Are adjustable front caster arms necessary?

[Fred Allen Burge]

I'm going to replace my S13 front caster(tension) rods with new ones (rubber bushing type, not solid) and I'm curious if the adjustable type are really necessary, does lowering the car cause front caster change?

Thanks!

[blingbling]

Yes, lowering the car causes suspension geometry to change. Purchase adjustable tension rods for best results. What are you using the car for? DD or track

[hOngsterr]

yes you do need it, without it, your steering wouldn't be perfectly straight, so get adjustable tension rods.

[KiLLeR2001]

Even a mild drop will require adjustable tension rods for proper alignment.

[PoorMans180SX]

Fred, why are you getting the rubber kind?

Tension rods have zero affect on ride quality, I would highly suggest ones with spherical ends such as PSM or SPL. The steering feel and front-end predictability is vastly improved over the big squishy rubber bushing. Probably the biggest handling upgrade of all the suspension pieces.

[blingbling]

I also recommend getting the solid arms as well. No rubber!

[Fred Allen Burge]

Really? I figured with the size of the stock bushing in there they must have a lot to do with ride quality. Any time you hit a bump of any size it wants to push the wheel backwards then upwards. Isn't it this arm that prevents that backwards motion and transfers it into upwards motion through the shock and spring? I'd think a sold bushing would cause a really noticeable "hit" each time you hit any kind of expansion joint or ridge in the road.