SPL PARTS version 3 arms - new adjuster info and poll

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http://www.splparts.com/images/v3/V3Adjuster.jpg

This is our new adjuster design, a hybrid clamp and jam nut combination. This design uses a billet aluminum clamp on the rod end side and a jam nut on the arm side, to lock down your alignment setting.

We are using the clamp design for several reasons: with the old jam nut design, when tightening the jam nut on the rod end, that has a tendency to rotate the rod end. This makes it difficult to hold the alignment setting, as the rod end threads in/out combined with the jam nut stretching the thread, the alignment can shift 1/16" or more. It also makes it difficult to keep the spherical bearing centered to prevent binding under suspension travel. To get an accurate alignment while keeping the bearing centered becomes a tricky juggling act. The clamp design solves all these problems, allowing the alignment to be set without moving the rod end.

We continue to use a jam nut on the arm side because I have found that because of its size, it can be tightened without moving the adjuster or changing the length of the arm.

FWIW the new adjuster drives up our production cost on each pair of arm by $10-15. It is much more expensive than a 20cent jam nut. But for now we are keeping prices unchanged. All our v2 arms can be upgraded to the new adjuster, I will put up the upgrade information later this month.

Here is a picture of all our rear arms equipped with the new adjuster:

http://www.splparts.com/images/v3/V3RearSuspension.jpg

I need to poll you guys about using a different finish on our suspension arms. We have been using chrome since the beginning because of its high chip resistance and cosmetic appearance. However chrome being a tough finish, develops micro-cracks and pinholes, which are usually not visible, but can cause small rust bubbles to develop over a long period of time, in certain climates.

I have been looking into different finishing possibilities. I wanted to avoid powdercoating because once chipped, powdercoat tends to come off in chunks. Also it creates problems with threaded parts. The finish I came up with is Cadmium w/ Black Chromate plating, followed by baking to reduce hydrogen embrittlement. Cadmium plating has better corrosion resistance compared to chrome, it will also prevent long term galvanic corrosion of the steel arm if the arm gets exposed to any salt. And because we can get these baked after plating, it will actually make the parts a little stronger (less hydrogen embrittlement). The downside is that it is not as good looking as chrome...

To compare, this is our chromed rear upper arms:

http://www.splparts.com/images/v3/V3RUAChrome.jpg

Here is the new "Stealth Black" rear upper arms:

http://www.splparts.com/images/v3/V3RUABlack.jpg

The poll question is: if only the "Stealth Black" finish was available, would that otherwise deter you from buying the product? ie. You would buy the chromed product, but not the "Stealth Black".

It would be too difficult for me to try to stock both finishes, so I have to decide whether to switch everything to "Stealth Black", or keep the chrome.

[tacotacotaco]

Stealth black!

[DreamN]

Edit: Read the thread thoroughly this time and the stealth black is an improvement on an already improved item so that's a big yes to Stealth Black then. Are those arms for both the s13 and s14?

[ILoveMyRHS13]

I love the stealth black!

[sumfknguy]

stealth black ftw!

[cgtdream]

The stealth black is lookin good...I would def. buy those over the chromed ones...

[[email protected]]

Edit: Read the thread thoroughly this time and the stealth black is an improvement on an already improved item so that's a big yes to Stealth Black then. Are those arms for both the s13 and s14?

Yup all 3 arms fit S13 and S14 chassis. Our toe arms come with 2 sets of bushings (not shown) that allows it to fit both chassis. The traction rod is common to both. The rear upper arm is also designed to fit on both chassis.

[240trainee]

Stealth black looks good to me.

I need to pick up some shit in the near future from you too.

[MrD]

stealth black please!

[IStop4NoMan]

i agree with stealth black.

Its great how you guys are looking to improve your designs. i do notice with the MR arms i have that the rod ends do twist a lot when trying to lock the jam nut. also the rod end does swivel making it hard to get the rod length correct. keep up the good work.

i wish i had gone with real arms to begin with like SPL

[DreamN]

Kuah, add a poll to the thread so you don't have to be counting each vote lol

[exitspeed]

Stealthy Black for the win.

[exitspeed]

Kuah, add a poll to the thread so you don't have to be counting each vote lol

I don't think he can now. Kuah, Let me know if you can't and I'll add it for you.

EDIT: Actually I don't see how to do it either. :p

[gprb25]

Stealth black FTW.

Lookin good SPL...keep it up :cool:

[blueshark123]

stealth black ftw!

[ROUGE180]

STEALTH DAWKKKNESSSSS!!

msglngth

[CAPoweredS14]

I say add the poll I wanna vote on Stealth Black. I only wish SPL tagged their products.

