, have you?
You think the manufacturers design these things with street use in mind?
Cusco, Battle Version , JIC, Kazama and the list goes on, makes these parts for track use.
Kids buying them and using them on the street does not immediately dictate that the manufacturers designed these for street use. They did not!! If you believe that, then your not very well educated on street car suspensions vs track and race car suspensions.
If these type of things were designed and intended for long term street use you would see cars rolling out of the factories setup this way i.e. no rubber in the suspension and everything heim jointed. You don't and for the very reasons I stated.

[swwifty]

Boy,you either love construeing peoples statements, or your just good at missing points. Point of my statement about the race cars is inspection and replacement if nessecary. i.e Constant matinence!! There I said it again.

Hmmm, a movable heim joint is not a wear item. YOu fail basic engineering 101.
You think Ruca's with no rubber in them are designed for street use? Man, you have not been around long, have you?
You think the manufacturers design these things with street use in mind?
Cusco, Battle Version , JIC, Kazama and the list goes on, makes these parts for track use.
Kids buying them and using them on the street does not immediately dictate that the manufacturers designed these for street use. They did not!! If you believe that, then your not very well educated on street car suspensions vs track and race car suspensions.
If these type of things were designed and intended for long term street use you would see cars rolling out of the factories setup this way i.e. no rubber in the suspension and everything heim jointed. You don't and for the very reasons I stated.

Actually, I'm just trying to prevent what is happening...

Any unexperienced person who read this thread will immediately think, I don't want RUCA's because they'll break if I don't check them weekly!!!!

LOL, you claim that I warp your statements when you are doing the same thing to me. I never said that I thought manfactuers designed RUCAs only for the street. I just see no reason why they can't be run on the street perfectly fine.

You came across in your first post as if RUCAs were only for race cars that are inspected with a fine tooth comb.

It doesn't look like the heim joint in this situation broke. It looks to me like the shaft of the arm broke in half.

[drift freaq]

Actually, I'm just trying to prevent what is happening...

Any unexperienced person who read this thread will immediately think, I don't want RUCA's because they'll break if I don't check them weekly!!!!

LOL, you claim that I warp your statements when you are doing the same thing to me. I never said that I thought manfactuers designed RUCAs only for the street. I just see no reason why they can't be run on the street perfectly fine.

You came across in your first post as if RUCAs were only for race cars that are inspected with a fine tooth comb.

It doesn't look like the heim joint in this situation broke. It looks to me like the shaft of the arm broke in half.
To spell it out for you, over half the people running Ruca's should not be running Ruca's.
I did not warp your statements, you missed my points and rebutted with questions and incredulation, I in turn responded spelling it out for you.
You did state, that manufacturers knew the people were using them on the street.
That is, one a broad assumption and two completely unfounded .The manufacturers designed them specifically for track use., beyond that they do not pay attention.
In truth Ruca's are designed with the intention of non street use i.e. race cars, that is an indisputable fact. If you do not know that, then your either very young or have not been around racing very long.
They should be inspected with a fine tooth comb, if you care about your car and yours suspension.
Basic facts here: Ruca's were designed for track use and for the most part should not be installed on cars that are not seeing a lot of track time.
Does that mean you should not install them on your street car? Probably, does it mean people will adhere to it? Of course not. For the people that don't if they are going to go there they should inspect them on a regular basis.
Your arguement through this whole thing has been based around non matinence. Thats just bad period.

[swwifty]

To spell it out for you, over half the people running Ruca's should not be running Ruca's.
I did not warp your statements, you missed my points and rebutted with questions and incredulation, I in turn responded spelling it out for you.
You did state, that manufacturers knew the people were using them on the street.
That is, one a broad assumption and two completely unfounded .The manufacturers designed them specifically for track use., beyond that they do not pay attention.
In truth Ruca's are designed with the intention of non street use i.e. race cars, that is an indisputable fact. If you do not know that, then your either very young or have not been around racing very long.
They should be inspected with a fine tooth comb, if you care about your car and yours suspension.
Basic facts here: Ruca's were designed for track use and for the most part should not be installed on cars that are not seeing a lot of track time.
Does that mean you should not install them on your street car? Probably, does it mean people will adhere to it? Of course not. For the people that don't if they are going to go there they should inspect them on a regular basis.
Your arguement through this whole thing has been based around non matinence. Thats just bad period.

