Rear trailing arm question - motoring|underground

Scooop · #1 06-01-2009, 03:34 AM

Any recommendations on a stronger rear trailing arm for Scoop? I've heard that R56 parts will swap over and that they are better than what R53s have. Is this true? If not, is there something aftermarket that is stronger?

Sorry for being lazy and not searching through the forum, but I need an answer fairly quickly so that i can fix this issue tomorrow and get Scoop back on the road. As you can see below, I had a bit of an issue tonight (though thankfully within a mile from my house after driving and tracking more than 500 miles this weekend. VERY fortunate this didn't happen a million miles from home).

Thanks M|U for any help

(And thanks Rally for the correct part ID -- rear control arms it is. Looks like I can get adjustable ones. Fantastic excuse for a new mod.)

Rally · #2 06-01-2009, 03:38 AM

Tons of aftermarket options out there. They're called "rear control arms" which will help your search.

Helix, Alta, TSW, H-sport, Megan, Ireland Engineering, to name a few options

Scooop · #3 06-01-2009, 03:44 AM

Thanks Rally. Adjusted the post to reflect the correct part (not the title though). Looking forward to getting something stronger. If anyone has personal experience good or bad with any of the options mentioned let me know. Hopefully I can get something overnighted.

Drew · #4 06-01-2009, 03:47 AM

Holy crap! I didn't know any of these parts were weak enough to allow this to happen. Maybe someone with aftermarket control arms in your area can hook you up with their stock ones until you can get some shipped to you...

Moxie · #5 06-01-2009, 03:50 AM

R56 trailing arms will run you about $300 a piece. Are they better? Somewhat debatable. They're made of cast aluminum, so they're quite a bit lighter than the R53 steel arms. However, you also have to be quite a bit more gentle with them as threads will strip more easily (been there done that, AND I was extra careful).

Everything should bolt up fine, but you will need some of those R56 bushings for the rear struts.

Scooop · #6 06-01-2009, 03:56 AM

Thanks Moxie (and other here at m|u). I think I'm headed to the Alta website tonight to look around. Alta is fairly close and I could always use a little something else from their shop when I travel down there. Plus, Oregon = no sales tax, so that's a nice excuse to do some shopping.

Drew: Apparently when you drive 3.6 miles of the road pictured below, at high speeds, for multiple runs over two hours, it can put a little stress on the stock parts

Rally · #7 06-01-2009, 03:57 AM

Note: Moxie is discussing the actual trailing arms....not the control arms that you meant to discuss

Scooop · #8 06-01-2009, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally

Note: Moxie is discussing the actual trailing arms....not the control arms that you meant to discuss

LOL. Thanks. It's been a reaaaaly long weekend ...

Moxie · #9 06-01-2009, 04:03 AM

Ah... yes... I didn't think that looked like a trailing arm

Control arms... H-sports look very good to me, but I haven't tried any.

Scooop · #10 06-01-2009, 04:07 AM

Would these do the trick?

Linky: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...r_control_arms

Drew · #11 06-01-2009, 04:08 AM

I've used H-Sports for over a year now. As long as you run some lock-tite on the threads you shouldn't have any issues.

Moxie · #12 06-01-2009, 04:14 AM

I'm sure the Alta RCA's are fine. Helix and H-sport were recommended to me. I plan on getting H-sports for the polyurethane bushings.

Hey, Drew... those things pretty quiet?

Scooop · #13 06-01-2009, 04:25 AM

Looks like it will be Alta. They have a 14% suspension parts discount coupon and are a few hours drive. That means I can zip down to Portland and zip back in time to still have daylight hours to install them (no garage. boo hoo).

Can a mod change the title? I can't seem to and don't want to add any further confusion.

And again, thank to all for your help. Made this much less stressful.

Batrugger · #14 06-01-2009, 05:30 AM

I would recommend getting the Helix ones. We have the Altas and the joints are exposed to the elements. They need constant lubricating and creak and click all of the time. Someday they will be swapped for Helix which have a sealed joint and require a lot less maintenance. You can see the difference here:

http://www.helix13.com/mini/products/suspension-chasis

FWIW, I got a great deal on the Altas too. Just my .02

Scooop · #15 06-01-2009, 07:44 AM

Ooh. I'm gonna check overnight shipping for the Helix. Even without, it looks like it might be worth the wait. Thanks Kelli!

Dear lord, I have learned more about the "heim joint" tonight than I ever knew possible.