Hotchkis
#1
Hotchkis
My 70 Vert came with Hotchkis front upper control arms. Obviously I never drove the car without them so I have no idea if they made an improvement. I can't imagine why whoever put them in didn't do the lowers unless it was $$$. Anyone have any feedback on whether it is worth it to do the lowers now? Front clip is off and engine is out so it won't get any easier than now, not that the parts are cheap. Also, should I dump that red sway bar and go Hotchkis if I do the lowers? Thanks for any feedback.
Last edited by jcmoretti; February 8th, 2015 at 02:54 PM. Reason: Picture
#2
My 70 Vert came with Hotchkis front upper control arms. Obviously I never drove the car without them so I have no idea if they made an improvement. I can't imagine why whoever put them in didn't do the lowers unless it was $$$. Anyone have any feedback on whether it is worth it to do the lowers now? Front clip is off and engine is out so it won't get any easier than now, not that the parts are cheap. Also, should I dump that red sway bar and go Hotchkis if I do the lowers? Thanks for any feedback.
#3
I ran Hotchkis arms with B Body spindles for years in a G Body, much improved handling.
Stock spindles measure about 7 1/8" at the ball joints, measure yours and if they're taller I'd call it good, then paint that ugly red swaybar black, or buy a bigger one
Stock spindles measure about 7 1/8" at the ball joints, measure yours and if they're taller I'd call it good, then paint that ugly red swaybar black, or buy a bigger one
#5
So if they are 7 1/8" it is good to leave as is or it is good to add the lowers? Or perhaps either way as long as it is 7 1/8"? I assume that is between ball joints. Thanks.
#6
#8
The first thing you need to figure out is if the previous owner used the Hotchkis upper arms because this car has the B-body spindle swap. If so. the short tubular uppers are needed to correct the alignment with the later spindles. The lowers do not need to be replaced for that swap.
#9
If you DO swap the LCAs, you MUST get the ones that fit the correct ball joints. The tall spindles use ball joints with a different stud taper than the originals. To use the later ball joints in the original LCAs, the ball joints need to be machined on the O.D. to fit. If you get aftermarket LCAs, they may be set up for the original ball joints or the later ones. If they are designed for the later ones, then just press the new ball joints in. If they are designed for the original ball joints, you will again need to use the later ball joints and have them machined to fit.
#10
I have Hotchkis sway bar and Hotchkis upper and lower control arms on my 70 Cutlass. 245/60 on a 15" wheel with 4.5" backspacing in the front, no rubbing what so ever. Love the way it handles.
#14
I just measured a set of B body spindles I had lying around and they are approximately 8.5 inches outside measurement from ball joint pad to ball joint pad.
That should let you know which spindles you have.
Just reread and saw where you found this already, sorry.
That should let you know which spindles you have.
Just reread and saw where you found this already, sorry.
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April 30th, 2007 11:33 AM