[CAPoweredS14]

STEALTH DAWKKKNESSSSS!!

msglngth


YES +1 on the Charlie Murphy!!

[highoctane]

stealth black ftw

[azndoc]

I like the bling bling, but the stealth black looks cool.

Like sema flat black is what I call it.

As long as it works, I wouldn't care if it was in pink with white strips.

[240trainee]

My main concern would be the hex screws that you are using on the collar, I have night mares about those things and how they have a tendency to strip out.

[ellisonrox]

when's v3 due to be out?

looks awesome

[Harbe]

your suspension arms rust with the chrome, when do the stealth black rucas come available to buy my vote for the stealth black

how much for whats seen in the pic black rucas

[Slidin240Wayz]

My main concern would be the hex screws that you are using on the collar, I have night mares about those things and how they have a tendency to strip out.

+1.

Make sure you put which size allen key to you.

Stealth black = YES!

[gottdeskrieges]

I want gold!!!! HEHE..Stealth black ftw

[Trion]

Impressed by your research, regarding stress/crevice corrosion. This makes me really consider buying a set of arms! Would choose the black, due to it's benefits!

[[email protected]]

My main concern would be the hex screws that you are using on the collar, I have night mares about those things and how they have a tendency to strip out.

If they strip, just slip off the collar and use a worm gear hose/band clamp while you wait on a new collar from us :) But not to worry, it doesn't take much torque to lock down the collar, so chances of that happening is slim unless you get overzealous torquing it down.

[xdumbxguyx]

chrome for the bling!

[INeedNewTires]

FUNCTION>FORM So Black is where it's at! Plus you rarely see the Chrome arms anyway so who cares, i vote for the added strength and corrosion properties.

[[email protected]]

when's v3 due to be out?


The new adjusters are shipping on all arms as of this week, however the arms will still be chromed. I do have the stealth black RUCAs available now, but toe arms and traction arms will be about 3-4 weeks out.

how much for whats seen in the pic black rucas

RUCAs are $249. For now there are no changes in pricing on the rear arms between v2 and v3 (chrome or black).

[shinhed]

I was a vocal opponent of the ver1 arms due to corrosion issues and now I very impressed with this update. Too bad I already blasted and powder coated my old ones.

[!Zar!]

THIS is why I fucking love SPL parts. You won't find customer service like this anywhere else!

I have had all the chrome arms and didn't really experience any rust bubbles. Maybe because I'm in cali?

I like the Stealth black. And honestly, function over form.

The black looks sick imo. I'm going to need to order a new set because I still haven't upgraded to the v3 stuff.

Now I have even more incentive to. hahah.


My main concern would be the hex screws that you are using on the collar, I have night mares about those things and how they have a tendency to strip out.

Most of the time they strip because people use those crappy, "L" key allen wrenches. And most of the time it's not even the nut that strips, it's the key that wears down. If you buy a real hardened allen set along with using a sufficient amount of blue threadlock, you're fine.

[Clawhammer]

I've got the v2 arms and I didn't buy them because they were chrome, so stealth black.

[pbcstylez]

THIS is why I fucking love SPL parts. You won't find customer service like this anywhere else!

I have had all the chrome arms and didn't really experience any rust bubbles. Maybe because I'm in cali?

I like the Stealth black. And honestly, function over form.

The black looks sick imo. I'm going to need to order a new set because I still haven't upgraded to the v3 stuff.

Now I have even more incentive to. hahah.




Most of the time they strip because people use those crappy, "L" key allen wrenches. And most of the time it's not even the nut that strips, it's the key that wears down. If you buy a real hardened allen set along with using a sufficient amount of blue threadlock, you're fine.


Also, dont ever use ball point hex keys.


Kuah,

How about gold chromate(Gold iridite/Zinc DiChromate) finish? It's corrosion properties are pretty good for almost all climates.

[mad s13]

def. stealth black..I wouldn't be building a show car, so chrome underneath isn't need for me..

[racepar1]

Bitchin design kuah! I want em.

[axiomatik]

never really liked the chrome finish, always felt old-fashioned to me. I would have gone with the black if it had been available when I ordered a few months ago.

[[email protected]]

How about gold chromate(Gold iridite/Zinc DiChromate) finish? It's corrosion properties are pretty good for almost all climates.

Zinc DiChromate is basically Zinc plating followed by yellow/gold chromate. Ours is Cadmium plate followed by black chromate. They are fairly similar, the color/type of the chromate conversion doesn't change the corrosion properties IIRC. However, Cadmium is preferred over Zinc for corrosion resistance.

