V8R X-Lite control arms: some assembly required
 

I figured I would put this info out there to make the arms easier to use for those who choose to buy them, and provide some honest feedback for those considering buying.

TIP #1 (RUCA): the OEM pivot bolt does not fit at the outboard location, as the machined clevis is thicker than the OEM arm. Solution: M10 x 90mm bolt and matching M10 x 1.5 nut.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a1e81b45d3.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d222875220.jpg

TIP #2 (RUCA): the roll center adjustment does not actually adjust roll center.

http://media.beliefnet.com/~/media/p...jpg?as=1&w=400

TIP #3 (RUCA): The arm hits the body much earlier than the stock arm, before the tire even makes contact. Use the not-roll-center "unibody clearance adjuster" to improve this radically. This will get you to full tire contact for most setups, and a little massaging of the contact zone on the body can make some breathing room.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...124179e443.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e0db663c97.jpg

TIP #4 (FUCA): The arm contacts the unibody before tire rub with 225/45R15. Contributing to this is the fact that the rod end is offset from the midplane of the arm, presumably to shift the bump/droop limits of the range of motion of the spherical bearing serving as the UBJ pivot.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...371b65ddd1.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0517192af4.jpg

that's terrible. seriously terrible

TIP #5 (FUCA): Flipping the arm (logo down) radically increases body clearance. However, it moves the UBJ spherical bearing closer to bind at full bump relative to the stock orientation. A number of solutions can be used to correct for this, including shimming the height of the spherical bearing. However, I chose to substitute a true high-misalignment spacer (a modified version of a QA1 SN12-68) and an AN-7 bolt for the stock SHCS + counterbored, lower misalignment spacer.

Note in the first photo that the head of the SHCS had to be turned to fit the top spacer.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...50dc78637f.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2c0ff9acde.jpg

TIP #6 (FUCA): Maybe throw some loctite retaining compound on the UBJ spherical.

Stock fit (turn headphones to max for full effect):
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ed28423645.jpg

TIP #7 (FUCA): Also maybe get steel jam nuts to replace the aluminum jam nuts for the rod ends.

Tire clearance when turbo hits block arm hits body.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4816f2890a.jpg

Hey @afm, what flavor loctite do you recommend on that ubj spherical?

Ask your pro suspension builder.

TIP #7 (FUCA): If you use the stock hardware, make sure the SHCS head sits fully in the counterbore of the spacers. Turning the bolt heads is a fun drinking activity but maybe not a good solution.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...31c40f0d5f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e9ce2f5fd3.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d081e650b0.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ffa9d9779a.jpg

Pictured: essential suspension installation tools.

Tastes kind of like lime to me.

https://orig00.deviantart.net/9927/f...me-d68b0id.jpg

--Ian

Positive note: FUCA clearance like a hotdog in a hallway!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8c56562e6e.jpg

THAT MAKES EVERYTHING WORTH IT

:likecat:

Those aren't Xidas. I deem that irrelevant.

does it fit with extended bj's doe?

also

TIP # 69:

this is the ONLY way of communication with v8r. please do not attempt futile outdated ways like telephone and email, you have been educated
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a73a585f45.jpg

TIP # 69.5: the pigeons should all be routed to Concealer404's house, NOT Florida.

Yeah, I think they're Racelands or something. Came free on my car.

I like the threads. They look nice and beefy and resistant to clogging with normal road dust/dirt.