**************disclaimer for the actual handling knowit guys. This isnt an end all article. it doesnt explain how certain things affect driving, traction etc etc. Its only for alignment aid purposes***********
Ok, while some terms used may be foreign to you, Google it.These are the suspension arms that are sold either aftermarket, or OEM (Nismo arms).1. LCA (lower control arm)-connects the knuckle, where your hub is bolted to the front end of your car.2. Tension rod- Connects your LCA to the tension rod bracket. Affects lateral movement of the LCA.3. Rear upper control arm (ruca)-affects camber 4. Rear toe arm- affects toe5. rear traction rod-like a tension rod….moves your wheel forward or back.
There are other pieces but don’t worry, you can’t afford them. (Or I for that matter)
Ok, on to why you need it.Front-The only real reason to get tension rods in the front is to stiffen up your response on turning and other aspects. Also moving the wheel forward and rear affect the handling characteristics of your car. Google it to find out how, this isn’t an article for that.
This article WILL however focus on the rear of your S chassis/Z32/Y33/and any other Nissan with a multilink rear.With your car at OEM static height, everything is all kosher BUT, add a 2 inch drop to that. What is affected?Mainly what you will notice offhand is the camber. Pretty much that fact that you have more of it. While camber looks cool, and has its functions, there is also a horrible byproduct for performance (in some instances) as well as tire wear. Now, with a mild drop, you may not need any arms at all, of course depending on your wheel fitment.Your factory adjustments have PLENTY of adjusting for most people. Note on my Y33 I run the rear arms MAXED OUT for camber, and its extremely menacing, but not near enough. So again, for most of you, don’t even worry about this thread.Add more than 3 inches or so. What is affected THEN?Well, its complicated. Everything you adjust in the rear end at that height affects one another. If you add more camber at a super low height, the toe gets all jacked up, then when you fix the toe, the wheel position in the wheel well gets jacked up (caster).I mean, you CAN just fix the toe, but your handling might be a little weird in some instances than before. What arms are right for youWell, it all depends. MOST people can get away with ONLY Rucas, and most get tension in the front. While other get all of it for the hell of it.
IMO if your going to run 10j be it 17/18/19 your going to need all 3 rods in the rear. Mainly, because if your running that large of a wheel, your going to need to be able to adjust it adequately, because you KNOW your going to want it slammed. This doesn’t apply to every, but 80% of the people that are running super large wheels, or want to, are going to be driving low. And driving low means your entire geometry is messed up. So yeah, get yourself some arms, from a quality company. No ebay stuff here guys, unless its used good stuff, Tein, Kazama, SPL, JIC, etc.
If you have any questions, please feel free to post or email
[email protected].