I really don't understand your logic here. I understand that you believe inspecting the RUCAs will prevent a failure somehow; however, race cars indure MUCH more suspension stress than a street car will. 1-2 hours on the track is easily like driving your car for a month on the street. A failure of a RUCA at the track would be much more catastrohpic in my mind. A high speed accident would be very bad at the track.

If these RUCAs are indeed wearable as you say, then I would imagine we'd see a lot more failures on the track. I believe the failures are more caused by faulty parts.

FYI, I have a S14 with Battle Version RUCAs. I don't anticpate them breaking anytime soon, and I use the car for track days, autox, weekend driving. I have quite a bit of experience in the racing department. I just have a different perspective then you.

[theicecreamdan]

FYI, I have a S14 with Battle Version RUCAs. I don't anticpate them breaking anytime soon, and I use the car for track days, autox, weekend driving. I have quite a bit of experience in the racing department. I just have a different perspective then you.


I don't anticipate my engine to use too much oil, but I check the oil when I get gas.

I don't anticipate my brakes to catastrophically fail but I check them at oppurtune times.

I check a lot of things that I don't anticipate to be broken, sometimes I find out that its a good thing I checked, other times its a small waste of time for good peace of mind.

[Pank]

. 1-2 hours on the track is easily like driving your car for a month on the street.

this isnt even close to true, and is a huge blanket statement. For the engine, i could see how this statement is true. but not for susp. Race tracks are smooth. there are no potholes, they do not race after leaving their car in the rain for a day, or after they drive through salted roads after it snows.

theres a reason that light "race-only" wheels are soft as hell, they never have super sudden shocks like a pothole or suburban curb would provide.

[mrmephistopheles]

Not slapped on street cars subjugated to adverse weather conditions.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=subjugate
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=subjected

:bigok:

[Ichi-Go]

I dont see how the track is harder on your car than business entrances with 8k/6k coilovers and constantly being jarred by shitty roads. I dont know what tracks you have been to but dips, speedbumps, ruts, sewers, reflectors, and pavement seams dont ring a bell when I think of track driving.

[Ghettokracker71]

goddamnit....:ugh:...shit...so mine aren't ok for my street s13?

[TurDz]

drift freaq is absolutely right. These were designed for "off-road use only" i.e. race cars. And he's right when he says maintenance is KEY.


Either way, I'm not buying it. RUCAs aren't a wear item. They should be designed to withstand the forces they will encounter under normal and racing driving conditions. There is no maintenance involved.

That's the thing...they weren't designed for "normal" i.e. street use, that's why most suspension links say "off road or racing use only."

These parts are being put on street cars, and the manufactuers know that. They can't expect the average joe, to inspect his suspension weekly. Plus, even if you did inspect it you probably wouldn't even see it unless you had a huge crack.

Manufacturers only know that these parts are designed for the race track and off road use only. Street use isn't included, and much harsher on the suspension.

Street roads = harsh impacts, abrupt bumps, cracks, extremely fast suspension movement and lots of vibration.

Track road = smooth roads, gradual weight shifting on the suspension (body roll, pitch, yaw).

Pot holes and road imperfections + corrosion = failure.

Because you're using SOLID joints, you cannot expect these joints to last longer than stock OEM ones with rubber bushings. The actual joint and bolt connection absorb about "10 times more stress and vibration than stock" (quoted from one of my auto engineering professors).

This failure seems awfullly familiar to this one:

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=101048&highlight=corrosion

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/8804/ruca25ul.jpg

same place any everything....

[drift freaq]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=subjugate
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=subjected

:bigok:
thank you kev, I guess I was a little tired when I made that mistake hahahhah

[TurDz]

goddamnit....:ugh:...shit...so mine aren't ok for my street s13?

It's all up to the user, but I'm sure most manufacturers put disclaimers such as "off road use only" to bypass any type of liability.

And yes, there should be ways to see if a crack is developing....if you see corrosion on the threads I would replace that bolt ASAP.

