Castor Rods - Adjustable Or Just Standard?

[arbess]

Hello readers,

i own a r32 gtr. I need to replace my castor rods due to wear.

I have the option to replace them with standard

OR

replace them with aftermarket ones - adjustable.

I drive to work in my gtr, i don't drift (im under the assumption that adjustable castor rods are for drifting). I use my car to make an appearance, i like simple smooth driving.

What i need to know,

1. Will adjustable castor rods make my driving to work a nightmare?

2. Will it be rough on the roads?

3. What is the downside to adjustables?

Some feedback on this would be great.

Thanks.

[djr81]

  arbess said:

What i need to know,

1. Will adjustable castor rods make my driving to work a nightmare? No.

2. Will it be rough on the roads? No - you won't even notice them.

3. What is the downside to adjustables? They cost money and the rose joints can suffer from wear.

Some feedback on this would be great.

If you just want them for bling quotient probably best not to bother as no one other than the bloke who does the wheel alignment will ever notice them.

Thanks.

[Beer Baron]

well the downsides if you use the adjustable rods with rose joints are:

1. they will be a little harsher as there is no longer a rubber bush

2. they will need to be checked periodically to make sure the adjustment part hasnt slipped/worked loose

3. they will eventually wear out (much faster than a bush).

4. if you wind in a lot of caster the steering will be heavier.

5. they cost more than getting (second hand) standard replacements

6. they are illegal on a road registered car.

They do have advantages though:

1. sharper turn in

2. steering wheel self centres much more quickly/aggressively

3. you can adjust the caster to however you like it.

If you are happy with the handling now then i would just replace them with stockies. If you would like some more adjustment, then go for the adjustables.

BTW, if you do need a set of stock rods i have a pair in my garage that i would gladly exchange for some cash.

[Sydneykid]

  arbess said:

Hello readers,

i own a r32 gtr. I need to replace my castor rods due to wear.

I have the option to replace them with standard

OR

replace them with aftermarket ones - adjustable.

I drive to work in my gtr, i don't drift (im under the assumption that adjustable castor rods are for drifting). I use my car to make an appearance, i like simple smooth driving.

What i need to know,

1. Will adjustable castor rods make my driving to work a nightmare?

2. Will it be rough on the roads?

3. What is the downside to adjustables?

Some feedback on this would be great.

Thanks.

Hi, firstly caster (radius) rods don't usually wear, the bushes (at the front) wear but not the radius rods themselves. My suggestion would be to replace the worn out, standard, rubber, radius rod bushes with nw, adjustable, polyurethane bushes. For around $100, plus a bit of pressing anda a whel alignment, they are a legal way of achieving caster adjustment.

cheers

Edited February 27, 2006 by Sydneykid

[arbess]

Thanks dudes. I appreciate your help on this matter. I'm more swinging to just replacing the castor rods bushes with the neo-prene ones at Fulcrum. I suppose with all that wear and troubles there are for adjustables, it would be un-economical.

Thanks again champs.

[(B1) MR_fanny]

i purchased some aftermarket jap castor rods. handling is great but its beginning to rust at the joints and bolts. if i had the choice to do things again id go the adj poly ones in standard rods. alot cheaper too.

[siddr20]

I actually went to inquire about the same problem and was told no point gettin the adjustable rods.. But the adjustable bushes with a minor mod, where it adjusts it self, when you turn the wheel..

all up plus wheel alignment-$300... is that expensive or gd price?

[Greg]

Some time ago now I installed polyurethane castor rod bushes from Pedders for ~$260 installed. These were offset to increase castor 1.5 degrees either side.

I then replaced the bushes with adjustable rods, so I could dial in more castor and have it infinitely adjustable, should the car bump any gutters etc. These cost $250 in a group buy from UAS and if anything were more comfortable than the poly bushes. This is one of the best handling mods I have done.

[siddr20]

How long do you think i can drive around witout replacing bushes??

[Busky2k]

With a 0.75 deg increase in castor, can you really notice the difference?

Whilteline only quote 0.75 degree increase with their bushes.. seems almost nothing??

[Sydneykid]

  Busky2k said:

With a 0.75 deg increase in castor, can you really notice the difference?

Whilteline only quote 0.75 degree increase with their bushes.. seems almost nothing??

That's compared to the static reading from new and a conservative one at that. Most cars have distorted standard bushes and have lost some caster over time. I have seen a 1.5 degree increase in caster many times.

Then there is the dynamic caster, the polyurethane bushes distort a lot less when the car is on the move than the silicone filled standard rubber bushes.

Bottom line, the difference is very noticeable.

cheers

[Busky2k]

Thanks again SK for some good advice!

[Bobjones]

Just Jap currently have adjustables for $175 incl delivery, if you join NS.com...