Purpose of 1LE LCA's???

grnflash · 03-05-2017, 01:43 AM

Hi guys,

I looked all over to see if I could find the answer to this question. The 1LE kit from GM performance parts comes with springs, perches, roll bars, and lower control arm replacements.

I get why everything is needed except the LCA's—why are they in there? Are they just supposed to help adjust for lowered stance, beefier, etc.? Does anyone know for sure what their purpose is?

Thanks for the input!

Wolvie70 · 03-05-2017, 08:27 PM

Are these LCA part of the engine, drivetrain, or powertrain?

Michigan1LTRS · 03-05-2017, 08:37 PM

Lower control arms connect the suspension to the chassis. The stronger they are the less flex which in turn keeps you planted under load

*Mr. Wyndham* · 03-05-2017, 09:16 PM

Last generation they included control arm replacements due to the sway bar placement. The mounting point changed from 2010-2011 cars.

They also included rear control arm for the Z/28 kit because the pressed-in bushings were stiffer. That could be the case, here. But I do not know for sure.

LSmith353 · 03-05-2017, 11:00 PM

In the link on That GM Parts Guy, it shows new end links bit I don't see any reference to lower control arms.

http://www.thatgmpartsguy.com/suspen...45?parent=1034

grnflash · 03-05-2017, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSmith353

In the link on That GM Parts Guy, it shows new end links bit I don't see any reference to lower control arms.

http://www.thatgmpartsguy.com/suspen...45?parent=1034

Maybe I'm calling them the wrong thing, but yes, that's the part I'm wondering about. What's its claim to fame? It's obviously a replacement part, so what's it doing that the OEM doesn't? Some have said clearance for the roll bar, and others that it's stronger. Just trying to nail down why I would or wouldn't want this piece (I have all the other components of this kit, sourced from other mfgs).

Thanks,

*Mr. Wyndham* · 03-05-2017, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnflash

Maybe I'm calling them the wrong thing, but yes, that's the part I'm wondering about. What's its claim to fame? It's obviously a replacement part, so what's it doing that the OEM doesn't? Some have said clearance for the roll bar, and others that it's stronger. Just trying to nail down why I would or wouldn't want this piece (I have all the other components of this kit, sourced from other mfgs).

Thanks,

Solid bushings.

grnflash · 03-07-2017, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Wyndham

Solid bushings.

Ahhhh.... thanks. That's what I was missing.

RideZX6R · 03-07-2017, 12:47 PM

Soooo - Someone mind moving this into the suspension forum?

Wildhammer · 03-07-2017, 01:03 PM

Hopefully this clears up some confusion, the FE4 suspension (ZL1 & 1LE) use specific FE4 Control Arms or Steering links, how ever you want to call them. To answer your question, the rear FE4 arms are included in the kit however the front one's are not. I haven't heard from anyone looking for the fronts and I really don't have a comparison from the SS FE3 and FE4

grnflash · 03-07-2017, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGMPartsGuy.com

Hopefully this clears up some confusion, the FE4 suspension (ZL1 & 1LE) use specific FE4 Control Arms or Steering links, how ever you want to call them. To answer your question, the rear FE4 arms are included in the kit however the front one's are not. I haven't heard from anyone looking for the fronts and I really don't have a comparison from the SS FE3 and FE4

Thanks for the additional info. I've been slowly upgrading my suspension, and trying to figure out if the added stress means I'm going to have to eventually get those links (or similar), or else wear out the originals prematurely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RideZX6R

Soooo - Someone mind moving this into the suspension forum?

Yeah, my bad... wasn't paying attention.

Mountain · 03-07-2017, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGMPartsGuy.com

Hopefully this clears up some confusion, the FE4 suspension (ZL1 & 1LE) use specific FE4 Control Arms or Steering links, how ever you want to call them. To answer your question, the rear FE4 arms are included in the kit however the front one's are not. I haven't heard from anyone looking for the fronts and I really don't have a comparison from the SS FE3 and FE4

Are you sure? GM Performance had this kit on display at Autorama. The link looks exactly like the front lower link of the suspension (#25). Looking over the part, I can say the none-stud end is a spherical joing (not a "rod-end"). Im not sure if the stock SS link is a spherical or a bushing...

rotis · 03-08-2017, 10:52 AM

On the 'handling link' (#25 in the picture), the FE4 version has a spherical bearing on the inboard side of the link. The regular FE3 link has a rubber bushing. The bearing will provide better steering response/feel.

