50 replies to this topic

[BIG DOG]

I have read in a few different threads about people putting on the aluminum control arms off a 93 850 volvo . Is this worth it? I know that the ball joint is then replacable.I have also read that they are weaker but someone said they were getting theirs welded up. So is there a mod to make them stronger is it worth it or not???? Doesn't give too much info with the search on this one.
Thanks!

[Black Betty]

I've driven in DC and hit many potholes and never bent an arm, I used them just because of the replacable ball joints.

IMO if you hit something hard enough to bend a c-arm you probably bent the rim/ and possibly the strut as well....

[Darth R]

I'm rocking them in my wagon, got tired of replacing the whole setup. So far so good, less unsprung weight as well.

[BIG DOG]

So is there a way to mod them for more strength?I agree they are probably great the way they are.But if there is a mod befor I install them would be a good time to do it!

[mdlimy]

seriously? your looking for a diy step by step tutorial on how to mod them? get some aluminum barstock and a welder and use your imagination, or leave them alone if that is too complicated....

Edited by mdlimy, 04 May 2011 - 06:51 AM.

[AverageVolvo]

You can put polyurethane bushings on the sub-frame side. And you can replace the ball joints separately.

[NEU]

AverageVolvo, on 04 May 2011 - 09:51 AM, said:

You can put polyurethane bushings on the sub-frame side. And you can replace the ball joints separately.

I want to do ^ that if they'll work for me. Does anyone know are they 4 bolts or 2 bolts attachments?

[gilber33]

NEU, on 04 May 2011 - 11:39 AM, said:

I want to do ^ that if they'll work for me. Does anyone know are they 4 bolts or 2 bolts attachments?

What do you mean? Like at the subframe? The 93 control arms are identical to 95-97 control arms, besides the removable ball joint.

[NEU]

gilber33, on 04 May 2011 - 12:06 PM, said:

What do you mean? Like at the subframe? The 93 control arms are identical to 95-97 control arms, besides the removable ball joint.

Yes to the subframe, I've got a 2000.

[BIG DOG]

mdlimy, on 04 May 2011 - 06:51 AM, said:

seriously? your looking for a diy step by step tutorial on how to mod them? get some aluminum barstock and a welder and use your imagination, or leave them alone if that is too complicated....

Seriously ! Yes I was looking to see what everyone else was doing to modify them.Do I need you to hold my hand NO! I've probably done more aluminum welding and metal fab than you have seen! That's what I though these forums were for to share info thoughts and ideas and to improve our cars! On my other car/site I seen how everyone else was doing their control arms then actually changed mine just a bit to better stiffen them and change the fit of my sway bar.As we tinker with our cars we all learn which makes us a source of info for other members so that's why I asked! Someone has already done this what info do you have to share ? Looking at your build you look like a good source of info for a lot of things but specifically wiring and the ins and outs of the Mega Squirt system. Members possibly even me will be asking questions on that stuff we need you to share what you have learned with us .Not give us replys like "seriously? your looking for a diy step by step tutorial on how to mod them? or leave them alone if that is too complicated.... " By the way I love the way your car sits ! I have read through your build but I still may have some questions on what you did to achieve that stance so I hope when I ask you share your info !
Thanks!

[Jesus]

LOL

[Platinum850Wagon]

I put them on my 96 wagon about two months ago. Didn't do any moss to them and so far so good.

Mods.

[Black Betty]

NEU, on 04 May 2011 - 12:15 PM, said:

Yes to the subframe, I've got a 2000.

Neu I think you'll need a -98 subframe or some how swap the bushings over...

[mdlimy]

1. Do you have coilovers or springs with a spring rate of 300lbs or heavier? If no then you don't need to modify them.
2.If you need to or still want to, bracing down the sides and accross the middle with 1/4in barstcok does the trick.
3. For someone that says they have done more welding and fab than me I find it hard to believe you are even asking this question, unless you are welding and fabbing barbeques you should know the ins and outs of the metal properties and how to increase strength of a part as simple as a control arm, I'm not bashing you but from my experience building 4 wheel drives, when these types of questions get asked its generally by someone who wouldn't have the experience to complete the task anyways.
But all bs aside, go get some aluminum barstock and breakout the tig/spoolfeed and beef em up a bit for the piece of mind, shouldn't take you more than an hour anyways, worth it for the piece of mind in my opinion.

Robbie

[NEU]

Black Betty, on 04 May 2011 - 04:16 PM, said:

Neu I think you'll need a -98 subframe or some how swap the bushings over...

Thanks John. I was afraid of that! I need the AWD subframe though...

[mdlimy]

Is there much of a difference between subframes? The steering rack might be different on the 00 but not because of the awd...I know its got a different trans mount, but I'm pretty sure you can make a pre 98 fwd subframe work with little work...should probally start a new thread for this tho =p

[NEU]

mdlimy, on 04 May 2011 - 05:44 PM, said:

Is there much of a difference between subframes?

I though you were the expert. Right?

[mdlimy]

I'm fairly certain those are the differences, start a thread and we will discuss it if you are serious, but is it worth doing a subframe swap just to use aluminum control arms? Sounds like something I would do good excuse to paint up a nice subframe and paint up new suspension parts and swap on a sunny Saturday =p

[NEU]

mdlimy, on 04 May 2011 - 05:51 PM, said:

but is it worth doing a subframe swap just to use aluminum control arms?

Actually it could be worth it to run AL A-arms w/poly bushings and solid subframe mounts (see my other thread)

[Black Betty]

Neu go to crazy Rays and then you'll be able to see the two subframes side by side, At the end of this month I'll actually have some free time again, so if you want to go JY diving you have my number