Yeah, another wishbone thread. I know that there is another recent thread regarding sourcing new wishbones/control arms:
e9coupe.com
I thought about tacking this on to that thread, but it seemed separate enough...?
A few years ago, I learned of some wishbones/control arms being sold after not being available. My usual MO is, well, if I'm going to need it eventually, I should get these while they are available. The story was that these were "the good Italian ones". I now know that there seem to be two strong opinions. Either you feel that the original BMW parts are best (which I do believe are no longer available), or you feel that the OCAP "Italian ones" are good (maybe better said "the best current option").
As I compare the OCAP with what was on my car, there are some differences. I should note that I don't think the "original" ones on my car are in fact original. They have the triangular markings on them, but not the BMW logo. Anyway, the casting itself is different. And the OCAP version seems to be milled at all of the bushing locations whereas the original ones are not milled - just cast (or forged).
Given that both bushings are available, as is the dust cap/packing boot for the originals, I have to wonder if a better approach would be to re-bush and re-pack and boot my originals. The ball joint doesn't seem to be worn (it isn't loose), although it must have a few miles on it. And why aren't new ball joints available to press into the original arms?!? That would solve a lot.
Anyway, I am keenly interested in opinions. Just put the OCAP arms in and pipe down? Use the originals with new bushes and boot, and live with the ball joint? I guess I am having a hard time getting over the shiny silver milled areas on the OCAP. Then again, that may just suggest that The OCAPs are precision milled to spec.?. Thank you as always!
Wishbone
Hi, I am trying to get wishbones for my 71 CS and a friend's 74 CS. But noticed two different part numbers, and different lengths. 381mm and 402mm( for 73 up). My question, were the suspension different? Or one is used to give it more negative camber? Can I use the 381mm on the 74? Or visa...
e9coupe.com
I thought about tacking this on to that thread, but it seemed separate enough...?
A few years ago, I learned of some wishbones/control arms being sold after not being available. My usual MO is, well, if I'm going to need it eventually, I should get these while they are available. The story was that these were "the good Italian ones". I now know that there seem to be two strong opinions. Either you feel that the original BMW parts are best (which I do believe are no longer available), or you feel that the OCAP "Italian ones" are good (maybe better said "the best current option").
As I compare the OCAP with what was on my car, there are some differences. I should note that I don't think the "original" ones on my car are in fact original. They have the triangular markings on them, but not the BMW logo. Anyway, the casting itself is different. And the OCAP version seems to be milled at all of the bushing locations whereas the original ones are not milled - just cast (or forged).
Given that both bushings are available, as is the dust cap/packing boot for the originals, I have to wonder if a better approach would be to re-bush and re-pack and boot my originals. The ball joint doesn't seem to be worn (it isn't loose), although it must have a few miles on it. And why aren't new ball joints available to press into the original arms?!? That would solve a lot.
Anyway, I am keenly interested in opinions. Just put the OCAP arms in and pipe down? Use the originals with new bushes and boot, and live with the ball joint? I guess I am having a hard time getting over the shiny silver milled areas on the OCAP. Then again, that may just suggest that The OCAPs are precision milled to spec.?. Thank you as always!
