low friction front a-arm brackets question

[rrichar]

As I read the directions from Chuck about installing the low friction a arm bushing kit I am unclear as to if I put the metal protective cover over the bushing mount or not. The illustrations in the instructions make me believe you do not because it isn't shown; there is no mention of it in the written instructions either. However, there are three bolts and washers for the front bushing cover included in the kit.

Is it purely my option?

Also are most/all of you installing the front bushing mount with the factory welded spacers up to improve anti-dive properties or facing down to maintain factory positioning? (per the instructions)

[Flieger]

The anti-dive can only be used on the Turbo crossmember. It has the rear bearings raised and angled so that the front can be spaced down without binding.

[m1franck]

Rob, For max anti-dive I flipped over my front A arm bushing mounts that have the ERP poly-bronze bushings installed. I used the conical washers provided, along with the ERP low friction control arm mount for the rear bushing of the A arm. With all of the parts properly torqued the A arm (without strut attached) would move up & down with very little effort & there was certainly no binding.

In regards to the that protective cover, I installed mine, however, a spacer was required between it & the front pan in order to have it "sit" correctly. See photo below.

[rrichar]

m1franck,

Thanks for the input, however I now have another question for you. Did you cut part of the "protective" cover off? Mine completely covers the front A arm bushing bracket and is held on by three bolts; two that hold the bushing bracket and on up front that requires the spacer. It looks like yours is only held in place by the fromt bolt. Am I missing something in the picture?

By the way your underbody looks the same as mine right now; perfectly painted in the front and waiting for me to tackle the back before I paint the rest.

[m1franck]

My car actually had 2 types of A arm protective covers. The one pictured above & then on the left side the bracket pictured below. I've opted to remove the one with the tow hook in favor of the smaller protective covers on both sides. Actually I'm looking for one for the left side of the car to match the one pictured above.

As a side note I had the opportunity to flat tow my car last week & by using a 1.5" wide tow strap was able to thread it side to side over the tops of the A arms & then came together in front of the car, then attached that to a standard automotive tow strap with hooks on each end. Worked like a charm & now that smaller strap is stored in the car with other emergency tools.