[Ghettokracker71]

hmm thanks


goddamnfuckingmessagetooshort

[drift freaq]

I really don't understand your logic here. I understand that you believe inspecting the RUCAs will prevent a failure somehow; however, race cars indure MUCH more suspension stress than a street car will. 1-2 hours on the track is easily like driving your car for a month on the street. A failure of a RUCA at the track would be much more catastrohpic in my mind. A high speed accident would be very bad at the track.

If these RUCAs are indeed wearable as you say, then I would imagine we'd see a lot more failures on the track. I believe the failures are more caused by faulty parts.

FYI, I have a S14 with Battle Version RUCAs. I don't anticpate them breaking anytime soon, and I use the car for track days, autox, weekend driving. I have quite a bit of experience in the racing department. I just have a different perspective then you.

I fear for you, maybe I am wrong, but it sounds like you don't pay to much attention to matinence, thats scary.
As far as street vs track goes streets are much harder on suspension than a smooth race track.
A failure of a Ruca at the track being much more catastrophic? In a sense of you being in a high speed crash? Maybe, difference is at the track you can go off the course and maybe injure yourself possibly cause another car to crash.

Catastrophic failure on street or highway? Much worse, why? On the track other drivers are expecting things. On the street the average joe is not. You run the risk of injuring other people on the street( possibly setting off a chain reaction) a lot more than at the track. You also run the risk of hitting a lot more inanimate objects on the street that would kill you.

Failures on race courses happen with suspension parts. It happens in SCCA , It happens in F1, it happens in Indy Car etc... just because in your limited road course or track experiences, you have not seen it, does not mean it has not happened or is not going to happen.

Moving parts wear, its part of physics. If a moving part did not wear at all someone would be making a lot of money on the patent and we would be entering a whole new world technologically. Can we say Sci Fi?

[az_240]

this is why I bought Cusco/spl RUCA's

[NemeGuero]

So remember.. check your RUCAs! lol

[mmdb]

^ How well does the cusco part hold up? I like the dust boot idea, but it seems like there's potential to get water trapped in there.

[ranisron]

I will check mine... when I get the car back from the bodyshop...

[Nostradamus]

Aluminum 3-piece Teflon/Kevlar self-sealing rod-ends FTW!

[NekoPunch]

I recently installed JIC RUCA's on my car and I have to say that I wasn't too impressed with the quality. In fact, they looked exactly identical to all the made-in-Taiwan RUCA's that I've seen rebranded and sold at the small car shops in Japan. There's much worse out there on ebay, but overall the JIC's are mediocre at best. I think my Tanabe toe arms have better construction, materials, and dust boots on the ends.

But like people already said here, these arms are always sold with the disclaimer that they are for track use only. They are not meant to withstand extended daily use, weathering, street conditions, etc. From the pictures originally posted, it looks like they broke after extended use and corrosion. The rod end probably hadn't been cleaned regularly and eventually froze up from rust. That would place more stress on the rod and eventually lead to failure.

[[email protected]]

as drift freaq says...

these parts are "race parts" and also stated as "off road use only"

OEM parts are tested for wear against every day driving abuse (pot holes, crash tested, road debris, weather conditions, etc etc) while most of the race parts are not...

Race cars are checked for crack and any little thing that can be wrong after each session...

Salt on the roads, pot holes, even really bumpy roads are not friendly to regid pillow ball arms...

[DoriftoSlut]

If you guys think aftermarket RUCAS are for track use only, call up [email protected] or [email protected] They'll stand by their products 120%.


Bottom line... Don't buy crappy bullshit parts and you won't have any worries.

[TurDz]

Standing by their products or not, you can't deny the fact that corrosion and street road irregularities accelerate the wear and increase the chance of failure.

Doesn't matter who it's made by. Just think of all of the salted roads in snowy areas, or the corrosion-inducing (moist) air in Texas or Florida.

If they do stand by their products though, by all means go for them. You can get replacements when the time comes.

[ranisron]

this thread kind of reminds me that I should have kept my stock RUCA, just in case.....

