G50 Front "Third Link" Arm Shortening Discussion..

[jzz30tt]

So, I'm quickly realizing that to achieve the desired ride height up front the "Third Arm" will need to be shortened. For those wondering what the hell I'm talking about here's a picture:




Now, I know there are several companies in Japan that sell these already shortened and ready to bolt on. However, shortening it is pretty straight forward. So has anyone done this at this point? If so to save some trial and error how much did you shorten it? If not I'll get and extra set and post the process and results. If you have any ideas or input feel free to add to the discussion!

I'll be adding an adjustable upper control arm while I'm at it.

[Juzzo]

For the GS/Aristo one company in Japan sells 40mm shorter knuckles, so I had my local cnc shop cut 38mm of mine and they even strengthened it with 10mm steel plates two sides when they welded it back together.

This pic show the seems before I cleaned it up:


I shortened mine because my UCA's were maxed out, and I couldn't get any lower with the 20" f/wheels. Plus this "should" correct my UCA angles so the ride should be better, and got rid of UCA-bang

I don't see any reason why you should send your steering knuckles other side of the globe for this. As any reputable metal place could easily do this mod under quarter of the price the Jap shops ask... For my arms they said it took 3hours and ended up paying 120€. Not bad in my mind.

[jzz30tt]

Thanks for the info! Great post :)

I was planning on doing this myself, just wanted to get some insight and opinions. Thanks for sharing!

[widebody_Q]

my body/suspension shop cuts teeth into the knuckle for added safety so it doesn't move out of place. Then they weld it back together

[Kouki Monster]

An easier way would be just to mill up a piece so it fits into the spindle that accommodates a s13/14 style coilover. Weld that in, and bolt the coilover to that. this way you ditch that control arm. You would have to modify the upper strut tower to fit a three bolt system vs the two bolt.. but this way you can slam it all out and camber it way easier.

Maybe this isnt an easier way, but it is what I am doing to my s14 to accommodate the skyline gtr front spindle on a s14.

[OG]

what do you hope to achieve by shortening the arm?

i've had my q pretty much on the ground and didn't have clearance issues like a lot of lexus. the other benefit would be geometry correction. cutting that link will not make the car any lower.

[Kouki Monster]

i would think it would top out on the wheel well if it wasn't.

[jzz30tt]

what do you hope to achieve by shortening the arm?

i've had my q pretty much on the ground and didn't have clearance issues like a lot of lexus. the other benefit would be geometry correction. cutting that link will not make the car any lower.

It will allow you to DRIVE lower. At the moment, the upper control arm hits the shock tower under compression when driving at pretty low heights. This will eliminate that. Sure, I can park low as shit, anyone on bags can do that but whats the point if it's not drivable at or near that height? This is what I'm trying to achieve. I'm actually considering switching back to coilovers, but haven't made a final decision yet. We'll see once this arm is shortened how it rides at the height I need it to be at for the fenders.

There are a lot of clearence issues on the G50 when you start driving at silly low heights (IE tucking wheel on the stock front fender), most are easily solved in the rear (mini tub), but the front has it's limitations in stock form.

[jzz30tt]

my body/suspension shop cuts teeth into the knuckle for added safety so it doesn't move out of place. Then they weld it back together

Good tip! Thanks

An easier way would be just to mill up a piece so it fits into the spindle that accommodates a s13/14 style coilover. Weld that in, and bolt the coilover to that. this way you ditch that control arm. You would have to modify the upper strut tower to fit a three bolt system vs the two bolt.. but this way you can slam it all out and camber it way easier.

Maybe this isnt an easier way, but it is what I am doing to my s14 to accommodate the skyline gtr front spindle on a s14.

Interesting thought, although I'm not sure I would say it's easier! haha



For reference:

This is what the control arm looks like on the garage freedom G50:


And this is the ride height:



At a similar ride height on a stock arm the upper control arm is essentially resting on the shock tower.

[OG]

It will allow you to DRIVE lower. At the moment, the upper control arm hits the shock tower under compression when driving at pretty low heights. This will eliminate that. Sure, I can park low as shit, anyone on bags can do that but whats the point if it's not drivable at or near that height? This is what I'm trying to achieve. I'm actually considering switching back to coilovers, but haven't made a final decision yet. We'll see once this arm is shortened how it rides at the height I need it to be at for the fenders.

There are a lot of clearence issues on the G50 when you start driving at silly low heights (IE tucking wheel on the stock front fender), most are easily solved in the rear (mini tub), but the front has it's limitations in stock form.

gotcha.

[Kouki Monster]

Better get to cuttin man! i wanna see this haha

[jzz30tt]

Better get to cuttin man! i wanna see this haha

Any pics of your progress on your S14 with GTR spindles?

[Kouki Monster]

When i get them back from my buddy who is milling it up lol.

I didn't want to do it this way, but it is the easiest and two others have done it, just i am doing it a bit different. Maybe i will make them to sell. Coilovers with the adapter and different upper pillow ball mounts.... hmmm!

[Jtmroczk]

i'm interested to see what you come up with, take measurements as you go, thanks

[CrazyHawaiian]

Where do you buy the bolt on one?

[jzz30tt]

Where do you buy the bolt on one?

I forget the name of the company, but I'm pretty sure you have to send in your oem ones as cores.

[Juzzo]

I forget the name of the company, but I'm pretty sure you have to send in your oem ones as cores.

Yeap that's right, and for the GS/Aristo's only the modifications were around 600$+ plus shipping ALOT

[OneSODA]

Can I get a link to their site

[urmyhero4now]

Hmmm interesting. I never had clearance issues while tucking to rim(19's) on coils.

[jzz30tt]

Hmmm interesting. I never had clearance issues while tucking to rim(19's) on coils.

But can you drive it that way, without hitting the strut tower?


Whats up with your car anyway?