GonzoRacer wrote:
Hi Brad-
First thing- I don't work for Jack, I don't get a sales commission, nor does he send me flowers any more
Second thing- All of this is my opinion, free because that's what it's worth, others might differ with me. Just tossin' out some of my thoughts for your consideration...
OK, where were we? Oh, yeah... Buying suspension bit from a known source, where there's been engineering work done prior to them being sold, and where the design is tested and proven and where you can call up the Boss (in the case of Kinetic, any-hoo) and ask questions is well worth the $$$ expended. In my case, I built the front suspension early on, and wasn't all that confident in my fab abilities. I used circle track bits that have been in use on much heavier race cars for years. Proven design, big comfort factor for me.
Kno whut I mean, Bro???
Good luck, be safe!
JD Kemp
Haha, Even if Jack decided to post on this and give me his opinion on why his are so much better, i'd still listen and take his advice with much more than a grain of salt. As you said, it's proven, and that's a big thing. If I didn't want people biased/unbiased opinions, I wouldn't ask for them in the first place
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I hear you about the engineering work done, but how much of it could have actually be engineered? Beyond the diameter, etc.. they will still be custom length (as determined by my frame, and my donor), so I could still technically FUBAR it pretty good HAHA. The fact that I would have a source to contact that could help me out big time, is excellent. I can tell that Jack isn't one to leave anyone in a lurch, even if said person wasn't using his products, so I'm sure using his products, he'd be even more of a help!.
nick47 wrote:
BrokeAssSeven wrote:
Honestly, I feel like the suspension is going to be the most difficult part of this entire build.
It was for me, and I only had to do the front. I decided early on I'd do the suspension first, and was amazed by not only how much work it was, but how easy it was to screw up. I designed and fabbed my own A-arms, and had a friend TIG weld them, and altogther it took over 200 hours. And that was just the front. I'm with Gonzo on this one. You can't beat tried and true.
Holy crap, 200 hours? For just the front? I don't think I have 200 hours into my entire frame fabrication! If that's a true story number, for the average first-time suspension builder, then I'm definitely purchasing them elsewhere. Considering I have to build my rear myself no matter what. Though, I feel as if that will be easier, since there is basically a set length to the axles and placement.. and there is no turning involved, so as long as everything is even, it should be good to go.
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So, yea, I guess as of right now, I'd probably definitely consider purchasing Jack's bits and putting them together over building myself. It'll save me mucho time for sure, and time is money. Also, I don't have an incredible amount of patience, so anything that saves time (but doesn't sacrifice quality/safety, of course) is cool with me. $250 for 4 control arms is cheap money anyway, really. I think a new stock lower control arm for a honda civic is somewhere in that range by itself!