Hi all,
Seriously considering purchasing a set of QA1 adjustable strut rods for my hardtop. I have been doing some research and I'm convinced these will be a noticeable improvement to the cars handling but I have some concerns as to how these will hold up with heavy use and abuse on a high mileage street car.
First thing that jumped out at me with this design is the straight 9/16 thread at the control arm mount instead of the 5/8 shoulder on the factory rods, but i can easily turn up some small sleeves on a lathe to take up the gap at this mounting point.
Other concerns I have are how well the heim joints will hold up to shockloading from hitting pot holes at speed, railway crossings, cattle grids ect? And will the lack of a bushing induce cracking at the K-frame mount or pull the threads on the alloy stut rod? Also how much harshness do they add to the ride?
If I buy them I will get some rubber boots for the heim joints to keep road dirt out. I once had a LCA pivot pin shear on me at speed and it scared the crap outta me - not in a hurry to repeat the experience with a failed strut rod.
Would like some feedback from folks that have put a lot of street miles on them or stories of failures. I've talked to a bunch of guys running heim jointed rods on mustangs and they seem to love them - but their cars spend most of there time in the shed instead of being driven.
Cheers,
Ted.