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View Full Version : best S13 front tension rod on the market today.


Flicktitty
01-27-2010, 10:09 AM
Hey guy's last winter i was going through the stock 200K + mile suspesnion and put "newer GARBAGE" on the car, and not 1000 miles and less then a year it' JUNK. so there for i am looking for some good stuff.

the car is really only driven a few times a week when it's nice out.

here are just a few, if there are anymore please let me know.

Kazama Pillow ball tension rod
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/Kazama_XKTR0700_1.jpg

Tein pillow ball
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/Tein_PTN2011S00_1.jpg

Peak
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/PeakPerformance_PROTENS13_011246666.jpg

SPL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/SPLTensionRodBlack.jpg

JIC
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/JIC.jpg

Powered by Max
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/MAX.jpg

Cusco
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/cusco.jpg

Battle Version
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/flicktitty/Nissans/Batte.jpg

Others?

FaLKoN240
01-27-2010, 10:33 AM
I voted SPL but you forgot BattleVersion.

Gorilla Unit 33
01-27-2010, 11:51 AM
What those pictures fail to show is how much more beefier the SPL ones are then some of the others you posted. In person the choice after comparing is much easier.

SPL, hands down. Not to mention the threaded holes for the optional brake ducts are a plus!!!

SR240DET
01-27-2010, 12:37 PM
As far as strength, I doubt any of those arms will bend/break under normal to hard driving conditions. With that said, you should choose an arm that has a rod end with inch threading for easier and cheaper replacements down the road when the rod end wears out. Japanese and china brands have metric threading, and the choice is limited in metric threading here in the states.

usdm180sx
01-27-2010, 12:41 PM
Damn peak is beefy as fuck

PoorMans180SX
01-27-2010, 01:56 PM
I've used SPL. They were very good, but I didn't have them long enough to determine their longevity.

With that said, you should choose an arm that has a rod end with inch threading for easier and cheaper replacements down the road when the rod end wears out. Japanese and china brands have metric threading, and the choice is limited in metric threading here in the states.

As far as that goes, I'm sure you can get replacements from the companies like SPL and Parts Shop MAX. They both have great customer service.

I voted Parts Shop MAX because they use a forged rod end that about twice as beefy as the others, and they have seals. An important combo if you ask me.

murda-c
01-27-2010, 02:04 PM
SPL with the brake cooling deflectors.

udon!
01-27-2010, 02:24 PM
lol @ jic

hhhhhhhhh

Touge Noob S13
01-27-2010, 02:24 PM
Yanack if you are baller.
http://www.rhdjapan.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/58697/Image/Normal/Image1.jpg

Choku_Dorian
01-27-2010, 02:38 PM
been running spl's for a few years.

alot of peeps like BV and PBM as well.

s13 @ fullboost
01-27-2010, 02:42 PM
My tein ones are teh shit I fucking love them super beefy my caster is just the way I want them never had a single prob with them

urmyhero4now
01-27-2010, 04:00 PM
spl all day.

mothon
01-27-2010, 04:03 PM
I currently run kazamas but I am switching to spc's. SPL is probably your best choice if you are wanting to run solid links.

BlitzRPS13
01-27-2010, 05:04 PM
I don't think you would have any problems with any of those. Some may be more beefier than others though.. depends on your application.

adrians_s13
01-27-2010, 05:10 PM
I vote SPL.

M11's
01-27-2010, 05:10 PM
SPL all the way. They're the beefiest around and at good price.

xpertsnowcarver
01-27-2010, 05:16 PM
SPLs are okay... They rust quickly if you don't lube and cover the pillowpall area. The small rubber rings do not cover the pillowball very well and dry up and start cracking within a year. I have had them for two years now. I have yet to try other brands.

Sileighty_85
01-27-2010, 05:24 PM
I got Battle Version on my S13, Great arms, Never had any issues with them, still going strong.

I also have have the Full ISIS Kit on my DD S14, Great bang for your buck, Beefy rods. Installed easy and work great.

brndck
01-27-2010, 07:41 PM
i've had the same set of tanabe ones for about 6 years now with not a single problem.
if i was gonna buy another set tho, i would go spl. i have some of their other arms and they're amazing. spl seems to be one of the only companies that is constantly revising and improving their products instead of just being content to sell the same thing year in and year out.

