decon Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 I was thinking, wouldn't it be possible to extend the stock a-arms? I mean, you could get 4 pieces of 2 inch tubing, cut the stock a-arms , weld the 2" tubing together, and you would have some +2 a arms. if possible I have some questions. are the stock a-arms strong as aftermarket a-arms? would they hold up? would new ball joints be useful ? and what are the stock a-arms constructed of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmatt Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Being the cheap bastard that I am, I looking into doing this also. But I determined that it wouldn't be worth the effort. Here are all of the cons I can think of right now: 1. The stock a-arms are extremetly weak. Not only is the tubing very thin walled but the ball joint mounts bend very easily. 2. The ball joints are non-replaceble, so once they are worn out, you would have to build a whole new set of a-arms. 3. It would be very easy to screw up the caster and camber alignment if you weren't careful with your measurements. 4. The A-arms are, well, shaped like an A. Since the two tubes that need extended are not parallel, then you would also have to bend/straighten the tubes before you could weld in extensions. 5. You will still have to buy or build longer tie rod sleaves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holyman Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 I was thinking of simply making a spacer to add on to the frame and use the A arms the way they are but space them what ever distance you wanted. The problem with that is all the fabrication and you would still need longer tie rods {which you will need no matter what}. The advantage is the steering would not be effected like wheel spacers, you can always get a set of used stock A arms pretty cheap if something happens and you wouldn't need new shocks because the actual A arm is the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fixitrod Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 I was thinking of simply making a spacer to add on to the frame and use the A arms the way they are but space them what ever distance you wanted. The problem with that is all the fabrication and you would still need longer tie rods {which you will need no matter what}. The advantage is the steering would not be effected like wheel spacers, you can always get a set of used stock A arms pretty cheap if something happens and you wouldn't need new shocks because the actual A arm is the same. If you did that wouldn't the shock mounts be in the wrong location. It'd sit very low. You wouldn't gain any travel in suspension. I think it would ride rougher because your spreading the pivot points of the a-arms. I just don't know for sure. That'd be kind of scary. My biggest fear of bending the stock a-arms to extend them is the joints bend way to easy on them when jumping. I've folded a couple sets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decon Posted October 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Being the cheap bastard that I am, I looking into doing this also. But I determined that it wouldn't be worth the effort. Here are all of the cons I can think of right now:1. The stock a-arms are extremetly weak. Not only is the tubing very thin walled but the ball joint mounts bend very easily. 2. The ball joints are non-replaceble, so once they are worn out, you would have to build a whole new set of a-arms. 3. It would be very easy to screw up the caster and camber alignment if you weren't careful with your measurements. 4. The A-arms are, well, shaped like an A. Since the two tubes that need extended are not parallel, then you would also have to bend/straighten the tubes before you could weld in extensions. 5. You will still have to buy or build longer tie rod sleaves. ditto . anyways, here are solutions i came up with. 1.Since the stock a-arms are weak, I would have them replicated with maybe some .120 tubing, also with the +2 extension. see, my dad has been in the auto body world for 20+ years. Hes owned his own shop for about 15 years, and is currently working as a local shop. he can do it all, welding, fixing cars up real good, painting, and everything else, so I was gonna have him do it for me. 2. I was going to use these ball joints, http://www.rockymountainatv.com/home.asp?SID=0003135723 3.I will be very very careful 4. planning on just adding some straight lengthed tubing, shouldnt mess up the alignment with the wheels. 5.get longer ones built Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIRST BANSHEE Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 If your going to try to make your a-arms make them adjustable, wiyhout a jig, bending them right is goint to be near impossible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICK BOY Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 I think the added stress would be to much on the stock ball joints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decon Posted October 6, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 I think the added stress would be to much on the stock ball joints. would most likely put on some new ball joints, although I would have to make the a-arms the design of the aftermarkets up front to attach them, but it can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICK BOY Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 I agree it can be done,but you have to think about the cost of supplys and your time and compare it to the cost of new a-arms.You can find cheap +2 arms for $350.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzurk1 Posted October 9, 2004 Report Share Posted October 9, 2004 just a quick note i extended my stock arms 3 inches each side by setting up jig and welding in slightly larger chromoley tubing. have had lots of air time no bends the only time i bent the ball joint locator was when i hit wash out side ways but other than that the suspension absorbs all. Extra ht gained was 60 mm compared to stock bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicked98Shee Posted October 9, 2004 Report Share Posted October 9, 2004 i know a guy that did it .... but he was a member of the short bus mafia LMFAO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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