[turtl631]

Has anyone tried the arms from bings.ca? He was sick of corrosion killing arms so quickly up in canada so he designed some with top quality teflon/kevlar QA1 ends. Price looks pretty good also, but I haven't seen any reviews yet.

[DoriftoSlut]

Standing by their products or not, you can't deny the fact that corrosion and street road irregularities accelerate the wear and increase the chance of failure.

Doesn't matter who it's made by. Just think of all of the salted roads in snowy areas, or the corrosion-inducing (moist) air in Texas or Florida.

If they do stand by their products though, by all means go for them. You can get replacements when the time comes.

I agree that daily driving your car under any circumstances puts a lot of wear and tear on it. Even with completely stock bushings and crap (why you think they suck so much after 13 years). I think that's just from the sheer mileage and (like you said) lack of care most people will put towards their cars.

BUT I do not agree that a RUCA should be a track-only piece! THat's bullshit! And to make an excuse for a crappy product by saying it should only be used on the street is not cool either. With DECENT maintenance, a good product will last for a very long time. I have had my SPL RUCAs for ~3 years now. 2.5 of those years the car was daily driver. ANd i would not take my wheel off and clean the ruca or anything special like lubing it up or anything like that. I didn't have time, shit man it was my daily driver. Now that its my track car, I can take better care of it and you know what, the RUCAs are solid, no threads are corroded or stripped, the balljoint is not binding, and it rotates smoothly.

[broken240sx]

along these lines,

after two winters in NY (snow tires rule!) my whiteline front endlink gave out...

Driving down bumpy ass horace harding expressway in Queens, the bolt must have already taken off, and the collar thing that goes in the middle of the bushing gets jammed between my wheel and caliper:eek: (s15, z32) and stopped that tire in its tracks. I was slowing to a stop when it happened, still really shitty. Ill probably never post pics, but the caliper took a BEATING...(has this ever happened to anyone, or do I get the darwin award?)

anyways, listen to these guys, this wouldn't have happened if I noticed the missing bolt, which i'm pretty sure was there when I changed the earl two weeks ago...

on another note, you can barely tell that your front bar is disconnected under normal driving conditions... but get a feel for it before you hit the twisties:2f2f: I forgot about it by the time I got home, almost spun:ugh:

[mjjstang]

I personally think it is rediculous that they are breaking from the bolts but I can understand the the heim joints would wear after time, and like stated, that is why they are not used on OEM. The adjustment thread should be larger in diameter if they continue to break from the same location like shown.

[NemeGuero]

Drivin' through cold is a problem too.

Most metals have a DBTT(Ductile to brittle transition temperature) where at a certain temperature, usually pretty low, the metal can no longer endure the same stresses it could before. In fact, it breaks like tooth picks. We did this in lab putting metal in liquid nitrogen and it cracked with 1/4 of the force.

That's actually the real reason the titanic sank. The engineers were dumb and didn't use materials that could withstand the temperatures of the cold ass water. Once the first compartment flooded, the rivets that held the compartment walls up just started popping off under the pressure.

Ok, enough blabber. Sorry. hha

[sw20>>s14]

okay, mr. engineer...shouldnt you be banned by now? =)

basically, all aftermarket parts you have run a risk...so check them...even so, regarless of oem or aftermarket, you should always check your parts whenever possible...why do you think car washes come in handy once and a while? check pad life, tire wear, etc...

[NemeGuero]

You check your stuff at car washes? I know.. I apologized for the rambling. haha

Someone had to be curious and appreciate the info!

dick. ;)

[mjjstang]

haha this is why i pull my car out when the snow is only a faint memory.

[Blabla]

This post makes me want to share my personal experience - when I went with coilovers - I had to get adjustable stuff and replace some of those suspension arms - I did not know much about 240's at the point - so I figured I'd try different brend and see how it does over time --
Lets put it that way :

Tanabe Tension Rod : Real piece of **** - corrosion all over - including the bar itself - the threads are garbage now and I plan on changing them when I get upper camber plate with some rubber (if I can ever find that stuff lol)

Cusco RUCA : The impressive one -- very impressive actually - it looks new.. granted it was more expensive then the other - but hey I guess you pay for what you get.

