CinSun

My tension rod bushings need to be replaced ('95 s14). So far the only options I've considered are replacing them with nismo bushings or just replacing the rods w/ spl rods. Now I don't doubt the quality of SPL parts, I'm sure they're beefy and all that jazz, but considering that the bushings are the weakest link in this equation, wouldn't it be more cost effective to just replace the bushings?

The reason I ask is because I'm not sure how weak and/or flexible the stock tension rods are. If its a matter of the stock TRs bending or flexing beyond acceptable limits with predominant track usage (car won't be daily driven), then I'll def go with the SPL parts, but if the stock TRs are able to hold their own w/ a bushing upgrade (nismo) then I'd rather save the money and go that route. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a cheapass, I'd just rather not spend the extra money without some evidence that the SPL rod is a significant upgrade from the stock rod. Thanks in advance.

PoorMans180SX

You see that large rubber bushing in your tension rod? When the forces of the suspension act on that, it deforms and deflects, changing your suspension geometry from ideal (Even with a hard rubber or urethane bushing). And if you somehow get your tension rod to bind, then stock ones break.

With an SPL tension rod, you have a heim joint there, which has zero deflection, keeping your suspension geometry closer to ideal.

And really there are no downsides, the heim joint really doesn't effect your ride or NVH.

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CinSun

Oh ok, I didn't realize the SPL rod had a heim joint replacing the bushing, that's definitely good to know. That alone seems worth it to buy the rods over just replacing bushings. Thanks.