On the 'ride link' (#26 in the picture), both the FE3 and FE4 are hydraulic (fluid filled) bushings. The FE4 is marginally stiffer, the difference probably isn't worth the cost, IMO.

PolynesianPowerhouse · 03-11-2017, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotis

On the 'handling link' (#25 in the picture), the FE4 version has a spherical bearing on the inboard side of the link. The regular FE3 link has a rubber bushing. The bearing will provide better steering response/feel.

On the 'ride link' (#26 in the picture), both the FE3 and FE4 are hydraulic (fluid filled) bushings. The FE4 is marginally stiffer, the difference probably isn't worth the cost, IMO.

so #25 is the one most will need to get the better feel and stability, correct? I had the Prothane inserts on the radius rod on the 5th gen and that was a HUGE basic part to add.

these are basically the links in the FE4 1LE kit being sold, right?

03-05-2017, 01:43 AM	#1
grnflash Drives: Hard Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bentonville, AR Posts: 83	Purpose of 1LE LCA's??? Hi guys, I looked all over to see if I could find the answer to this question. The 1LE kit from GM performance parts comes with springs, perches, roll bars, and lower control arm replacements. I get why everything is needed except the LCA's—why are they in there? Are they just supposed to help adjust for lowered stance, beefier, etc.? Does anyone know for sure what their purpose is? Thanks for the input! __________________ '16 2SS, 6MT, MRC, NPP, sways, square 285's—and an ear-to-ear grin!

03-05-2017, 08:37 PM	#3
Michigan1LTRS Blessed ❤️ Drives: 2017 1LT RS I4 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,577	Lower control arms connect the suspension to the chassis. The stronger they are the less flex which in turn keeps you planted under load __________________ 2017 1LT RS I4 A8 BLACK ON BLACK Kindness and compassion #OthersFirst

03-05-2017, 09:16 PM	#4
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,876 View My Garage	Last generation they included control arm replacements due to the sway bar placement. The mounting point changed from 2010-2011 cars. They also included rear control arm for the Z/28 kit because the pressed-in bushings were stiffer. That could be the case, here. But I do not know for sure. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

03-05-2017, 11:00 PM	#5
LSmith353 Drives: 2015 Ultimate Track SS Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Stonewall, LA Posts: 154	In the link on That GM Parts Guy, it shows new end links bit I don't see any reference to lower control arms. http://www.thatgmpartsguy.com/suspen...45?parent=1034 __________________ 2015 2SS Ultimate Track Camaro https://www.racingjunk.com/news/2014...ack-camaro-ss/ 2016 2SS M6, MRC, NPP, Nav, Sunroof -- SOLD 2010 2SS/RS M6 -- SOLD

03-07-2017, 12:47 PM	#9
RideZX6R Probably tired right now Drives: 1Lap1LE \| EV6 FE \| 18 F150 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: At the office (CLT, NC) Posts: 1,133	Soooo - Someone mind moving this into the suspension forum? __________________ -Seven '17 SS 1LE - 1LAP 1LE (Now with more 427!) '18 F150 Platinum Powerstroke diesel '22 Kia EV6 First Edition '18 RS3 (1 of 2) Cumulus Blue '24 911 T (ordered) Formers... '19 RS5 Sportback Sonoma Green \| '07 Cayman S 6MT \| '16 Audi S3 Prestige Viper Green (APR Stage 3+) \| '19 Mustang Shelby GT350R \| '17 SS 1LE MBM 575whp all-motor

03-05-2017, 08:27 PM	#2
Wolvie70 Drives: 2016 2SS, Summit White, A8, NPP Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Arkansas Posts: 717	Are these LCA part of the engine, drivetrain, or powertrain?

03-07-2017, 01:03 PM	#10
Wildhammer Drives: 2017 1SS Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 164	Hopefully this clears up some confusion, the FE4 suspension (ZL1 & 1LE) use specific FE4 Control Arms or Steering links, how ever you want to call them. To answer your question, the rear FE4 arms are included in the kit however the front one's are not. I haven't heard from anyone looking for the fronts and I really don't have a comparison from the SS FE3 and FE4

03-08-2017, 10:52 AM	#13
rotis Drives: 2019 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bastrop, TX Posts: 440	On the 'handling link' (#25 in the picture), the FE4 version has a spherical bearing on the inboard side of the link. The regular FE3 link has a rubber bushing. The bearing will provide better steering response/feel. On the 'ride link' (#26 in the picture), both the FE3 and FE4 are hydraulic (fluid filled) bushings. The FE4 is marginally stiffer, the difference probably isn't worth the cost, IMO.

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