[Bymnbypeten]

My wallet is about a Grand lighter now. But I will enjoy these parts.

The first set of items is a set of Rotojoint'ed Lower Control Arms and a Panhard bar. Rotojoint is a product name for what is essentially a Heim joint that uses delrin bushings so it can be rebuilt, and provides a somewhat quieter ride. This allows for a much faster reacting suspension.





The 2nd one is not pretty, in fact its quite ugly. Custom valved, 12:1 ratio high performance steering gear for my TransAm. This is the same hardware used in Nascars (and you know they need precision input at 200mph).

Price? Ouch.

Lee's Performance 670 Series steering box. I'm also sending my power steering pump in to be rebuilt and calibrated for the new gear.

[Amomiamup]

As long as you can overclock those babies and run them at high resolution - they are awesome!

[GVsdJZ2H]

I know what they are, but where the hell do they go?

[Rtebydou]

I know what they are, but where the hell do they go?

Up your butt sweetie.

[Yessaniloas]

Up your butt sweetie.

Ok, bigboy.

[viiagrag]

The steering gear turns steering wheel input into output that turns the wheels. Its a Recirculating ball setup, which is not quite the same thing as a rack and pinion setup even though it accomplishes the same thing. The 670 series box is lightyears ahead in terms of its valving technology. Decrease power assist lag, better feedback, and increased precision all result in much higher driver confidence. Aka, knowing where the wheels are on the road, and much better feel for the actual grip the tires have as more feedback is transmitted to the driver.

See diagram below. The two shorter links center the axle longitudinally (front to back) and are called lower control arms, trailing arms, or LCAs. The longer one centers the axle laterally in the car (side to side motion) and is called a panhard bar. These pieces are made of Chromoly steel, so they are stronger and lighter thatn non chromoly(though ever so slightly heavier than the stock pieces they are replacing). But the biggest advantage is how they attach to the car.

Instead of rubber bushings which while making for a nice cushy ride, they deflect a great deal and this causes slop in the suspension. These Rotojoints are a very small step down from a full on spherical rod-end joint (heim joint) and practically eliminate any delfection. The delrin design is rebuildable and much longer lasting.

The below pic shows how a panhard bar and a watts link differ.




I wanted to purchase a Watts Link which removes the jacking effect by changing the pivot point. However the price tag is $700 for the watts link, and $120 for the rotojointed panhard bar (the long one). I can resell the panhard bar later when I'm ready to install a watts link at nearly the price I paid.

[nonDosearrany]

thats reminds me - i need a panhard bar for my pug 806 - mine has siezed up

trying to figure out the mayo in the oil this year - unheated air intake and freezing breathers might not be helping....

[bs44MhUW]

I will be ordering at least this within the next week or two:



Strut brace for my fusion.
http://www.steedafusion.com/parts/fu...r-brace-06-09/


Then maybe, these lowering springs.



http://www.steedafusion.com/parts/4-...g-springs.html

I considered the cold air intake kit, but it's like $250 and gives ~8HP which is hardly groundbreaking enough. I think the K&N filter may offer similar gains for a measly $44. I know a lot of the Mazda 6 stuff will work on a fusion, but not all. I'm not totally sure about the air intakes, but if so that would rule because they cost 1/2.

[MarythePuppy6]

Yes, but will you be able to drive it to the shop to pick up Crysis?

[vipBrooriErok]

Fruity, you should find the high ratio box makes a big difference in general driving, not just the SOLO and track work.
Don't underestimate the additional steering load at the wheel, though - something to bear in mind when setting the amount of assistance you use.

[KLhdfskja]

Fruity, you should find the high ratio box makes a big difference in general driving, not just the SOLO and track work.
Don't underestimate the additional steering load at the wheel, though - something to bear in mind when setting the amount of assistance you use.

The existing box was already a quick ratio box @ 12.7:1. 12:1 was the closest they offered. Choices were 9:1, 12:1, and 14:1.

As for the assist level, I prefer a higher load so that at high speeds the steering requires more effort.

[TimoPizaz]

Ah, silly me, you'd mentioned that before, come to think on it.
Yeah, a reasonable steering load is good for feel - just so long as it's not too tiring after a few hours of playing on track