Boxing lower control arms

[64nailhead]

Comparing a framed G-body to a unibody Fox body that probably has the torque boxes rotted out of it are apples and oranges IMHO.

Spherical joints would be better at the frame end, but not a necessity. The rubber bushing you have in those arms will be just fine. The hard poly bushings I would not use due to they are too stiff, again IMHO. But others swear by them.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

If boxed arms are bad why would anyone “upgrade” their suspension to tubular or boxed arms? All I’ve read over the years is to use rubber bushings over poly.

The issue is that the rear 4 link suspension in G bodies is a compromised design, much like everything else in G bodies. The rear suspension is designed to rely on bushing deflection and arm flex to allow smooth suspension movement at the expense of wheel hop. If the bushings and arms don't flex, then the frame mounts will and they can't take it as well. However, most methods for improving wheel hop wll induce binding issues that can lead to damage, breakage, and loss of control. In short, there are tradeoffs, you can't improve one aspect without making another worse.

If one is serious about handling, ditch the rear LCA mounted stock rear sway bar as it is a deeply compromised design and get a far superior axle mounted rear sway bar. This is why you should not even worry about being able to mount a stock rear sway bar to rear arms. You would be better off with a better aftermarket rear sway bar that mounts to the axle or frame than with boxed or tube arms.

Remember, these cars are designed to be grandma cars first and foremost to 1970's standards and later cost cutted to meet 80's profit margins. Performance for these cars are an ad hoc afterthought.