mdelorie Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 So, at least one of my lateral link arms is shot. I'm pretty sure the inner bushing isn't supposed to spin freely. The other ones all have cracked bushings, so it's probably a good idea to replace them all anyways. What are my options? I saw that Held has a few options. They also listed a Toe Link. What the hell is that? He hasn't returned my email. Other than junkers and new ones, does anyone else make aftermarket links with poly bushings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 Held Motorsports makes them, and BMR makes them as well. Personally, Id go with BMR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 I can't seem to find anything on the BMR website. Part numbers / links? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 http://www.bmrfabrication.com/W-Body.htm BMR adjustable lateral arms replace the factory 3/4" diameter arm with a heavy duty, 1.25" diameter tubular unit. The large 3/4" adjuster allows "on-car" adjustment in an accessible location. The OE rear mount lateral bars are not adjustable from the factory but the BMR replacements provide additional caster adjustment that was not possible with a fixed length arm. The BMR tubular trailing arms replace the factory stamped, u-shaped trailing arm with a 1.5" diameter tubular upgrade. All arms come standard with low deflection, fluted polyurethane bushings equipped with grease fittings. Available in Black Hammertone or red powdercoat. Part #TCA011 Tubular trailing arms $129.95 pr Part #TCA012 Adjustable Lateral Arms - forward mount $209.95 pr Part #TCA013 Adjustable Lateral Arms - rearward mount $209.95 pr Kit #WPKG001 All of the above $499.95 set Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94CutlassSLCoupe Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 you can replace the bushings, they are CHEAP...especially if your arms aren't bent. The arms are still available new through the dealer or gmpartsdirect as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 That BMR site shows the parts are for 2nd gen. They fit first gens too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 Yes they do. Ive got their trailing arms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 Unless there's some kind of trick that I'm not realizing, it looks like you have to remove the upper bracket that the control arms bolt to. This bracket also mounts the monoleaf retainers. There appears to be two 15mm-head bolts on either side, but there also appears to be some sort of a plug or other fastener with no head. It protrudes into the sheet of steel which is welded to the frame rail. It looks like it would be a simple task to drill it out and replace it with a standard bolt and nut, but I just wanted to see if anyone knew what I was talking about first and if they had any other advice about it. I'll post pictures if no one has any idea what I'm talking about. Also, the BMR Fabrication site provides a choice to add a silicone grease cartridge to one's order on the online purchase page: http://www.gnetworks.com/v4/go.gnf?s=bmr&product=9125&n=default&d=products What would this be for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94CutlassSLCoupe Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 they're all through bolts. I believe they have either 19 or 21 mm heads and you'll have to drop the gas tank down to get the front lateral links off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Alright, I don't think I'm making enough sense. I'm talking about the upper crossmember that the lateral link arms bolt to. It looks like it'd be easier to lower that than to lower the fuel tank. There's only four bolts for that crossmember, with the exception of this "plug thing." I'll take pictures tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pabz Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 This thing No need to drop the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Holy rust batman!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pabz Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Holy rust batman!!! Can u see the barnacles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 So, it looks like those "plugs" are just alignment posts. Thanks for the picture Pabz, that's awesome. and as for the rust... I'm pretty sure mine doesn't look any better It's the Canadian winters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 How about those silicone cartridges for the BMR control arms, is that just a fancy name for a greasable bearing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GutlessSupreme Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 How about those silicone cartridges for the BMR control arms, is that just a fancy name for a greasable bearing? sounds like overkill, not that the BMR arms aren't already overkill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 How about those silicone cartridges for the BMR control arms, is that just a fancy name for a greasable bearing? sounds like overkill, not that the BMR arms aren't already overkill Those cartridges are for the poly bushings. When I ordered my trailing arms, I got a tube of that grease. Thats what they recommend to put on their poly bushings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Thanks, I think I'll order them today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 19, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 So, I did some measuring on Gramps' 06 Impala tonight and confirmed that the lateral links are indeed the same length across generations. It got me thinking though; now that I've got the bloody crossmember out, would it make sense to replace it with a gen 1.5 or a gen 2? Do those fit gen 1s? The crossmember on the 06 impala certainly won't fit, those cars are significantly wider. I've already got FFP coilovers, so the monoleaf isn't an issue. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Nothin'? Anybody? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 did you order the BMR lateral links or no? Just re-use that one. Its not like its goign to get rust holes or anything. As for the lateral links, if you didnt order the BMR, just use whatever looks to be in better condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Yeah, I'm working on getting the BMR links. I'm going to have to get them shipped to a friend of mine in Spokane. F'in UPS wants to charge 138 US to ship to me in Canada, but 28 US to ship to Spokane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Yes, they fit. IMO, I woulda ordered the ones from GMPP. Cheaper and just as effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdelorie Posted April 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 GMPP makes lateral links? I've already got their trailing arms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 Duh, nevermind. I was thinking trailing arms when I read lateral links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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