PoorMans180SX
01-27-2010, 07:50 PM
SPLs are okay... They rust quickly if you don't lube and cover the pillowpall area. The small rubber rings do not cover the pillowball very well and dry up and start cracking within a year. I have had them for two years now. I have yet to try other brands.

This is true. I did notice some rust on mine after a while.

adrians_s13
01-28-2010, 10:11 AM
spl seems to be one of the only companies that is constantly revising and improving their products instead of just being content to sell the same thing year in and year out.

very very true.

project-D180
01-28-2010, 10:54 AM
i have the megan runnin 5 years strong .. i beat the crap out of them and their still holdin on

PoorMans180SX
01-28-2010, 12:19 PM
very very true.

Actually, Parts Shop MAX just came out with their Version 2 tension rods, which have the forged heim joint. They're always developing new stuff.

DreamN
01-28-2010, 01:52 PM
I have Battle Version and they're great pieces. Only others I'd consider would be SPL.

I LUV MY S13
01-28-2010, 02:46 PM
SPLs are okay... They rust quickly if you don't lube and cover the pillowpall area. The small rubber rings do not cover the pillowball very well and dry up and start cracking within a year. I have had them for two years now. I have yet to try other brands.

mine were exactly the same...i honestly think teins are better

LayNLow
01-28-2010, 03:29 PM
PBM for me. Until I fucked one of them up pretty badly but that was my fault. I will be getting another set when I get some more $$$ to go on my new hatch.

rage
01-28-2010, 07:47 PM
how much superior are the ikeya formula/megan/whatever style tension rods? does that type joint help with slammed cars?

http://www.enjukuracing.com/images/MR%20FLCA%20S14.gif

bardabe
01-28-2010, 08:11 PM
I'm probably going o get flamed, but Revo Technica are really good. i havent had a problem with them in all the years i owned S chassis and I even had some on my Z32

kandyflip445
01-28-2010, 09:49 PM
I've had SPL ever since I bought my car, years back. The version 1's. lol

datboibrad
01-28-2010, 09:56 PM
pbm seems to be the only one to adjust from both ends.. hmm

Slo_240sx
01-28-2010, 11:09 PM
That really doesnt do much but give you extended adjustment. How far do you really need to go with caster that the others wont? lol

Slidin240Wayz
01-29-2010, 12:29 PM
pbm seems to be the only one to adjust from both ends.. hmm

All of them are "adjustable" on both ends.

You loosen the locking bolts and adjust it by the middle piece.

speedfreak90
01-29-2010, 05:50 PM
i vote spl!!!!!!

Flicktitty
02-01-2010, 10:18 AM
thanks guy's! anyone else with any input?

i kind of figured SPL would be in the lead.

PoorMans180SX
02-01-2010, 02:40 PM
I'm going to say it one more time. SPL are not as great as everyone thinks they are. Don't get me wrong, good tension rods, but not any better than the other companies really. I used them, I liked them, but I didn't like the fact that they started corroding so quickly.

Check out the rod end on the PSM ones:

POWERED BY MAX: Forums フォーラム / パーツショプMAXプロダクトフォーラム Parts Shop MAX Products Forum / Generation III multilink suspension (http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?4522)

soreballz
02-01-2010, 02:45 PM
Peak gets my vote. Uber beefy + Aurora rod ends = win.

hb24drftr
02-03-2010, 05:54 PM
Peak gets my vote. Uber beefy + Aurora rod ends = win.

great point! ^^ the Aurora rod ends. Make sure the arms you get have the nicer rod ends. the megan racing stuff has some sub par rod ends that go out in a couple thousand miles. the Aurora rod ends are some of the nicest out there. Thats all i use on all the trucks i build, and they last!!

soreballz
02-04-2010, 04:27 PM
^Indeed. I've had mine for about two years. I've put well over 25k miles on them, through rain, mud, and dirt backroads, and the Aurora ends still look brand new.

21Nemesis
02-07-2010, 09:20 AM
I went with SPC and changed out the bushing with an ES poly one.

http://is.rely.net/3-99-13620-l-LqKgnzlPgtSo7ubzM2AptQ.jpg

mad-ass
02-08-2010, 04:00 AM
I've had Tein's on my S13 for past several years, it's the track car. and I went off track hard many many times. and in wet mud/grass as well, super fast and hard.

T3/Techno Toy Tuning on my S14 for past 2 years now, couple of track days and been daily driven since the install of the TC rod.

No problem what so ever with either one of them.

