Wallrat Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 I've got a J arm frame that I'm planning on upgrading with a A arm conversion. My J arm bushings are crap so I can either replace those with bearings for around $50 or I found a set of stock upper A arms off a 2000 banshee on ebay that I might be able to get for $60 or $70. If I go with the A arms then I'll need to fabricate a conversion - shouldn't be too hard since I've got the equipment and a buddy to weld it, just need to buy the metal and the A arm bolt assembly. Thing is, I was planning on getting some aftermarket arms probably in a few months. So should I buy the stock A arms now and do the conversion, or should I just replace the bushings and do the conversion in a few months when I have the money for some +2+1 arms? I'm currently tearing apart my bike but need to have everything finished before President's weekend. I really don't want to put any more on my plate but it seems silly to spend $50 on bearings that will only be in use for a few months. If I'm doing the conversion, what kinda tubing do I need to buy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frocashmoney24 Posted January 22, 2004 Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 well you dont need bearings for the j arms if your just gonna use em for a month, go to yamaha and just buy 4 new plastic bushings that'll hold you over, wait and go right to the extended aarms, save you some time and money from gettin the stockers first, there are afew people on here that have dont the j - a arm conversion, meat makes and sells the kits, 89 bansheedude's workin one a conversion right now and i did one in fall. you can use 1 inch pipe like 1/4 thick. i made it with flat pieces instead of piping, ill try to get up some pics, but for meats go to www.thebansheezone.com and he's got it on there, good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holyman Posted January 22, 2004 Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 Since I sell the bearings I'm gonna tell you what I'd do... If you know what kind of A arms you want to buy eventually, make sure you know if they use bearings, bushings or heim joints. The American racing or Burgard A arms take a smaller bearing than most of the other aftermarket A arms so buying bearings now would be a coplete waste. The rest of the aftermarket A arms that don't use heim joints use the same size bearing as the stock bushing so there's no wasted money there. You can buy the bearings now, use them until you get your new A arms and then put them in the new A arms. Buying the factory bushings is a complete waste because they are $10 each from the dealer so you've got $40 worth of junk you never want to use anyway. I sell the set of 12 bearings and the spacers you need to use the bearings {not the inner sleeves, you need a spacer the thickness of the flange on the stock bushing to use the bearings} and guarantee the bearings for 6 months and ship and a free bottle of Amsoil 100:1 and ship for BHQ memebers for $60. {I sell 'em on ebay for $75} I also have a set of bearings with built in seal for a little more. If you know you will be converting to A arms but don't know which ones, I'd get some used {meaning free} plastic bushings from someone and ride til you know exactly what you're gonna do. I'm not trying to sell stuff here. I'm just telling you what I'd do. I think we all work hard for our money and I'd hate to see $1 wasted on something you won't need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cotton eyed Joe Posted January 22, 2004 Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 If you need the bolts to hold the a-arms on, let me know. I think I have a few left over at the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallrat Posted January 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 Do the J arms take the same size bearings/bushings as the A arms? Oh and as an update, I'm trying to convince the Mrs. that aftermarket A arms would make an excellent valentine's day gift So far she ain't buying it. Hey Joe, whatcha want for the bolts? They're $6.80 each from parts fish. But I'd need the whole bolt/washers/nut assembly. As far as the conversion goes, I did a search and I think you need 1" tubing, .090" thick. I've got some 1" tubing that's .115" thick laying around at work that I could steal. 1/4 inch seems a little too thick. Anyone know for sure if the .115" will be okay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cotton eyed Joe Posted January 22, 2004 Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 Let me see if I have the whole assembly, bolts nuts washers, and I'll PM you a price. I know I've got bolts, and some washers and nuts, but if not, I'll go buy the necessary nuts and washers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holyman Posted January 22, 2004 Report Share Posted January 22, 2004 The J's and A's take all the same bushings UNLESS they are aftermarket and SOME of them are not the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldasdirtrider Posted January 23, 2004 Report Share Posted January 23, 2004 Alba has the plastic bushings for $19.99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffro Posted January 24, 2004 Report Share Posted January 24, 2004 I have a frame I need to convert from J-arm to A- arm. What does a kit run or is it easier to build your own. I have a mig and can put it all together.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meat Posted January 24, 2004 Report Share Posted January 24, 2004 (edited) my kit costs 120 shipped. All ready to weld into the frame. no a-arm bolts at that price. The only other kit iv seen for sale cost $190 plus shipping. Edited January 24, 2004 by Meat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil Posted January 24, 2004 Report Share Posted January 24, 2004 meat, put up a pic of your converted frame, this way i can send people here to look at it. wallrat, since its ripped apart lets do the pegs too. and if you got the welder i got the time ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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