JIC Toe Rod : This is the interesting one - A little rust here and there but nothing to worry about, at least in my opinion.

I will be taking them all off soon to check them all - it now has been a year that I had them on my daily so will see hehe

Still Tanabe = crap - they are scary looking and I will replace them...

[mr_240sx]

This post makes me want to share my personal experience - when I went with coilovers - I had to get adjustable stuff and replace some of those suspension arms - I did not know much about 240's at the point - so I figured I'd try different brend and see how it does over time --
Lets put it that way :

Tanabe Tension Rod : Real piece of **** - corrosion all over - including the bar itself - the threads are garbage now and I plan on changing them when I get upper camber plate with some rubber (if I can ever find that stuff lol)

Cusco RUCA : The impressive one -- very impressive actually - it looks new.. granted it was more expensive then the other - but hey I guess you pay for what you get.

JIC Toe Rod : This is the interesting one - A little rust here and there but nothing to worry about, at least in my opinion.

I will be taking them all off soon to check them all - it now has been a year that I had them on my daily so will see hehe

Still Tanabe = crap - they are scary looking and I will replace them...


well i started installing my kazama goodies tonight and i hope that in a years time they hold up decent because they werent cheap!:smash:

[FaLKoN240]

I like reading about SPL RUCAs, especially after I put them on my car.

I got a daily driver too. Haha.

[dopeassjackson]

has any one ever broke these RUCA?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PROJECTSILVIA-Adjustable-Rear-Upper-Control-Arm-240SX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33581QQitemZ80624 69904QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

im seeing that the thicker tube ebay ones rust and break. since i live in the north east this is an issue for me.

[TokyoNights]

battleversion fo lyfe!
street and track and Ive never has a problem with Alexs stuff
dont cheap out and you wont have to worry

[mr_240sx]

would kazama stuff be considered cheaping out?

[TurDz]

my_240sx,

I've heard some of their components to be substandard. Items like their rod ends and ball joints. The only way to know for sure is to get input from people who have had them for a while. If the ball joint is super loose (my friend has very loose Battle Version ones), I would consider replacing that component.

[mmdb]

I agree with DriftoSlut. Although they do manufacture the parts as "race-only" they are sure to know that people who buy them are not going to use them strictly for the track.

With that said, looks like the shperical bearing rusted out pretty bad. If it wasn't discussed before, sorry I didn't bother reading prior, looks like they might've seized causing it to be fixated resulting in putting more stress on endlink.

I recently picked up a set of RUCAs that has name brand endlinks with tight tolerances, and thick compared to other ebay, or even jdm brand toe-ends. If you're going to get a set, regardless of being "off-road" only, find a manufacturer that knows what materials that go in to the products.

P.S. JIC was a prospective RUCA for my car until I called them and asked what materials they used for the endlinks, or for the arm itself... Needless to say I will never buy a JIC product.

[drift freaq]

Well regardless of what any of you say, to justify your reasoning, in the end the truth is like I said before, manufacturers make them with either good intentions where they state for track use. Or bad intentions where they just make them to make money. You can all believe that the manufacturer is thinking, hmm these are going to be used on the street lets make them to last like stock car parts. I If you do your just bullshitting yourself. Neither side see's that way. The ones that care state for offroad or track use. The ones that don't don't say anything and just sell them to make a buck.
Any other idea is pretty idealistic if not unrealistic. Sorry but its true.

[Dousan_PG]

my spls were like 3 years w/ never problems and no maintenance, sold them to a friend, still runs them worry free 100% daily driven minor tracked

right now i got cusco for the s14, works great high quality. spl dosent sell their own s14 ones, they did the reserach cusco is one of the best. why battle the best?

everything else is spl though all arms, no problems, anywhere fomr 1.5-3 years use on them. my tc rods i had for about 3 years are now on my friends can in japan says they work great.

good stuff from a good comapny. cant go wrong. no bs'ing.

