1970-81 Camaro and Firebird Drag racing control arms

The following information pertains to all TLC control arms.

Geometry Change : One of the biggest problems most production cars have is not enough caster. Caster provides straight-line stability and reduces wander at high speed. It is part of the front end self-aligning force. For this reason, caster is essential on drag cars. Unfortunately, there is never enough caster available using stock front-end components. Too many alignment shims are needed and possible camber problems can occur. TLC upper control arms are built with additional positive caster and setting camber is never a problem.

Control Arm Shafts: All TLC upper control arms use billet aluminum cross-shafts. Steel sleeves are pressed in on each side of the shaft for protection. The sleeves isolate the aluminum shaft from alignment shims, frame bolts and nuts. This allows proper torque to be maintained on the cross-shaft. Without steel sleeves, alignment shims and upper shaft bolts would rest against the aluminum shaft and eventually work loose. Once the bolt works loose, alignment shims would fall out causing loose alignment.

TLC Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings: TLC's use Delrin type bushings machined specifically for our shafts and housings. Delrin, which is patented, is a hard plastic and can handle extreme loads associated with suspension components. It is long lasting and very durable. Grease fittings are installed in the control arms for lubricating the bushings. Synthetic grease is recommended.

Bump Stops: Bump stops are installed on the upper control arms to stop ball joint over travel. This protects the upper ball joint from damage. Sometimes, if the front end travel needs to be limited, the bump stop may be removed and a limiter may be added in its place. Always check the suspension travel. Make sure the bump stop contacts the frame before the shock runs out of travel. Modifications to the suspension can change the distance required.

TLC lower control arms are shipped fully assembled with bushings, ball joints, and bump stops.

To the right is a pair of TLC-71 upper control arms showing the top and bottom of the arm. The bump stop is positioned so it can be removed and a limiter can be installed. The stop will contact the frame at the factory bump stop location. The cross shaft is aluminum with steel dowels inserted that protect the shaft from damaged by alignment shims and through bolts around the frame. Special bushings are used that allow the arm to swing freely. Cost $519.52 per pair

TLC lower control arms are available for two applications, standard spring or coilover. TLC standard spring lower arms feature a unique rotating spring perch for indexing. This is beneficial if you have trimmed your coil spring for setting ride height.

TLC Lower Control Arms for standard springs: TLC lower arms are similar to our G-Plus lower control arm design. We removed the sway bar attachment points and additional plates required for the sway bar in order to lighten up the control arm. The arm is considered a load carrier and is "beefed up" to handle wheel stands and extreme loads. Weight savings is minimal using the lower arm because of the tubing wall thickness required.

All TLC lower control arms are built without sway bar attachments.

Cost TLC-71L --- 632.71 per pair

Coilover application

To the right is a TLC-71H. The arms is designed lower control arms are designed for converting your vehicle over to a coilover application. Coilover is where the spring rests on the shock. The shock body (on the right) is threaded and has an adjustable collar that rotates around the body. Special springs are also used. Coilover, gives you an add benefit of adjustable ride height. No frame modifications are required. The lower arms are specifically designed for supporting vehicle load through the shock. Afco, and QA-1 shocks will bolt directly to the lower control arms.

The bushings allow the lower arm to move with little effort and still maintain control without fore and aft deflection. Ball joints and bump stops are also included.

TLC-71H -- $650.82 per pair

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