SPC upper control arm install questions???

[jdpolzin]

OK guys, I knew I would be doing a lot of double checking now that the install of the ATS spinde, SPC uppers, C5 brakes, and MOOG 5658 springs are going on the Grand National.

Are you supposed to re-use the factory shims when installing the uppers?

I figured you would since the directions tell you to set the SPC arm 1/2" in and 1/2" torwards the firewall before installing. If you dont install the shims, your arm wont be close to that at all. On the drivers side, I have 4 shims on front and back bolts. The only problem is that there isnt much travel to the arms and it seems to want to hit the UCA mounting perches.

Should i mount the ball joint on the bottom of the UCA to gain a little more clearence?

This is just a start so thanks for the help, many more questions will be coming soon! Jeremy

[MrQuick]

I believe that is a base adjustment that will get you close enough to get going to the alignment shop. Safe to say put the shims you had in and get it aligned.

I would follow the brand suggestions for ball joint location.

[Rubes]

Since the arms are completly adjustable, you shouldn't need any shims at all.

[Apogee]

I shimmed mine inward evenly to get the cross shaft to sit flush and not interfere with the humps on the frame mount...otherwise, I just used the adjustment of the arms to get it close enough to get it to the alignment shop.

Tobin

[bochnak]

I did not use shims on mine.

[PT Goat]

No shims on mine, I think that is the whole point of having adjustables.

[jdpolzin]

OK sounds like the shims arent needed!! That was kind of what I was thinking anyways! Why would you need adjustables if you are going to shim it anyways! Anymore suggestions would be great! -----Jeremy

[jdpolzin]

Another question:

What should I use for the bump stop on the LCA?

I have heard people use the ZQ8 bumpstops but I cant seem to find anyone who sells them?

[Apogee]

Another question:

What should I use for the bump stop on the LCA?

I have heard people use the ZQ8 bumpstops but I cant seem to find anyone who sells them?

GM #15956547 BUMPER, JOUNCE, FIRM (You can thank Marcus @ SC&C)

Tobin

[bochnak]

OK sounds like the shims arent needed!! That was kind of what I was thinking anyways! Why would you need adjustables if you are going to shim it anyways! Anymore suggestions would be great! -----Jeremy

I've heard of people aligning their cars w/o shims for street, and w/ shims for track days. Simply add the shim stack when at the track.

[bochnak]

GM #15956547 BUMPER, JOUNCE, FIRM (You can thank Marcus @ SC&C)

Tobin

I plan on using these as well. The application is a 96-98' S10 SS....w/ sport suspension.

[jdpolzin]

GM #15956547 BUMPER, JOUNCE, FIRM (You can thank Marcus @ SC&C)

Tobin

Tobin, thanks brother! nice chattin with you the other day!

[Apogee]

I plan on using these as well. The application is a 96-98' S10 SS....w/ sport suspension.

GM has actually obsoleted the old numbers with this current part number as they interchange with minimal modification in most instances. The softer jounce bumper (GM #15989674) is no longer available and if you order it like I tried to, GM will substitute the other part.

Tobin

[bochnak]

GM has actually obsoleted the old numbers with this current part number as they interchange with minimal modification in most instances. The softer jounce bumper (GM #15989674) is no longer available and if you order it like I tried to, GM will substitute the other part.

Tobin

Thanks, Tobin. I did not know GM no longer had that part available.

I searched Rockauto and it had both styles available.

[Apogee]

Tobin, thanks brother! nice chattin with you the other day!

Likewise Jeremy.

I searched Rockauto and it had both styles available.

GM no longer has any, but it's possible that others might be sitting on stockpiles of them. Thanks for the heads up, I might grab a few with my next order from R/A.

Tobin

[BonzoHansen]

I plan on using these as well. The application is a 96-98' S10 SS....w/ sport suspension.

This one? The GM number didn't come up there.

1998 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP 4.3L 262cid V6 MFI (X) : Suspension : Control Arm Bumper
DORMAN Part # 31064
Front Lower; 4WD; w/Off Road Susp or w/Smooth Ride Susp
Front Lower; RWD; w/Sport Suspension

[Marcus SC&C]

How`d I miss this thread? Good advice guys,no shims required. BUT you CAN use them if you want to as someone noted to adj. for race settings etc. Set the car up to street specs with the arms alone,then do the auto X or track day alignment with shims,mark the stacks and just use em when you need em,then go back to street specs in a few minutes, No fuss.
We`ve had a really hard time getting ZQ8 jounce bumpers in any quantity. SPC located an aftermarket direct replacement part for us though. They work the same,install the same etc. The only difference is that they have a white protective cladding over the snubber itself and they`re made in China.... Still they get the job done (quite well really) and we can get as many as we need so for now they`re our only choice. Mark SC&C

[jdpolzin]

Marc, how much for a set?? Also, could you explain why you would want to put the shims back in for racing purposes only? What is the difference between the street and race set ups? i obviously know there are different alignment specs but just by installing them and not re-aligning? How's that work? Thank you all for the help!!!

[hotrodf1]

Marc, how much for a set?? Also, could you explain why you would want to put the shims back in for racing purposes only? What is the difference between the street and race set ups? i obviously know there are different alignment specs but just by installing them and not re-aligning? How's that work? Thank you all for the help!!!

I'm no expert, but adding shims would likely result in either increased neg. camber, increase pos. caster, maybe a combo of both. The increased camber is mostly not used on the street because I believe it increases tire wear (uneven at that), but I think it may help the outer tire bite better at the track. Just my $.02 and not the Gospel

[dipren443]

I'm no expert, but adding shims would likely result in either increased neg. camber, increase pos. caster, maybe a combo of both. The increased camber is mostly not used on the street because I believe it increases tire wear (uneven at that), but I think it may help the outer tire bite better at the track. Just my $.02 and not the Gospel

You can run a little negative camber on the street without adversely affecting tire wear. I would say a max of -1.5° camber, preferably around the -1.0° mark.