[drift freaq]

I stand by my statements Aaron , you have had good luck with your spl parts. I do agree spl parts are really nice. It does not change my opinion that everyone should check this stuff on a regular basis.
Plus Aaron living in socal we are not subject to extremely adverse conditions.
You may feel you do not need to check your stuff. I feel you do. I would rather err on safetys side than ignore and face possible consequences, regardless of who makes the particular product.
Sorry but even the best sometimes have problems. It happens, its why sometimes jetliners crash. They were built to last and not crash but sometimes there are flaws even in the best products out there. I am an optimistic person for the most part but with mechanical stuff I try to be realistic. That means keep my eyes wide open and check stuff.

[drift freaq]

that is also why some products, I no longer will sell.

[dopeassjackson]

any one know how the project silvia RUCA are? i know they some with dust boots but as to how long they last.

[crazyikimasho]

One thing to keep in mind as far as RUCA go are the end links, they the most important component in the links themselves. You want to stick with a company that utilizes strong end links such as Aurora.

"For the rod ends, it is a misconception that all heim joint/rod ends make noise or that you need to have to grease it and such. That is not the case. There are different types of heim joints/rod ends that you can purchase for different applications. Most of the ones that do make noise are designed for machnery applications and not automotive/racing applications. Given they still fit and can handle the same load capacities, you shouldn’t use them on your car. If it comes with a grease nipple on it, that’s usually your first indication you shouldn’t use it.



The rod ends that Battle Version uses are a 3 piece design with a Teflon injected liner. There are a couple benefits to using a teflon injected liner in that they are self lubricating which means you don’t need to grease or maintain them (adding grease or a rubber boot will cause water or dirt particles to stay or get trapped in the rod end and wear out the liner quicker). Second is that the liner acts as a separator between the race and housing of the bearing. A normal heim/rod end will have a bit of play between the race and the housing. That play will cause the bearing to make noise or clunk as it is hitting metal to metal. This is the sound most people refer to when they say heim joint/rod end suspension causes the car to be noisy. But that is not the case with the injected liner as it takes up that play and doesn’t allow metal to metal contact."

-quoted from battleversion.com

[theronin]

interesting info guys. keep it coming.

[mmdb]

Well regardless of what any of you say, to justify your reasoning, in the end the truth is like I said before, manufacturers make them with either good intentions where they state for track use. Or bad intentions where they just make them to make money. You can all believe that the manufacturer is thinking, hmm these are going to be used on the street lets make them to last like stock car parts. I If you do your just bullshitting yourself. Neither side see's that way. The ones that care state for offroad or track use. The ones that don't don't say anything and just sell them to make a buck.
Any other idea is pretty idealistic if not unrealistic. Sorry but its true.

You've insinuated the same point several times now, thanks. Although, most of us who do run lowered cars have RUCAs to prolong tire wear, increase handling; and ultimately will continue to run them on the street regardless. Period. The question to address is WHICH of these manufacturers who develop RUCAs are using quality materials in their products. The best way to know is to call up the manufacturer, ask them, and if they don't know, or they're built overseas (china perhaps) then steer clear or pursue to contact whom might know.

Side note: One way I found out my RUCAs needed to be cleaned was when I started to hear them squeaking.

[bing]

iono where to start.

obviously basic maintenance should be conducted regardless, but that doesnt entirely absolve the manufacturers from some sort of blame.

for the price of brand name RUCA's you should be getting the best and not just have people "think" they are the best.

without calling out anyone specfically alot of the stuff people are using come with average rod ends, very average. If you took a look at the whole spectrum of what is available and what is typically offered i think most people would end up not buying the more common items.

why anyone would buy the ebay (or like versions) arms is beyond me after all of the failures.

as far as the 'offroad use only', i use that disclaimer as well but i can say that it is used more often than not to absolve one from liability rather than to suggest that you should never use the items on the road.

also, considering the averageness of many of the products offered i would also suggest that they are not necessarily built with pure race in mind. i recall a thread on here specifically where a rep from one of the aforementioned companies stated that the reason the better rod ends were not being sold with the arms was to keep prices down or because people found them to be overkill. that doesnt sound like race-breeding to me.

in the end all you can really do is basic maintenance and try and get ahold of the best stuff you can.

no RUCA or rod end is entirely invincible but you have to take the course of due diligence and make reasonable strides to put the best that you can on to your car, especially with a piece like a RUCA.