[water]

Damn it I just got v2 arms a couple weeks ago & haven't even installed them yet! Stealth black is the shit!

[Hashiriya415]

stealth is nice, but it would also be cool if you had some for sale without a finish, so we can choose which paint job we want.

[drift freaq]

very nice and v3 stealth black for me as well.

[[email protected]]

Damn it I just got v2 arms a couple weeks ago & haven't even installed them yet! Stealth black is the shit!

If you don't mind waiting another month, and your v2 arms are unused, you can ship it back and I'll exchange them...

[kognition]

Kuah, def cadmium plating is the way to go for your parts. Maybe you guys can also find a way to etch or mark your parts, which would keep the resale value for customers upgrading etc. Your brake ducts are on my do do list this weekend. :)

If you don't mind waiting another month, and your v2 arms are unused, you can ship it back and I'll exchange them...

[racepar1]

You should definitely etch your name into them. It would have been more useful on the version 1 an some of the version2 arms that were re-sold though. It would be pretty hard to mistake the version3 arms for anything else on the market, but I'm sure somebody will end up making copies eventually.

[hustlervibes]

Definitley good upgrades all around. I'm loving the stealth black.

[Flybert]

I like my arms chrome but black wouldn't deter me from buying them. How about special socal chrome editions for us people that live in perfect weather? AHAHAHAHA. Damn it's such a nice day today.

[McRussellPants]

yeah, mine have like, 2 years on them now and still look brand new.


fucking yankees need to stop living where shit sucks or something.

[steve shadows]

I like the Stealth black. And honestly, function over form.



Amazing, I could be watching the transformation of this market in front of my eyes :keke:

[canuckster240]

STEALTH FTW! That is awesome. Chrome is gay in my opinion... but that's just me. This stealth black is.. amazing...

[red240]

Stealth Black looks great, I like the chrome also though!!

[s13.slideways]

etching SPL onto them would be sick, and Stealth FTMTFW!!

[Zhanshi]

Im in for stealth black. It would be nice to brand the arms somehow, just to help the resale value.

[newblood]

they both look hot:coolugh:

[khilgers]

Stealth Black. Good to hear that an upgrade will be available.

[alkemyst]

Thanks again Kuah...I don't care for flashy suspension parts, but part that perform.

There is a definite advantage here with a real solid lockdown as opposed to jamming a couple nuts together.

I really don't like the Cusco Blue my S14 RUCA's had...they held up nice though.

maybe my christmas present this year will be an upgrade...it's around alignment time anyway ;)

[alkemyst]

for those that are doubting the set screw. Most fail due to cheap drivers or the wrong size.

That said if you do manage to strip it out, center punch it if you have too, soak the thing overnight in PB Blaster or the like and use a reverse drill bit on it (not just using your drill in reverse...left hand threaded bit). It should undo unless you REALLY overtorqued it.

using an extractor on these types of things is usually a non-event unlike a component to engine block or suspension to body part.

You were already in more danger due to having your bearings binding already though. The very first alignment shop I took my car too once all the arms were in place did that and had one arm not even locked down. It was a good shop...and my alignment was fixed, I don't know the details, but he isn't working there anymore.

[S14DB]

Poll added.

Stealth Black cause all the ebay shit is chrome.

[LongGrain]

i like the look of the chrome better, but if the stealth black is going to make them retain their finish longer and keep them looking minty fresh, i'm all for it.

[dongoesby]

"stealth black" +1
function > form! but if possible, gold would be nice too!

[nismo tuned s14]

stealth black looks better than chrome and it's more resistant to corrosion.

maybe if i had hydros and i was bouncing in front of a large tape measure with people standing around i'd prefer chrome.

im about to place a large order with spl. i just put my coilovers on and the only thing i have are rucas. ill wait until v.3 comes out.

spl ftw

[reaxion]

stealth black FTW!!

[rican_nick]

Love the new design and color. I'm definitely getting some.

[a_ahmed]

Umph 3-4 weeks more until I get my stuff still :( Stealth black ftw

[xkamikazestormx]

If you don't mind waiting another month, and your v2 arms are unused, you can ship it back and I'll exchange them...

wow .. this is one of the reasons why i went with spl.

+1 to you guys! and stealth black FTW. im into looking stock.

[240trainee]

I'll order when you get the black shit going on, the fact I need arms is super apparent after this weekend, lol.

[a_ahmed]

umf like 2-3 more weeks or something now :(

[tacotacotaco]

If we have the v2 arms will we be able to upgrade to the black v3 arms?

