Torque Arm Stock or Replace

[seppburgh]

Have a 1995 Trans Am and want to freshen up the suspension. It has 105K miles, T-tops and 6 speed. My driving is commuter miles (24 miles round trip to the office with only 6 miles total interstate.) My goal is better road handeling vs. quater mile.

The TA is stock and will be keeping it that way (stock hight and rear axle.) Now, is it worth replacing the stock Torque Arm with an aftermarket, such as that offered by the site's sponsor Strano or a Hotchkis unit? If keeping the stock Torque Arm, use a OEM bushing or go with a poly unit?

Thanks folks!

[666ws6]

If you haven't done it yet, I would say you'd probably have more fun with thicker sway bars and poly bushings all around. Would make it more fun to corner.

[Wesman]

If you are focusing on handling, don't worry about the torque arm. Its only job is to maintain the pinion angle, especially during acceleration and deceleration. It really has nothing to do with handling at all. I would, however, reccommend replacing the torque arm bushing (on the side of the trans) with a poly one, that stiffens things up and keeps the rear end at the optimal angle.

For handling, you're going to want to upgrade the following things:

Struts/Shocks - I'd reccommend Bilsteins
Sway Bars - Suspension Techniques makes a nice setup w/ poly bushings
LCA/Trailing Arms - Go with tubular or boxed aftermarket arms
Panhard Rod - Tubular panhard bar helps keep the rear centered better
Strut Tower Bar - Prevents flexing of the body between the strut towers
Tubular K-Member - reduces weight and stiffens up the front end
Tubular A-Arms - Lighter and stiffer than the stock control arms
Subframe Connectors - keeps the chassis stiff front to back

That should keep you busy

[0verkill]

give sam at stranoparts a call and tell him what your going for and he will git you going on the right track.

[squee]

If you are focusing on handling, don't worry about the torque arm. Its only job is to maintain the pinion angle, especially during acceleration and deceleration. It really has nothing to do with handling at all. I would, however, reccommend replacing the torque arm bushing (on the side of the trans) with a poly one, that stiffens things up and keeps the rear end at the optimal angle.

For handling, you're going to want to upgrade the following things:

Struts/Shocks - I'd reccommend Bilsteins
Sway Bars - Suspension Techniques makes a nice setup w/ poly bushings
LCA/Trailing Arms - Go with tubular or boxed aftermarket arms
Panhard Rod - Tubular panhard bar helps keep the rear centered better
Strut Tower Bar - Prevents flexing of the body between the strut towers
Tubular K-Member - reduces weight and stiffens up the front end
Tubular A-Arms - Lighter and stiffer than the stock control arms
Subframe Connectors - keeps the chassis stiff front to back

That should keep you busy

I'd go with Koni SA if you can swing em. Money well spent. I'd buy them LONG before a K member.

[seppburgh]

give sam at stranoparts a call and tell him what your going for and he will git you going on the right track.

Did call Sam last week and had a nice talk as to what am I looking for, you'll like talking to him he is honset and didn't try to sell me a thing. Having been in the car hobby since 1974, he's the 'go to guy' you want to talk to.

I'm keeping my 1995 Trans Am stock, so most of the upgrades don't really do anything in my situation. After taking his advice to evaluate how I drive and how the Bird handels, his swaybar (front & rear) would fit my needs.

As Sam said, it all depends on what you are modifying (more HP, new rear, lowering springs, ect) and what you want out of your F-Body (strip, motor cross, etc.)

Here is his web site stranoparts.com.

I am still a few weeks away from installing them (will have a shop take care of it as will be replacing the clutch at the same time.) Once in will post back.

[0verkill]

good deal ive talked to sam a few times and i wount buy any thing from any other place.