TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:23 pm

I just think the 3x3 arms are just too small and too common. I want to go for at least 5x5 arms(without getting them custom fabricated). So if anyone knows of a company that has these arms available and lets me know it would be much appreciated. I don"t want any rear A-Arm setup. Iwant to be able to hook them right up to the vw torsion on my 69' baja bug. Even some 3 inch wider and five inch longer would be good enough.

Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:34 pm

have you ever looked at blind chicken racing they make up to a 6x6 i think. www.blindchickenracing.com well good luck with that

Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:42 pm

If you went with 4x5 arms you could use stock vanagon axles. If you went that route, it would save you from having to get custom axles made.

Daniel

Thu Aug 25, 2005 11:06 pm

Plan on buying a set of coilovers to go with those big arms. Torsion bars won't be enough.

SHMO

Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:53 am

would there be any other engineering concerns with 4x5s etc?

Got a note from a guy who wanted some VERY long stuff --- I suggested he may be over complicating this for his use.. the pros, Chenowth and Kartek aren't even throwing back this long.

T.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:16 am

im a noob not the first to admit it but can anyone show me some of those on a car? how hard are those to put on?

Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:55 am

I was just thinking that 5x5 arms while looking cool and giving you tons of travel might get you into trouble if you drive on the street and possibly fitting on your trailer.Also replacement axles and such might be hard to find if you break out in the desert but if you can swing it put up some pics. i'd love to see a set installed.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:08 am

i'm sure mckenzies has the arms, just be prepared to pay twice as much for them as you would pay for a good set of 3x3's. and baja5 makes some good points as far as replacement parts. your axles are most likely going to be custom made

Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:39 am

SHMO made a good point too... torsions won't handle that leverage, so you'll have to go to coilovers, cage, etc...right?

Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:00 pm

mckenzies has a huge selection, but no 5x5's

http://www.mckenzies.com/catalog/show_products.cfm?cid=116&id=12

Fri Aug 26, 2005 2:20 pm

the arms at mckenzies run about $575 plus freight...

Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:28 pm

hey what are the best arms for my 74? is this easy to do?

Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:32 pm

It's not what is best..but what you are looking for. 5x5 arms are 5" longer and 5" wider. 3x3 are 3" longer and 3" wider and so on. If you plan on driving your baja on the street, watch the width. My car with 3x3's and 10" rims is about 80" wide. The fenders wont cover the tires. I would think with 5x5's you would probably have to pull the tires off and put on stockies to even get it on a trailer.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:42 pm

I think the sexy factor trumps the practicality factor on this. Stock=ladeedah, 3X3=semiwoody, 5X5=bada$$. Anyone have pics of 5X5s or 4X5s? I need a good chubb.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:51 pm

hey what are the best arms for my 74? is this easy to do?

The easiest and cheapest arms that are readily available are 3x3's. they will give you plenty of travel and parts are very easy to find. the whole bolt on factor is a snap except for shock mounting and bump stops which will require fab work. you also need to consider the whole package, having 17 inches of rear travel is a waste if you only have 8 in front.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:10 pm

[ having 17 inches of rear travel is a waste if you only have 8 in front.[/quote]

if i have that :oops: its a ball joint front end with stock shocks :roll:

what kind of travel am i expecting?

Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:11 pm

pploco wrote: I think the sexy factor trumps the practicality factor on this. Stock=ladeedah, 3X3=semiwoody, 5X5=bada$$. Anyone have pics of 5X5s or 4X5s? I need a good chubb.
This is good for a chub, my mid life crisis 4 seater. The rear arms are alot bigger than 5x5s, good for a bigger chub

Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:18 pm

What are you looking for in travel? 8 is about it with the bj front end. you can get upwards of 10 or 11 with stock arms in the rear if it is set up right.What i meant by that quote is that it is pretty pricey to convert to longer travel arms and having the travel is great but your car will still be limited by the front end.Don't get me wrong,it's a great conversion but if you plan on keeping the BJ front end the car will look kinda funny.If it's just your starting point and plan on a L/P swap then go for it.

Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:20 pm

thanks

Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:26 pm

I was thinking of going 15x15, but getting someone to drive the flag car in front of me when I want to go to the store was an inconvenience.