i wont take this opportunity to bump my own gear because i think given a different market i could also make it even better. but instead of trying to build the absolute best possible i simply try to offer better than what is currently available.

some agree, some dont, who knows.

that is also why some products, I no longer will sell.

what products are these?

from another perspective, since it is apparent that many of the current product offerings are unacceptable for many of the conditions our cars are subject to in particular parts of the continent wouldnt you think that the manufacturers or distributors would deter certain people from buying their products if they know they live in one of these locations?

that doesnt happen

[bing]

Aluminum 3-piece Teflon/Kevlar self-sealing rod-ends FTW!

how are they working out for you btw...

[drift freaq]

This is turning into a stupid thread. I reiterated my points( not insinuated) several times, because several times people made the statement of I have not checked mine and they are okay. Ignorance does not mean perfection.
In regards to bings question. The products I refer to were sold long ago like over 2-3 years ago. Those products have held up fine on track cars, but I would not bet on them for long term street activity.
The products I sell today are excellent and very well engineered to the point of desired perfection.
In fact If I feel something is not right I will a pull it off the market(which I did recently) or B not even bring it to market. I am out to provide the highest quality possible.
As far as the Ruca market goes its a messed up market that I would not want any part of.
As far as your final statement goes bing, I stated earlier the way manufacturers are. Yet again you reply with a simply idealistic response. Rather than realizing the world is not perfect and that these people are not going to do any more than they already have. Sorry thats the way it is.
Very few manufacturers care enough to point those kind of things out.

I have made my points and they are educated, wise points. If you insist on argueing against them, you are only putting yourself in jeopardy in regards to the parts.
You can choose to live blindly or with open eyes. I have nothing further to say in this thread. So do not attempt to address this post.

[TurDz]

that's why I stopped posting a long time ago...kinda pointless now. Just hope people can use the information and proceed to buy parts well informed and with caution. That's all I think drift freaq was trying to say.

[McRussellPants]

If you guys think aftermarket RUCAS are for track use only, call up [email protected] or [email protected] They'll stand by their products 120%.


Bottom line... Don't buy crappy bullshit parts and you won't have any worries.



This thread should have ended here.

With quality links they'll last long enough to not worry about them for years.

Leading Killers of Multilink (not nessicarily in order)
-Bind
-Saltwater
-Stupidity

[Johny5]

whatever russell, i wash mine with saltwater at least 5 times a week, keeps the kazama mighty fine and strong! the pops are only strong points

[bing]

dfreaq... i was more agreeing with you anyways..

i love to have discussions about this stuff but on the internet everyone just assumes its an arguement, i wasnt trying to argue at all.

but yeah, this thread is killed

[lilredstiffy]

Leading cause of ruca failure:

Living up north

Because I haven't heard of a failure in a normal temperate state.

[bing]

dudes in Cali are breaking the china arms at the bracket end...

http://www.ziptied.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7439&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

2nd last post.

[lilredstiffy]

Well the China rods and grease nipple rods are a given.

But SPL parts, Cusco, Tanabe, Kazama, Battle Version, etc
Has anyone in a normal climate had a failure not due to some sort of wreck / off track incident?

[Nostradamus]

how are they working out for you btw...

So far so good. Adjusting the RUCA is a PITA though.

[bing]

u have the open end facing back right?

stick an adjustable on thuuuuur... i dont even have to take my wheel off..

[MikeFD3S]

Items like RUCAS need to be cleaned and maintained periodically, just like adjustable coilovers. If you let them sit around and subject them to inclement weather, they will have a higher chance of failing.

Granted, good RUCAS from quality companies (Kazama, Tanabe, etc etc etc) have provisions like dust boots and chemical treatments, but these only provide higher resistance against corrosion. No metal is impervious to corrosion, remember that.

FTW!
http://www.more-japan.com/icon.php?categoryid=865

[smithers584]

well this has been a good, long, heated debate, but i have finally come up with the ultimate conclusion that will solve all our problems. lets all sell our 240's and buy Hyundai's. 100,000 mile/10 year warranty, let some one else bitch about the maintenance!

sorry, i got into the booze again!