I'm looking to do Camburg's Performance Off-Road System (http://www.camburg.com/ford4x4F150-P4x4.html). I've been researching a lot. I saw one person choose to modify his Camburg radius arms to use stock bushings rather than heim joints because, he said, he was going to spend a lot of time on-road and wanted a less harsh ride.

For those who know more than I and especially for those who already have Camburg radius arms: how do they change the ride feel?

Currently, I'm inclined to keep the heim joints for two reasons. 1) They move exactly how the end of that radius arm needs to move throughout the suspension's cycle. 2) They are so much cooler than bushings :)

My radius arms are Autofab, but the brand isn't going to make a difference in ride quality.

Until I built up my current Bronco, I had always used bushing radius arms. I immediately noticed a difference when I switched to heims. It's unlikely that anyone else would have noticed, but this truck drives and rides very well and because I had been driving it for a while, the difference was apparent. To me. Because there is a solid connection between the frame and suspension, driving over bumps and irregularities is a little harsher.

I went back and forth on heims prior to ordering the radius arms and I'm still not sure it was a good idea. Unless you're pushing over 16-18" of wheel travel, bushings work great and hold up great. Also keep in mind that the bushings have some give and can lessen the effects of hard hits on the truck. As far as performance is concerned, I seriously doubt most people can tell the difference from behind the wheel (except for the fact that bushings feel smoother).

Also don't forget that heims wear out and will need to be replaced. At $75 or more a piece that can be spendy compared to $12 for bushings.

BTW: I'm not sure what bushings Camburg uses, so I can't comment on how their's hold up. Autofab uses 2 piece OE (mid 70's) style busings that can be purchased anywhere.

Here's a pic of the radius arms I had on my Explorer:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/322517/fullsize/ex-front-left-under.jpg

A couple pics of the radius arms on my truck:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/274037/fullsize/img_3648.jpg

Notice the third mounting point on the inboard side of the radius arms:thumbup

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518772/fullsize/img_0865-(2).jpg

That's a darn good response! Thank you.

Side note: I noticed that third bolt on your heim radius arms - and that welded / bolted piece on the bushing radius arms. The existence of those proves me wrong, I think. But, geometrically, isn't there a very small amount of rotation at the normal joint (vertical axis) of the radius arm and the I-beam?

I'm hoping for the experiences of others still. You don't have to include a three image reply, but it definitely was appreciated. I didn't think heims wore quickly. I'm using my suspension, but I'm not racing. What kind of life have your heims seen. (months or miles and how seriously you use your suspension)

If my ignorance requires patience, thanks. I have auto mechanic experience, but heims aren't standard stuff for me.

My heims have been in my arms for about five years. My beams have uniballs as well and there still going strong! If i can get everyone to bring me my darned $$ i will by a membership this weekend and i will picture you to death! Im my going to heims was great because there is no defection, which means no tire rub.

My heims have been in my arms for about five years.

Good to know! Like I said, this is my first truck with heims. I think they've been on there a couple years and seem to be fine. One has a few thousandths of play and I don't like it, but it doesn't seem to affect anything or make noise.

EDIT: It seems longevity isn't an issue, now it's down to road noise and ride.

mkiefer, set up a Super Motors account. It's free and the pic hosting is great.

PM me if you need help.

Go here:

http://www.supermotors.net/forums/thid-5972-how-do-i-post-pictures-sounds-and-or-videos

I have one,but I need to buy a vendor membership anyway. Then i can upload directly and that will be alot easier. The only truck I have ever noticed a noise and roadfeel increase with is one of mine with poly cab bushings.

Thank you both for your replies thus far. I look forward to being pictured to death, honestly.

More? I don't even know how many people are running non-full race TTB with heims.

Another question: Camburg gives 5" of lift and claims 33" tires; 35" tires with fiberglass fenders. Has anyone fit 35s maybe with a little modification. I know Polar Cub (http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/member.php?u=6512) runs 35" tires with a 5" lift that I believe is Camburg, but I don't know if he's held onto the stock fenders. Polar Cub?

i have heims on mine and didnt notice a change also i have camburgs kit but i run 33 with stock fenders

Im on 35s

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560897/fullsize/camera-036.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560898/fullsize/p9060010.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560899/fullsize/p9060011.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560900/fullsize/p9060012.jpg


And yes I know its not a Bronco,but it should everyone who hates those 2wd bronco conversions very happy. The wheelbase is pushed a little over 1 inch with these arms allowing me to run 35s

two more

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560914/fullsize/p9060014.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/560915/fullsize/p9060015.jpg

Im on 35s
The wheelbase is pushed a little over 1 inch with these arms allowing me to run 35s
Help me understand what you've got here. The arms alone are 1" longer, how's that work with the rest of the suspension?

Beyond that, 4x4 Lightning? What did it start life as?

I'm specifically looking for a way to run 35" tires with Camburg's kit without buying new fenders. I'm not saying I won't learn something valuable when I understand what you've done to clear 35s on that, but that doesn't look like Camburg's kit. :popc1:

A 2x Lightning of course. Real lightning! Fake 4x. No its not a Camburg kit. Its my kit. I did it all. Longer works great no rubbing.
Breakdown.

Cut and turned beams.
Radius arms.
Bilstien 9100 c/o 14" travel
bilstien airbumps shortened to 2" travel.
custom brakelines on radius arms.
16 inchs of travel, stock fenders, 35s

sweeeet very nice

ExCom, you should look into mkiefer's kit.

If I can whip Mr Cad drawing guy into shape. I should have a very nice bolt on coilover bucket soon to. The only differance on the arms will be shock tabs, so it will be an easy upgrade from the standard lift if you want to upgrade later.

You plan on keeping the c/o and bucket under the master cylinder?

Yes, all that stuff can stay! It will have an airbump mount on it too.

ExCom, you should look into mkiefer's kit.
I'm looking at it, but unless I'm missing something I didn't think he was looking to part with it. :confused:

Right now I have 5 pairs of arms and few sets of beams. Just depends on if you want bushings or uniballs. (In the beams,radius arms only come one way)

4x4 lightning, that is soooo cool! i like it alot. want to sell

So the wheelbase is pushed ~1" and that is acheived by longer radius arms alone? I suppose the joint of the beams to the frame and all the u-joints could compensate for the additional inch forward, but is that how you've done it?

Next order of business; prices?
Cut and turned beams -
Radius arms -
Bilstien 9100 c/o 14" travel -
bilstien airbumps shortened to 2" travel -
custom brakelines on radius arms -

Yes its all in the arms. everything still works fine. And to bad96 averything is for sale for the right price.

Next order of business; prices?
Cut and turned beams -
Radius arms -
Bilstien 9100 c/o 14" travel -
bilstien airbumps shortened to 2" travel -
custom brakelines on radius arms -
:shrug

Also, for the same reasons mkiefer's kit will fit 35s, so will any kit with the radius arms placed one inch too far forward, right?