K-MAC rear lower control arm bushing install -- E53

[andrewwynn]

That’s a very good way to explain it


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[upallnight]

I studied structural engineering and was a license architect in Illinois and Wisconsin.

[wpoll]

Looking at the OP's issue, I wonder if the bolts could have have been inserted the other way around (180deg. rotation) - with the nuts where the head is now?

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Looking at the OP's issue, I wonder if the bolts could have have been inserted the other way around (180deg. rotation) - with the nuts where the head is now?

That's what I thought when first going about this upgrade endeavor. But if you go back and look at my pic of the subframe where the bolt interferes...there is absolutely no way to get the bolt through the other way. Hence, the whole reason why I had to cut out the "captured nut" area of the subframe and slightly modify the bolt. Just doesn't work otherwise. Granted...it would've helped alleviate so much headache--among other things.

But in all reality, it wasn't that bad. It's a neat mod and a great solution.

[RocketyMan]

I was going to post this earlier--but to finally close the loop on this little project, here's a pic of the rear getting aligned. Prior to alignment, I made sure to totally and completely joust the suspension quite extensively by driving over the 20' length speed humps over 20 times each at rigorous/[slightly]wreckless speeds (just in case anyone missed the Easter egg of taking a picture of the bushings earlier over an H&R spring set box....why yes...yes, I did lower the car).


I requested the tech for 0 degrees camber and 0/32nd total toe. This was EASILY achieved! Yраaa!!!

(Which brings up another point I forgot. Leave the upper control arm that adjusts toe right in the MIDDLE of adjustment when tightening that down. Oh and also tighten any control arms or bushings in "normal suspension condition." I did this by jacking up the control arm while tightening all the bolts.)


I would rate this project 11/10. Would do it again.