what is the idea behind aftermarket control arms?

Do our cars not come with upper and lower control arms?

 

Yes, they come with control arms. Most come with the lower arm. Both an upper and lower give you more maneuverability and the supsension travel is increased. Independant Rear Suspension has lower control arms.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension.htm
I would assume that aftermarket control arms are to improve the suspension capabilities. They come with urethane bushings, and the arms are made of aluminum, and can be stronger. Heard of un-sprung weight? Your control arms are a part of that. The lighter things are, the more performance you get... With upper and lower control arms on the front, you can lower your car alot more than with stock control arms. Those guys with the air suspensions usually used that type of system with a 4 link rearend. I'd say worth the extra bucks if your gunna make your car into an autocrosser.

 

yes they do, but our stock ones have shitty bushings and are known to flex under load. for money reason, some will just buy poly bushing set, but other will buy tubular sets. Some are adjustable to help get the best launch off the line.

 

I assume you are talking about REAR control arms?

Your stock lower control arms flex, and contain huge soft rubber bushings.
...Just read this,
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/in...ex&cPath=21_91

 

i was thinking of adjustables for mine but i dont know how to adjust them to get maxim performance out of them?

 

Just talk to a local chassis guy and he can give you the basics after that its just track time and minor twecks.

 

The first advantage is the bushings. Aftermarket arms have urathane bushings and control the rear better. For the street they are the best (a grease fitting on the contol arm is great cause I have had urathane one squeek! The other ends are for race only. The arms themselves are stronger and do not flex or twist. Some come with a modifies length to adjust pinion angle for best traction. But rule of thumb for adjustables are factory bushings 4-4 degrees down, poly 2.5 to 3 degrees downward and solids 1 to 1.5 degree down. Be aware of tire position in the fender if you buy adjustables and try to set them as it can pull the tire forward or back. Also if you use adjustable uppers get the "double adjustable" ones so you don't have to drop one end of the control arm to adjust it's length.

For an everyday driver a set of aftermarket control arms (fixed length) and bushings will be great. Some are lighter than others also.