SPC UCAs

[firebob]

Any downside to running the SPC uppers with the race bushings and tll BJs on a street car that sees occasional track time? SC&C has them listed for $450 for a pair.

Robert

[nicks67camaro]

Been running that set up now for 3 trouble free years. I really like the set up.

[L & H Kustoms]

Robert, the SPC arms are good. Although I can get you a pair of GEN II UCA's for your 69 Bird for $385 which includes Power performance tall ball joints. Or $315 with standard ball joints. They also include bumpstops for the arms. They are mfg in the USA.
Here are some pics of the arms.


Feel free to PM me or give me a call if you have any questions

[firebob]

I do have a few questions. Pmed you.

Robert

[MonzaRacer]

The real big thing about SPC arms are their ability to give increased adjust-ability over those Gen 2 arms. Dont get me wrong, I am not knocking the Gen 2 arms just pointing out the obvious. If you dont need it then saving a few dollars could be an option.

[Mkelcy]

The SPC arms sold by SC&C eliminate the shim stack, allow the use of a bolt to get more clearance for headers, and are supported by SPC for replacement parts. I'm not sure I see a reason to go with these Gen II arms versus the SPC arms.

[MCB Matt]

SPC makes a great product, we just picked up their line and are now selling them! Happy customers so far and for under 1k you get uppers, lowers and shim stacks or coilover plates!!

[79T/Aman]

Nothing wrong with the spc arms but not everyone want's to spend the money on them, ours also come with a bump stop, using shims to set your adjustment should not be looked at as a negative other than the spc arms all others A-arms are set using shims, the other thing that is forgoten is the fact that better geometry is built into our A-arms and the offset cross shaft minimizes the need for shims.

[79T/Aman]

The SPC arms sold by SC&C eliminate the shim stack, allow the use of a bolt to get more clearance for headers, and are supported by SPC for replacement parts. I'm not sure I see a reason to go with these Gen II arms versus the SPC arms.

This statement is incorrect, you may have to use shims and in some applications spacers to keep the adjusters from contacting the A-arm mount!

[wmhjr]

This statement is incorrect, you may have to use shims and in some applications spacers to keep the adjusters from contacting the A-arm mount!

Really? Care to elaborate? I'm not contradicting you but I would be interested in knowing how/where this happened. I've only seen these arms on a half dozen vehicles (including my own) but there is tons of clearance between the adjusters and the A-Arm mounts in the A and F Body cars I've seen.

[79T/Aman]

Yes I do care to elaborate, re-read my statement, "in some applications"

Also, the adjusters move side to side as you adjust them.

[JChilders]

Originally Posted by 79T/Aman
This statement is incorrect, you may have to use shims and in some applications spacers to keep the adjusters from contacting the A-arm mount!Really? Care to elaborate? I'm not contradicting you but I would be interested in knowing how/where this happened. I've only seen these arms on a half dozen vehicles (including my own) but there is tons of clearance between the adjusters and the A-Arm mounts in the A and F Body cars I've seen.

68-72 A-bodies require you to trim the A-arm mount to avoid contact. Its not a shim, but if you already have a powdercoated frame it could be annoying. Not a big deal, I had to do it for my chevelle and I really like the arms.

[wmhjr]

Yes I do care to elaborate, re-read my statement, "in some applications"

Also, the adjusters move side to side as you adjust them.

I wasn't being snarky, OK?

"In some applications" is about as non-specific as you can get.

Elaborate: To add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing; "She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation"

I was looking for some "more details" as to "what applications" you might find shims or more importantly "spacers" necessary. People ask me about the UCAs all the time and I always tell them how easy they are to install and adjust. If there are some specific "applications" that you know require shims or spacers it might prevent somebody buying them based on my (or others) advice. I'm fully aware that as you adjust the UCA arms, it results in the adjuster nuts and barrels moving side to side. Again - I'm not arguing that you're wrong. I'm asking to learn from your experience as it is different and I've never heard of a spacer or shim being used with these UCAs. As a matter of fact, if you added shims wouldn't it make that problem (assuming it exists) worse? A spacer between the crossbar and the mount would move the crossbar inboard, decreasing the width between the arms (and adjusters).

[wmhjr]

68-72 A-bodies require you to trim the A-arm mount to avoid contact. Its not a shim, but if you already have a powdercoated frame it could be annoying. Not a big deal, I had to do it for my chevelle and I really like the arms.

Thanks - I can see that happening. Kind of like having to drill out the A-Arm mount to accept the larger bolt. I'm just trying to see how a spacer or shim would be involved.

[79T/Aman]

wmhjr, I was not being "snarky" either, just replying to you question, my explanation was is such due to the fact that some applications run into problems and others don't, even on the same model car, and as I noted the issues sometimes is with the upper A-arm mount.

[MCB Matt]

And in the end we all get to thank GM for making every car unique in some way somewhere....Bolt on parts are hard to bolt on a car that might be diff. than the ones used in part development!

It would be a tough business to be in as a manufacture!

just my .02 after 10 years in this business

[BonzoHansen]

Here is what Dave is probably talking about.

SPC arms in my 77 Z28. Washers needed because the cross shaft profile did not clear the mount. Also, I had to peen down the shock mount brackets a bit to clear the arm in full droop, mostly near the inner adjuster nuts. Not much but some.

None of it a deal breaker. I would buy these arms again. I'd also buy Dave's arms as well.

[wmhjr]

Thanks, Scott. That's a great bit of info. I've seen these things on a bunch of A-body cars and none have ever needed any modification. I wonder what "applications" in general are succeptable to this? Does anyone know of any A-bodys that had issues? 1st gen F-body cars? I'm asking because I constantly get tons of questions about some of the stuff on my build and I'd like to be up front if there's a strong likelihood for an issue. None of it is a big deal, and the fact is that even if you need a spacer there (as in the above pic) the actual alignment is done without shims. That's a big deal to me. Maybe not to others.

[L & H Kustoms]

..... Does anyone know of any A-bodys that had issues?

68-72 A bodies require you to trim the "ears" on the upper control arm mount to clear. I have used the SPC arms on a 66 skylark chassis that needed to be trimmed to fit as well. its really a crap shoot because the tolerances were so loose and varied from the different mfg plants. This is a major issue with some of the control arm manufacturers who build their A arms with tight (narrow) tolerances. Some manufacturers allow for the variance of the loose factory tolerances and some dont. I have had a set Hotchkis arms fit just fine on a 64 Skylark frame and the same control arms not clear on a 65 chevelle frame. I have not had any clearances issues with the Gen II arms on any of the ones I have installed.

[MrQuick]

wmhjr, I was not being "snarky" either, just replying to you question, my explanation was is such due to the fact that some applications run into problems and others don't, even on the same model car, and as I noted the issues sometimes is with the upper A-arm mount.

wheres snarky at? LOL, WHMJR, sensitive much? jk

I had the SPC adjusters contact the a arm mount on a second gen frame. And we ran into wheel/ball joint flange interference maybe with a backspace greater than 6"? 1st gen looked ok but as we all know no frames are created equal.
Just a few things to watch for. Otherwise great arms.

Vince