Martin71RS
09-03-2017, 02:22 PM
Ever since I had seen the new Delrin control arm bushings that Ridetech introduced as part of their StreetGRIP suspension package during SEMA 2015 I knew that was what I wanted on my Camaro.
They had a display with 3 control arms, 1 with original rubber, the second with Polyurethane and the third with the Delrin bushings installed.
It was very clear when I felt the difference in movement, the Delrin offered very little resistance and no bind which will allow the springs and shocks to do their work more effective.
I had been satisfied with the performance of the Polyurethane up till then…knowing I could improve with just a small investment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I would have loved to put on the complete system which consists of front coil springs, swaybar, shocks, the very light composite leaf springs and of course the Delrin bushings but I had already made a lot of upgrades on the other parts so I decided on just the bushings.
My coilover springs were too soft and I already had bought heavier (higher spring rate) ones.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Another part I wanted to change was my spindles, nothing really wrong with them but I wanted to go for the C5 style spindles.
I think they are an improvement over stock and will allow me to run other wheels in the future since there will be no spindle protruding past the wheel mounting surface.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I cleaned up my 2nd garage so I could move the Nova there while I work on the Camaro.
My garage is actually pretty small…just 2.7 x 5.7 meter (9 x 19 feet) but I managed to build my cars in there.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I put the Camaro on jack stands and after removing the wheel I removed the brake caliper from the spindle and got it out of the way.
I left the brake line attached since I did not need to replace the brakes.
Then turned down the coil spring adjustment nuts, loosened the ball joints and removed the spindle.
This is the easy part when working with coilover shocks, no need for a spring compressor 😊 .
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
After removing the coilover I took out the upper (keeping the alignment shims in the correct place and order!) and lower A-arms, now it was time to remove the old and put in the new bushings.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Check out this vid....this is with the old Polyurethane bushings!
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459504000823913/
Ridetech offers a very cool bushing installation and removal tool for just $100 which I think is the best invention since sliced bread….no need for a shop press, just basic hand tools so anyone can do this job in their garage or driveway.
They even have an instruction video on how to use it, check it out, it’s easy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50VUhlxlO-M
RideTech Bushing Installation & Removal Tool
www.youtube.com
Designed for use with the new Ridetech StreetGrip Systems, The Bushing Removal Tool makes replacing OEM bushing a manageable task. No need to pay a shop to install ...
The instructions didn't exactly show my type upper A-arm cross shaft but with all parts that came with the tool I got the job done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
So I took out the old bushings and installed the new Ridetech Delrin bushings and re-installed the A-arms (old one out and new one in only takes around 10 minutes!).
Wow….a real difference in how freely they move up and down!
see video:
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459516257489354/
I mounted the coilover with the new heavier springs, installed the new C5 spindles and put the brakes back in place.
The other side was just repeating all steps and when I was done I only needed to set the ride height again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
My Camaro already handled pretty good but I was amazed with how much smoother it rides now....and no more squeeks!!! :-)
I am really happy with the result.... It's a relative cheap upgrade, took me 1 and a half day to install and it has made the Camaro a nicer car to drive.
See video:
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459519720822341/
If I sound happy...it's because I am....My Camaro handled good, no problem there but it just rides so much nicer now! 1,5 day of work but so worth it !! :-)
They had a display with 3 control arms, 1 with original rubber, the second with Polyurethane and the third with the Delrin bushings installed.
It was very clear when I felt the difference in movement, the Delrin offered very little resistance and no bind which will allow the springs and shocks to do their work more effective.
I had been satisfied with the performance of the Polyurethane up till then…knowing I could improve with just a small investment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I would have loved to put on the complete system which consists of front coil springs, swaybar, shocks, the very light composite leaf springs and of course the Delrin bushings but I had already made a lot of upgrades on the other parts so I decided on just the bushings.
My coilover springs were too soft and I already had bought heavier (higher spring rate) ones.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Another part I wanted to change was my spindles, nothing really wrong with them but I wanted to go for the C5 style spindles.
I think they are an improvement over stock and will allow me to run other wheels in the future since there will be no spindle protruding past the wheel mounting surface.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I cleaned up my 2nd garage so I could move the Nova there while I work on the Camaro.
My garage is actually pretty small…just 2.7 x 5.7 meter (9 x 19 feet) but I managed to build my cars in there.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I put the Camaro on jack stands and after removing the wheel I removed the brake caliper from the spindle and got it out of the way.
I left the brake line attached since I did not need to replace the brakes.
Then turned down the coil spring adjustment nuts, loosened the ball joints and removed the spindle.
This is the easy part when working with coilover shocks, no need for a spring compressor 😊 .
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
After removing the coilover I took out the upper (keeping the alignment shims in the correct place and order!) and lower A-arms, now it was time to remove the old and put in the new bushings.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Check out this vid....this is with the old Polyurethane bushings!
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459504000823913/
Ridetech offers a very cool bushing installation and removal tool for just $100 which I think is the best invention since sliced bread….no need for a shop press, just basic hand tools so anyone can do this job in their garage or driveway.
They even have an instruction video on how to use it, check it out, it’s easy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50VUhlxlO-M
RideTech Bushing Installation & Removal Tool
www.youtube.com
Designed for use with the new Ridetech StreetGrip Systems, The Bushing Removal Tool makes replacing OEM bushing a manageable task. No need to pay a shop to install ...
The instructions didn't exactly show my type upper A-arm cross shaft but with all parts that came with the tool I got the job done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
So I took out the old bushings and installed the new Ridetech Delrin bushings and re-installed the A-arms (old one out and new one in only takes around 10 minutes!).
Wow….a real difference in how freely they move up and down!
see video:
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459516257489354/
I mounted the coilover with the new heavier springs, installed the new C5 spindles and put the brakes back in place.
The other side was just repeating all steps and when I was done I only needed to set the ride height again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
My Camaro already handled pretty good but I was amazed with how much smoother it rides now....and no more squeeks!!! :-)
I am really happy with the result.... It's a relative cheap upgrade, took me 1 and a half day to install and it has made the Camaro a nicer car to drive.
See video:
https://www.facebook.com/martin.vanweerlee/videos/1459519720822341/
If I sound happy...it's because I am....My Camaro handled good, no problem there but it just rides so much nicer now! 1,5 day of work but so worth it !! :-)