[EDacIouSX]

is it possible to order them in other colors than just black? kind of like the brake cooler pannels that go on the tension rod? Cause..... all the other spl stuff is chrome so to me its kind of weird switching brand colors all of a sudden.

i dont know It's just that I like to have everything one color and flat black is super boring :(. regardless, i still want more spl parts b/c of the quality.

[[email protected]]

is it possible to order them in other colors than just black? kind of like the brake cooler pannels that go on the tension rod? Cause..... all the other spl stuff is chrome so to me its kind of weird switching brand colors all of a sudden.

i dont know It's just that I like to have everything one color and flat black is super boring :(. regardless, i still want more spl parts b/c of the quality.

Unfortunately, the chromate finish is only available in clear, olive, black or yellow...

One option with this finish is that paint will adhere pretty well to it, so people can paint their arms to a different color, while retaining superior corrosion resistance...

[[email protected]]

If we have the v2 arms will we be able to upgrade to the black v3 arms?

v2 arms can be upgraded to the v3 adjusters for a small fee. We will also offer some form of upgrade from the chrome arms to the black arms, but it will be more expensive, I have not worked out how best to do this yet. We may require customers send in their old v2 arms...

[Dousan_PG]

sigh
the chrome is so sweet

stealth black? WHY
since when did you need 'sleath' on your RUCAs?
cops check hoods
not rear supsension arms

get serious
chrome is radical. i love my SPL chrome rear setup!!

[punxva]

Stealth Black FTMFW

[[email protected]]

sigh
the chrome is so sweet


Well the problem with Chrome is the complaints (not from California or Texas) of rust bubbles in certain climates. I guess now that many other companies also use chrome, black would stand out somewhat...

[ellisonrox]

i'm seriously waiting for these. blah.

any prospect of a package deal? i mean, i figure i'll save on shipping at least when i order them :naughty:

[!Zar!]

I like my linkages the same color as my dick.

[[email protected]]

any prospect of a package deal? i mean, i figure i'll save on shipping at least when i order them :naughty:

We are not offering any package deals, our margins on these items is actually not that good but I am trying to keep prices as competitive as possible...

[sncs14]

A minute late on this, but "Stealth Black". Nothing wrong with my V.1 arms, so I won't be upgrading too soon. I had some left over black paint form doing some other stuff, so I used it to paint mine black anyway.

[a_ahmed]

1 more week until you ship my sexy order from April with the sexy stealth black + upgraded adjusters hehe? :)

1 more week petty please :( lol.. longest wait ever... :( but im sure very worth it the money paid despite the 2 month wait lol...

[s14_legend]

stealth black FTW more stock look

[UNISA JECS]

Stealth Black looks better IMO

[insanemaniac]

Delicious black!... the website is still unchanged... how do I go about getting a pair of the new ones? price shipping to 92780?

discount for being one of the 1st to try them out =P :naughty:

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

black so don;t have to feel bad for never cleaning and polishing them!

[Silkroad FC]

Can't wait for my Stealth black RUCA to show up on monday, no more killing my coils!

[a_ahmed]

^wth :( I ordered and paid in april lol... me longer wait yo

[pete240]

damn I just put my V2's on didn't see this thread till now............... Wish I would have seen it so I could swap it out for the v3's before I put mine on. :D

[rb25crazy]

are these out yet? or still in the process of being made.

[golfer17]

are these out yet? or still in the process of being made.

Not quite, but they should be out very soon I think. I ordered a set of the stealth black ruca's last week and was quoted a couple of weeks. I gotta say I love the customer service. I didn't even know the v3's were coming out when I ordered them, and I got a phone call asking if I wanted to wait for the new v3's or get a set of v2's right then.

[dirtdiggler666]

i dont really like the black and the chrome looks like the ones from ebay so meah i dont know

[Rayne]

For my own curiosity and for those looking to remove as much weight as possible. Is there much weight difference between a set of chrome vs. a set of stealth black?

[Clowny]

hell yeah on the black!

[luftrofl]

For my own curiosity and for those looking to remove as much weight as possible. Is there much weight difference between a set of chrome vs. a set of stealth black?

I would really be surprised if there is a significant difference between the two. The arms are essentially the same but with different finishes.

[Rayne]

I will agree with you, Luftrofl. I, too, would be surprised if there where a significant difference. All in all, according to hearsay, chrome plating is supposed to make things heavier. In my opinion I would opt to purchasing a set of the black arms vs. the chrome.

[[email protected]]

Just an update for everyone, we have a new batch of traction rods and toe arms welded up yesterday, and shipped to Houston for plating yesterday. We should have them back within 2 weeks...