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MunkPuppy · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 8:14 am Post subject: A-arm and tie rod

got a couple questions.. now that Lizard is gone, I don't have the most readily available resources..

I'm hunting for an A-arm and tie-rod end so that I can replace them this weekend. I've been told that a VW Rabbit A-arm is a direct replacement, but the question of reinforcement has come up.
Are they actually the exact same A-arm as a Rabbit, or is it reinforced?
Will a 944 A-arm work, since I have the M471 suspension?
And what size ball-joint should I be using? I'm aware that they both bolt in. Can I just use the ball-joint and tie-rod pair from the same car?

TIA
Munk
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'80 931 FOR SALE

"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
-Anton Szandor LaVey

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Yes, and No...

The lower a-arm is basically the same, there isn't any reinforcement on the arms anyway. But the method of sway bar attachment differs between the 80 931 and the 82-85/1 944 (with steel front a-arms).

The 944 a-arm does not have the "loop" for attaching the sway bar end that the 924 utilizes. The steel a-arm 944 uses a hole drilled in the middle of the "webbed" flat portion of the a-arm.

The VW Golf and Jetta a-arms are the same as the 924, and 944 steel a-arms, except they also do not have the "loop" to connect the 924 sway bar ends. You can buy new VW arms very cheaply, then have them reinforced by continuously welding the seam between the top and bottom, and adding a strip over the top and bottm flanges and welding to both sides. This is what was done on the factory competition cars.

On your 931, you can use the balljoint that is already on a 944 a-arm, as it will be the same part. You cannot use a 944 tie rod, or tie rod end, since all 944 cars used different steering racks (both manual and power versions).

jl924t · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 214 Location: Surrey, BC Canada

Do you need control arms?
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1980 924 turbo

MunkPuppy · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:01 am Post subject:

I have sourced the a-arms at a wrecker for $50 each, but I do need the tie rod. If need be I will buy a new ball joint, I just don't know what size balljoint I need. Otherwise, I''ll have to try to straigten the existing tie rod, and I don't like that idea at all.
_________________
'80 931 FOR SALE

"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
-Anton Szandor LaVey

MunkPuppy · Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:07 pm Post subject:

Update:

The lower control arms I got fit perfectly except for one small problem:
THERE'S NO MOUNT FOR THE ANTI-SWAY BAR! DOH!!!!!

Options: fabricate a mount and install with the 2 screw holes on the arm or MIG weld it on

OR

Take em back and ask for the right ones (which may cost more)

I may just ask for a refund and take u up on a conrtol arm, jl924t.
_________________
'80 931 FOR SALE

"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
-Anton Szandor LaVey

Smoothie · Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:24 pm Post subject:

Yep, that's the "loop" that Gohim mentioned. I vote for welding pieces on. The a-arms with OE "loops" are stupidly expensive - something like 3x, 4x or more-x more than the "non-looped" ones.
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

jl924t · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 214 Location: Surrey, BC Canada

I have a pair here that I purchased last year from Michael in Bellingham. I just wanted to have a spare set just in case. You are welcome to take a look at them if you like. I could bring them out to you. Take a look at them and we can discuss price but first make sure you can get your money back from the wrecker.
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1980 924 turbo

MunkPuppy · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:02 pm Post subject:

Appreciate the offer, jl924t, but I called the wrecker today and the guy just gave me the wrong set. They have another set already pulled and ready for pickup on Saturday.
If they DON'T have them like they say, then I will most definitely make some arrangements with you.
_________________
'80 931 FOR SALE

"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
-Anton Szandor LaVey

jl924t · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 214 Location: Surrey, BC Canada

No problem at all. I like having and extra set but i figure if you need them it's better to have them working on a car rather than sitting around. Good luck. PM me if you need them. Which wrecker did you locate your parts from? I may go check it out and see if there is anything I gotta have.
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1980 924 turbo

MunkPuppy · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 4:11 pm Post subject:

Evolved Auto in Coquitlam,
you had best callem up and ask if they have a particular part, as most of their stuff is pre-pulled
_________________
'80 931 FOR SALE

"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
-Anton Szandor LaVey

5150 · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:18 pm Post subject:

Smoothie, over here they arms with the loops on are something like 15x more expensive! I got the cheaper ones at the end of last year and modified them, think they were something like £16 gbp +tax while the others were around £240+!!!
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Mars Red '78 Euro 924 n/a
http://www.cardomain.com/id/5150_uk

Graphite? Grey Metallic '85 (late model) 944 2.5

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