Are adjustable front caster arms necessary? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Fred Allen Burge · 06-30-2011, 12:21 PM

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 · 06-30-2011, 12:25 PM

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* · 06-30-2011, 01:00 PM

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

KiLLeR2001 · 06-30-2011, 01:08 PM

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

PoorMans180SX · 06-30-2011, 01:49 PM

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 · 06-30-2011, 01:51 PM

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

Fred Allen Burge · 07-01-2011, 07:14 AM

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.

06-30-2011, 12:21 PM	#1
Fred Allen Burge Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Missouri Age: 41 Posts: 524 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Are adjustable front caster arms necessary? 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! __________________ Silvia, built 5.3 turbo, 4l80e, [email protected]

06-30-2011, 01:08 PM	#4
KiLLeR2001 Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: オーランドフロリダ Posts: 7,955 Trader Rating: (46) Feedback Score: 46 reviews	Even a mild drop will require adjustable tension rods for proper alignment. __________________

06-30-2011, 01:49 PM	#5
PoorMans180SX Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 33 Posts: 5,431 Trader Rating: (16) Rides Gallery: PoorMans180SX Feedback Score: 16 reviews	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. __________________ Build: http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=643065 Friends don't let friends buy knock-offs.

07-01-2011, 07:14 AM	#7
Fred Allen Burge Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Missouri Age: 41 Posts: 524 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	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. __________________ Silvia, built 5.3 turbo, 4l80e, [email protected]

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06-30-2011, 12:25 PM	#2
blingbling Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: phoenix az Posts: 360 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	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

06-30-2011, 01:51 PM	#6
blingbling Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: phoenix az Posts: 360 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I also recommend getting the solid arms as well. No rubber!