S14DB
02-08-2010, 04:10 AM
I went with SPC and changed out the bushing with an ES poly one.

http://is.rely.net/3-99-13620-l-LqKgnzlPgtSo7ubzM2AptQ.jpg

I do agree with the SPC. But, why would you change out the bushing for Poly?

!Zar!
02-08-2010, 09:48 AM
SPL parts, always and forever.

Not only will Kuah help you out when you have problems, but he is constantly revising his products and doesn't leave you high and dry when he updates.

Customer service is above and beyond!

xBlastoisex
02-08-2010, 10:34 PM
SPL parts, always and forever.

Not only will Kuah help you out when you have problems, but he is constantly revising his products and doesn't leave you high and dry when he updates.

Customer service is above and beyond!

exactly.. if a new version comes out you always have a option to update no matter which version you had before.

21Nemesis
02-11-2010, 12:23 AM
I do agree with the SPC. But, why would you change out the bushing for Poly?

The SPC TRs come with a stiffer rubber bushing, which would mean, eventually it would have to be replaced. With the poly bushings, you don't have to worry about that.

D.Adams
02-11-2010, 01:07 AM
PSM's FTW. PSM always makes new parts and are looking to improve there parts. Dan at PSM is ths shit helps with anything and everything something goes wrong and he will make sure its fixed. also i have PSM's on my car same with PSM ruca's best thing ever.

aznpoopy
02-11-2010, 08:04 AM
The SPC TRs come with a stiffer rubber bushing, which would mean, eventually it would have to be replaced. With the poly bushings, you don't have to worry about that.

worry about a bushing replacement in 10 years is superior to worrying about the LCA cracking

otherwise, the spc arm is good as a low maintenance adjustable piece. but it is inferior in terms of performance compared to a heim. not that you couldn't put a heim in the spc arm.

Jakob
02-15-2010, 06:47 AM
if you want jdm, get ikeya formula ones.

if you want local customer support get, spl or psm. there are representatives of both these companies are members of this board.

S14DB
02-17-2010, 10:20 AM
worry about a bushing replacement in 10 years is superior to worrying about the LCA cracking

otherwise, the spc arm is good as a low maintenance adjustable piece. but it is inferior in terms of performance compared to a heim. not that you couldn't put a heim in the spc arm.

I would rather have the rubber going over speedbumps.


Urethane wears out just as fast as rubber, crumbles and shit.

I LUV MY S13
02-17-2010, 10:56 PM
I'm going to say it one more time. SPL are not as great as everyone thinks they are. Don't get me wrong, good tension rods, but not any better than the other companies really. I used them, I liked them, but I didn't like the fact that they started corroding so quickly.

Check out the rod end on the PSM ones:

POWERED BY MAX: Forums フォーラム/ パーツショプMAXプ ロダクトフォーム©Ã£Æ’ Parts Shop MAX Products Forum / Generation III multilink suspension (http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?4522)


thank you!! why is SPL winning?? i bet half you guys havent even held one

im going to say this one more time...the things dont last, bad joints and rust too easily

Slip&Sliden 240
02-18-2010, 09:06 AM
I'm probably going o get flamed, but Revo Technica are really good. i havent had a problem with them in all the years i owned S chassis and I even had some on my Z32

I agree I havent had an issue at all with my Revo's. I have been running them for 6 years.

shogun!
02-21-2010, 12:15 AM
I wote SPL.

Amongst other parts like Whiteline etc, I combine SPL, Tein and Driftworks on my S13

http://200sx.kicks-ass.net/shogun/img4b65c125c99ea.jpg

nwmrkt
02-27-2010, 12:25 AM
bings.ca (http://bings.ca/index.php?page=subsection&parent=2&child=11)
Id add "bings" to the list too, as they use top notch rod ends as well.

kandyflip445
02-27-2010, 12:36 AM
thank you!! why is SPL winning?? i bet half you guys havent even held one

im going to say this one more time...the things dont last, bad joints and rust too easily

I've held one and it's still on my car, working perfectly. Why are you trying to mount a campaign against a product? Why not just give your review of what you used and leave it alone?

RNGWLD
02-27-2010, 12:36 AM
I agree I havent had an issue at all with my Revo's. I have been running them for 6 years.

+3 I needed some inexpensive replacements and after seeing some guy that drifted hard on them for years I figured if they were good enough for him, they were good enough for me and they didn't come with a huge price tag.

