[Sam Strano]

Double-Adjustable using QA1 Rod-ends, $159 plus shipping.
Double-Adjustable using Energy Suspension bushing, $135 plus shipping.

Made for us by Addco, using Chrome-Moly tubing. Includes 2 QA1 XM series teflon lined rod-ends and the adapter bushings.

Weight for either bar is 4 pounds.

These are our two best Panhard bars. We will not use aluminum, we've witnessed aluminum PHB's bend. The only lateral location is from the PHB. You want the strongest material you can use in that position.

[sgarnett]

The XM rod ends are the high-strength version of QA1's "Endura" series. The lining is a teflon/kevlar blend which QA1 describes as self-lubricating and self-sealing.

I'm using the aluminum-body version of the Endura-series rod ends. I originally installed dust boots, which started cracking almost immediately. This may have been caused by the dry graphite and dry teflon spray lubes (actually, the propellant or solvent carrier) I attempted to use at first. I haven't done anything to maintain them recently, and the boot is completely gone on one of them. It's difficult to actually get any of the dry lube into the joint anyway (due to the self-sealing nature of the lining).

It's worth pointing out that the PHR is only loaded when you are cornering, so the rod ends will inherently last much longer than they do on an LCA, for instance.

Long story short, the Endura-series rod ends have been on the PHR on my daily-driven car for several years and have been unprotected from dust and grit for most of that time (and I have a gravel driveway). They are still just as tight as they ever were. Just don't try to oil them (which will attract and hold grit) and they'll hold up fine. Rod ends won't last forever, but the XM rod ends will last a very long time on the PHR. I won't even bother with the boots next time.

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Aug 10 2005, 12:17 AM