Adjustable control arm DIY $200 or less... Finally

[arethirdytwo]

2012 Update!!!!

Well almost six years later and these are still going strong. I originally started this project because I just could not justify the almost $600 that Forge was charging. I also had no interest in using non OEM bushings. The parts are available and the only thing you need to have done for you is having them TIG welded unless of course you can yourself. Lets get started with parts.

2 x 5/8" Stainless Steel Double Adjusters


2 x 5/8" weld in bung LH thread


2 x 5/8" weld in bung RH thread


2 x 5/8" Stainless jam nut RH thread


2 x 5/8" Stainless jam nut LH thread


Once you have the parts you will need the section the OEM control arms. You will need to measure some here. The bungs actually press fit into the arms with a little flattening on the edges. This will allow you to test fit, I would recommend tacking the bungs in if you have access to a welder. This allows an easier test fit.

Once everything is up and rolling I would then take the arms to a local welder. They should charge very little, try beer and sweet talking them . The pics below are old and were in the TEST FIT STAGE ONLY. ALL WELDS WERE COMPLETED BY PROFESSIONAL WELDER

I take no responsibility for anything you break or mess up.

ENJOY!

[IV R32]

cooool

[vdubbin0.]

Looks really good

edit... i cant read early in the am


Modified by vdubbin0. at 8:23 AM 5-17-2007

[tttttada]

Modified by tttttada at 4:39 AM 5-17-2007

[arethirdytwo]

Gotta love you guys, but I think all of Vortex suffers from a mild case of retardation Read a little better

Quote, originally posted by arethirdytwo »

Here are mine prior to FINAL WELDS AND PAINT!

It was spotted to check for fitment and alignment. As for the pieces, what is ghetto about the EXACT same center adjuster (SS) and jam nuts that ECS and Forge use? They also weld in a block and tap it, only difference is that these are hardened bungs.

[Miro VR6]

Looks great!!

He did say "Here are mine prior to final welds and paint!"
so I'd venture to guess they were welded all around.

[tttttada]

Lets see some more pics


Modified by tttttada at 4:38 AM 5-17-2007

[arethirdytwo]

This guy's listening!

[tttttada]

Hey man, like I said I never meant to bash your project.
I'd love to see some pics when they're done

[arethirdytwo]

No worries

[steed77]

THANK YOU!!!!!

Been wanting to do this. Ordered

I would also recommend you drill a hole and "button weld" all the arms.

[jeffgBMPr32]

these look great, keep up the good work..

i would like to see them after the final weld..

good job. -jeffg


Modified by jeffgBMPr32 at 6:07 PM 5-17-2007

[FNR32]

IM'd


Modified by FNR32 at 8:27 AM 5-17-2007

[arethirdytwo]

Quote, originally posted by steed77 »

THANK YOU!!!!! Been wanting to do this. Ordered I would also recommend you drill a hole and "button weld" all the arms.

Yup, we drilled and buttoned them juuuuust in case. Will post more pics and a how to tomorrow, if you can weld this should cost no more than $115 all said and done!

[R32peterb]

Wow man very nice

[CaliR32D2]

sweet, keeping my eye on this one

[JIMBO ROBERTS]

Good work, it looks very professional!

[nkgneto]

http://forums.audiworld.com/lrqc/msgs/105761.phtml

[R32 Master]

Shouldn't you finish your welds before you install them?

[arethirdytwo]

Damn guys, read the damn post, yea I am going to run tack welded pieces for suspension. Those cpt ones are Sweet! Awesome find. available yet?

[dogmavskarma]

the only thing i would worry about is the strength of the double bolt adjuster. especially in the center of the arm. should i really be concerned if i do this?

[arethirdytwo]

Same bolt

[dogmavskarma]

ohh yeah, was this with the stock arm?
(insert captain obvious quote)

[vdubbin0.]

Quote, originally posted by dogmavskarma »

ohh yeah, was this with the stock arm? (insert captain obvious quote)

Thanks for doing all the leg work for everyone.
Seem's like a very easy and cheap set of adj control arms
I would like to do this to my stock ones so i have an extra set.

[skizzle168]

Im stoked that someone actually got off they're arse and did this for all of us that are capable but to lazy to do the research on this.
Only question I have is: Whats up with your post in the R32 classifieds WTB a control arm because a welder/machine shop screwed yours up?
Not trying to call you out at all, just curious what happened?

[arethirdytwo]

Oh I picked the wrong damn welder, I mean cops called, etc. Bottom line he over heated one of the bungs, put the bolt in un-greased, galled it, and basically welded one side in. Ruined the stainless double adjuster, a control arm, any schmuck with a welder could have done this right. I am beyond angry with this deal now. Will still post the DIY soon.

[Brake_Dust]

those double adjusters are on backorder

BTW THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!!

[jmikola]

excellent work

[arethirdytwo]

For those in need of double adjusters now! This is where I just got an extra one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWD1V

[skizzle168]

Wow, that sucks!

[arethirdytwo]

It's all good. Pulled a favor, buddy build med tools. Talk about a nice shop, we actually saved the messed up arm. This guy was the MAN!

[dogmavskarma]

awesome thread bump

[UmbroVR6]

now who is gonna mass produce these for $200 bucks shipped?

got money in hand!!! lol!!!

[steed77]

Quote, originally posted by arethirdytwo »

For those in need of double adjusters now! This is where I just got an extra one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWD1V

BTW the back-ordered ones are now back in stock. Mine just showed up a few days ago

[Rx Only]

I'm so glad I found this. I was searching for alternatives for ECS bushings which are on backorder and this is more then I hoped for.
Thank you, D