Been holding up good, just show a bit of surface rust i got rid of with a wire brush. I also greased up the bearings to get rid of the squeak

upsdude
02-27-2010, 12:37 AM
hey he used to be an vendor on here what happened?

epics13
02-27-2010, 09:34 PM
what do you guys think of yamato garage stuff??

PoorMans180SX
03-01-2010, 03:29 PM
bings.ca (http://bings.ca/index.php?page=subsection&parent=2&child=11)
Id add "bings" to the list too, as they use top notch rod ends as well.

That's crazy. Those look almost exactly like SPL.

And their RUCA's look exactly like Gen 1 PSM ones.

KA24sleeper
03-01-2010, 03:55 PM
agreed, there are many plat forms of driving tho some have different characteristics they all serve the same purpose. the only reason most people go with spl is that they have a reliable update system for there product.

nwmrkt
03-01-2010, 10:51 PM
That's crazy. Those look almost exactly like SPL.

And their RUCA's look exactly like Gen 1 PSM ones.
yes they do, but I like that they use QA1 ends, good stuff.

edub30
03-04-2010, 10:20 PM
I agree I havent had an issue at all with my Revo's. I have been running them for 6 years.


I had Revo's and they are really fucking beefy and heavy. I was going to the track twice a week burning 5 sets of tires each time with my SR powered S13. Yes, that's 20 tires a week when I got hard core into drifting. When I first started out, I never knew how difficult it was and how important proper suspension tuning was. So I ended up off road A LOT! Anyways, long story short, they held up really well. Now I have a LS1 powered S14 and doing research on which is the best multi links for the buck. Might have to give SPL a try but was also looking at purchasing the whole Circuit Sports multilink package with the front lower control arms and rear lower control arms from enjuku racing just to have everything match. Anybody have any input with Circuit Sports stuff. They have a good warranty which is important to me.

hOngsterr
03-04-2010, 11:11 PM
wow, bings actually has a website up now lol,
he was selling stuff on this forum, i got a test pipe from him and now its 75 bucks! whhaaa lol

soreballz
03-05-2010, 01:06 AM
^He's had a website for a loooong fucking time.

Noob.

hOngsterr
03-09-2010, 05:24 PM
never knew, i thought he just sold on here, and then disappeared lol

foreverdark
03-10-2010, 12:19 AM
I have been running Kazama's for almost two years daily and track. I would probably go with PBM or SPL in the future. ISIS to save money.

Pirate_Freder
03-15-2010, 12:27 AM
KTS, that's what I've got. They are beefy (1" diameter rods). Everybody should post rod diameters for good comparison.

For those of you who don't know who KTS is, they are not too big here in America so don't fret. You should know of SPL though, they sell KTS coilovers and praise them.

http://www.kts-web.com/overseas/product/arm/img/pt_001.jpg

wh0aitznic0
03-18-2010, 02:59 PM
I've had Cusco's on my old car and I liked them.

I now have SPL on the way.

1gr8bar10der
03-20-2010, 09:59 AM
Wow, I was thinking Battle Version at first. Now it's more like either SPL or MAX lol. Any feedback on ISIS? They're right down the road from me here.

kris
03-21-2010, 09:26 AM
Actually in this quandary right now. Battle versions were nice but after 5 years they got corroded inside bound up and eventually all the steel threads stripped themselves along with the aluminum center bodies when I tried to adjust them. Lasted pretty long, I can bet with some anti seize used years ago they would have still been going strong.

Now its between BV, PBM or SPL.

BV-cause i can get some used ones for 80 bucks :)

PBM-they look so good (yes looks is important on a part i rarely see :) ), but the in-house bearing has me wary so need to search for reviews. but all in all Dan seems to be a stand up dude. Plus its nice to support a company that supports what you like to do

SPL-99% of people like them. sounds like they could use anti seize from day one too. Rarely hear much bad. Looked into the rod end they use and found they are like 15 bucks each. not to down play what they do but wheres the huge cost come in? R&D or something



Also tossed around circuit sports--just cant talk myself into cheap just yet. although I know i can get a new Aurora rod end no problem (well except that aurora ends are like 35 bucks each which puts me into the territory of the "higher quality" pieces).

spiderlone
03-21-2010, 09:44 AM
Kazama all the way

brewster240
03-26-2010, 08:06 PM
im gonna make a suspension brand called "beefy"

soreballz
03-27-2010, 10:04 AM
^Do it, just be sure to use QA-1 or Aurora rod ends, and paint/anodize them a pretty color, and people will go apeshit for them.

gsxr141
05-15-2010, 04:04 AM
i have circuit sports rods, as well as traction and toe rods. the only complaint i have is that they are very rusty after less than a year. i plan on trying to get them warrantied, and i'll let everyone know how that goes.

