New Goods from SPLparts and a few questions about tie rods, tension rods, caster

[Flybert]

So my package that I ordered from splparts.com arrived. I got the package deal on the tension rods and rear upper camber arms. The parts look good and the rear upper camber arms are painted navy blue, a couple scuffs but looks good. My pops who has been a welder for about 20 years now said the welds on the RUCA looked decent but could be better. All of the parts look to be good quality.

First question, these tension rods don't come with rubber boots to protect from dust. What have you guys done to help this problem? I'm thinking of just putting a really thick layer of grease on it.

Second question, I'm looking for some tie rods and ends to install with these babies so I can do an alignment. I'm looking at the Teins but is $160 the best price or is there better to be had. I think I remember Aaron saying he wouldn't pay more than $120 for these or something like that.

Final question, what alignment settings do you guys recomend for drift. I only have these tension rods, rear upper camber arms, and I'm probably going to pick up some tie rods from phase2 tomorrow. Oh yeah, I have an Eibach Pro Kit and Koni Yellows. These will be replaced but they were a cheap alternative at the time because I had blown struts and I got a good deal from someone on this board. Trying to get this footwork down before I start working on the drivetrain.

[Fastback180]

Why do you need rubber boots on tension rods? You're suposed to install them as is bro. Mine are schedualed to arrive on friday.

EDIT*
You will need boots for those tie rods. Unless your stock ones are in one piece.

[the head]

standard alingment(sp) will work to start just go out and throw that bish through some corners oh yea and keep it off the street;)

[Dousan_PG]

rubber boots dont mattre
pillowball wear over time anyways, rubber boots get worn and tore up..look at anyone who's had them for awhile.

what i pay and you pay are TOTALLY different. the price i paid for the teins was ridiculously low it was a hand out.

pay whatever market value is. i suggest JSPEC.COM or from 1fasts13 here on zilvia (who i got mine thru) :)

caster.. i say 7 degrees is good
camber..go -1.5 should be nice. :) but that's just me

[Steeles]

Originally posted by dousan36

caster.. i say 7 degrees is good
camber..go -1.5 should be nice. :) but that's just me

is there 7 degrees in caster adjustment?!?! :eek: holy crap! :eek: lol. *mental note.. have caster adjusted as far out as it will go next alignment*

[Dousan_PG]

um..stock is like 5 degrees iirc.

[Steeles]

ahh see I was thinking stock + 7 hehe its early I havent had my coke yet this morning... brains not functional yet

[AceInHole]

Originally posted by dousan36
rubber boots dont mattre
pillowball wear over time anyways, rubber boots get worn and tore up..look at anyone who's had them for awhile.

well, rubber boots will help keep dirt out and grease in. wear will occur most when
a. there's dust/ debris within the joint
b. when there isn't grease in the joint.

the boots should help for both, and if they tear, get new ones. i suppose you could just clean and re-grease the joints regularly, but you'd have to do that a lot more than replacing boots if you want to take good care of the pillowballs.

[s14slide]

I was wondering since a lot of people are worried about boots on the pillowballs of their parts. I came up w/ an idea. Now think of the rubbery coating you find on the handle of tools. It's flexible and rubbery enough to make a decent seal. Now, it cheap also. Wal-mart carries the stuff, just dip it and let it dry. Has anyone tried this yet. I would if I had parts to try it on.

[[email protected]]

On my Tein tension rods (which I got long before splparts), the boots split within a month <200mi. The boots really do not make much difference to the life of the rod ends... and with or without the boots, the rod ends will last a long time. I can also supply replacement rod ends (cheap) when it comes to that...

Originally posted by Flybert
First question, these tension rods don't come with rubber boots to protect from dust. What have you guys done to help this problem? I'm thinking of just putting a really thick layer of grease on it.

[Flybert]

On my Tein tension rods (which I got long before splparts), the boots split within a month <200mi. The boots really do not make much difference to the life of the rod ends... and with or without the boots, the rod ends will last a long time. I can also supply replacement rod ends (cheap) when it comes to that...

Sweet. I figured I could come to you if they wore out. I'm looking forward to the LCA's and endlinks that you guys are going to be selling. It'll be a while before I can afford those but I look forward to buying more of your stuff.