Spohn Rear Adjustable Control Arms Review

[DavidRam]

About a month ago, I installed a BT 2/4 drop kit and Spohn adj. panhard, adjustable upper and lower control arms. I wanted to share what the control arms did for my truck.

First, I got some movement in the axle on acceleration and deceleration, and I found out that the pu bushings that came standard on the Spohn control arms where moving around and causing the clunking. So after only 300 miles on them, I replaced the pu bushings with the Delrin bushings from Spohn (additional $6.75 each x8). BTW, the Delrin bushings are hard as rock!

Here are my impressions:

1. Ofcourse, I adjusted them to center my axle, which helps both the appearance and to prevent/reduce wheel hop.

2. They allow very little motion in the rear end. It is so tight now, it feels more like a sports car.

3. I can actually feel the firmness even in shifting, the shifts are firmer and less sloppy or bouncy (if that makes any sense).

4. There is a noticeable difference in acceleration, too. It feels a little more responsive with less of a spongy feel. Also, the engine braking is a little more abrupt (not in a bad way, a little bit more like a down shift in a manual).

So I got rid of the cushy-comfy feel from the factory control arms, and I am VERY happy with the Sphons!

 

[RTS001]

It's amazing what bushings can do. They can really transform the ride of a vehicle. I used to do this when changing the suspension on all my sports cars, really let's you feel the road your on!

 

[DavidRam]

Exactly bro! I am surprised at the difference they made.

 

[BlkRamRt]

Where did you get them installed? good review BTW.

 

[DavidRam]

Thanks. South Bay Truck and 4x4 does all my suspension and differential work. The owner is a good friend of mine.
South Bay Truck & 4x4 › Welcome

 

[BlkRamRt]

Thanks now i know who to go to for this.

 

[WhiteExpress]

This is all good info! Thanks for posting a helpful review.

 

[Etroze86]

Damn it now I want to spend more money lol wife is going to hate me.

 

[DavidRam]

My pleasure!
Later today, I am going to post pictures of the oem control arm and bushing vs the Spohns.

 

[DavidRam]

Damn it now I want to spend more money lol wife is going to hate me.

Lol! I won't tell if you won't tell!

They cost more than the Belltech lowering kit. But definitely worth it.

$285 upper adj
$295 lower adj
$64 for upgraded Delrin bushings

 

[Etroze86]

hey nothing wrong with spending a little money on a quality part. I say the 600 bones would be worth it for sure.

 

[DavidRam]

^^^ Totally agree. I am very happy I got them, and even more happy I upgraded to the Delrin bushings.

 

[charonblk07]

After our talk I got in touch with them over these. I've got the 'older' style of arm that was just a urethane bushing on each end so I've now got the a set of bushings on order plus I'm upgrading one end of the joint to their new del-sphere joint which will reduce the friction on one end of the joint; should be good enough to reduce the noise level as well as add some better movement of the arms if I get it out on the road course.

 

[RTS001]

Where did you get the Delrin bushings..?

 

[DavidRam]

After our talk I got in touch with them over these. I've got the 'older' style of arm that was just a urethane bushing on each end so I've now got the a set of bushings on order plus I'm upgrading one end of the joint to their new del-sphere joint which will reduce the friction on one end of the joint; should be good enough to reduce the noise level as well as add some better movement of the arms if I get it out on the road course.

Cool bro! That's what I have as well, Del-Sphere on axle mount and Delrin on frame mount.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these!

Edit: BTW, the Del-Sphere joints come with a little tool to tighten them, if they wear or loosen over time.

 

[DavidRam]

Where did you get the Delrin bushings..?

Spohn. They are not on their website, they have to be ordered by phone. BTW, they are made to fit the Spohn arms.

 

[DavidRam]

I know I am getting a little OCD with these control arms... but check out this comparison.

Considering the rather important purpose they serve, do you guys think the factory control arms seem a little crude and un-impressive??

 

[DavidRam]

Close-up.

If the sleeve doesn't look round, that is because it isn't. This came off my truck.

 

[charonblk07]

I know I am getting a little OCD with these control arms... but check out this comparison.

Considering the rather important purpose they serve, do you guys think the factory control arms seem a little crude and un-umpressive??

Not at all. The oem arms are perfectly suited for the general requirements of 95% of drivers who want comfort and durability. The oem bushings absorb a lot of the small vibrations and weight transfer resulting in a smoother ride where a lot more of that stuff is transfered into the frame with a harder bushing. It's people like you and I that want improved performance and are willing to sacrifice some ride comfort to get it.

 

[DavidRam]

That's true. I sold my Porsche to get the Ram, so I am no stranger to a lack of comfort for improved performance! Lol!