Drag Racing Tubular Upper Control Arms Part #TLC-79

Global West Suspension sells a light-weight low friction tubular upper control arm for 1967, 1968, and 1969 Camaro drag racing applications.

Reduced Bump Steer

With this set, bump steer is reduced through new geometry induced by the control arm. Bump steer is a condition that occurs as the front of the vehicle raises, the wheels turn on their own without driver input. This causes tire scrub and front end wander.

Geometry Change

One of the biggest problems most production cars have is not enough caster. Caster provides straight-line stability and reduces wander at high speeds. It is part of the front end self-aligning force. For this reason, caster is essential on drag cars. Unfortunately, there is never enough caster available using stock front-end components. Too many alignment shims are needed and possible camber problems can occur. TLC upper control arms are built with additional positive caster and setting camber is never a problem. Also the arms are made out of chromoly which removes 8 pounds off the front end.

Control Arm Shafts

All TLC upper control arms use billet aluminum cross-shafts. Steel sleeves are pressed in on each side of the shaft for protection. The sleeves isolate the aluminum shaft from alignment shims, frame bolts and nuts. This allows proper torque to be maintained on the cross-shaft. Without steel sleeves, alignment shims and upper shaft bolts would rest against the aluminum shaft and eventually work loose. Once the bolt works loose, alignment shims would fall out causing loose alignment.

Control Arm Bushings

All drag series A-arms use a low friction bushing that allows the control arm to literally drop when they are installed. The beauty of design is that not only is there reduced friction, but there is zero deflection and no fore and aft movement. TLCs use Delrin type bushings machined specifically for our shafts and housings. Delrin, which is patented, is a hard plastic and can handle extreme loads associated with suspension components. It is long lasting and very durable. Grease fittings are installed in the control arms for lubricating the bushings. Synthetic grease is recommended.

Bump Stops

Bump stops are installed on the upper control arms to stop ball joint over travel. This protects the upper ball joint from damage. Sometimes, if the front end travel needs to be limited, the bump stop may be removed and a limiter may be added in its place. Always check the suspension travel. Make sure the bump stop contacts the frame before the shock runs out of travel. Modifications to the suspension can change the distance required.

We recommended using our Drag Race Bump Stop Limiter - part# TLC-1100

Standard spindles or 2 inch dropped spindles can be used.

For more information, watch the YouTube video above.