Slidin' Sam
05-17-2010, 10:37 PM
My vote is for PBM.

I have had KTS ones, and they work well, pretty beffy, but their made out of really soft metal I think. I have snapped two of them so far, but those were both in crashes. I just ordered some cusco one's from UpGarage (so their used). I figure I will give these a shot and untill I am able to go through and start replacing stuff again with PBM arm's.

misterbrownpants
05-25-2010, 01:06 PM
^ KTS sounds pretty good considering it only breaks when you crash. :p

My vote goes for Peak (or any other brand that uses high-quality bearings). I'd rather drive my car without having to worry about how fast my parts are going to deteriorate.

Just don't do any curb hopping, and you'll be good. :)

miklos
05-26-2010, 03:55 AM
I like the SPL with rubber bushing ends. The rods using heim joint ends eventually will wear out. Basic physics---moving parts wear out.

misterbrownpants
05-26-2010, 09:58 AM
I like the SPL with rubber bushing ends. The rods using heim joint ends eventually will wear out. Basic physics---moving parts wear out.

Wait... SPL has arms with rubber ends? You mean... SPC?

What the deuce, if SPL made arms with rubber/poly ends, it is the new news to meh!

kevin_s13.5
06-09-2010, 01:03 PM
I vote PBM! Work fine on my DD.

Pandapants
06-09-2010, 03:42 PM
lol. It seems like it's always PSM vs SPL

!Zar!
06-10-2010, 06:14 PM
My vote is for PBM.

I have had KTS ones, and they work well, pretty beffy, but their made out of really soft metal I think. I have snapped two of them so far, but those were both in crashes. I just ordered some cusco one's from UpGarage (so their used). I figure I will give these a shot and untill I am able to go through and start replacing stuff again with PBM arm's.

SPL is made out of aluminum, while something like PBM is made of like another alloy I believe?

So the size is to compensate for density.

I've run SPL links on almost all my cars, and never had issues of failure.

Currently I have Kazama on my s13, and though the red has turned into pink, it is still holding up fine.

Either way, I always bring a stock tension rod with me when I go to the track. Just in case.

shogun!
06-12-2010, 01:10 AM
The tension rods from Driftworks are also very good.
Very strong and durable for years.

http://200sx.kicks-ass.net/shogun/img4bb218bdab37e.jpg

Here installed on my car (painted stelth black)

http://200sx.kicks-ass.net/shogun/img4bc16395d46e7.jpg

DC Dan MAX USA
06-16-2010, 03:24 PM
SPL is made out of aluminum, while something like PBM is made of like another alloy I believe?
So the size is to compensate for density.
No sir, its 6061 T6 CNC machined aluminum billet, the aerospace industry standard. The tube is 30mm ~ 1 1/4" DIA with a 20mm thread ~ 8/10" and the solid aluminum end is 25mm ~1" DIA
The rod end is forged steel one piece loop and threads (50mm).
Teflon lined bearing w/ dust covers do not require service.

We have never had a customer that needs to replace a bearing in the more than three years we have been selling these, but if anyone somehow manages to seize the pillow ball I will take care of them, I'm here every day.

http://zilvia.net/f/suspension/293530-parts-shop-max-multi-link-chassis-parts-real-time-quotes-orders-thread.html

Any steel threads in any of these brands will rust eventually no matter how they are coated, and weather its steel on steel or steel with a dissimilar metal a little anti seize will go a long way.

Wow bings sucks, Im glad we already moved on to our fourth generation RUCA.
Thanks everyone for continuing to support innovation.

JKL1031
05-08-2011, 11:59 PM
Ive been trying to figure out what exactly do these do? My stock ones are shot.

TheRealSy90
05-09-2011, 04:29 AM
Fortune Auto is missing from this thread lol.

Aerospace Grade 6061 Forged Aluminum & Cryo Treated Steel
Lifetime Warranty is a plus!!!

http://www.fortune-auto.net/TENSION1.jpg