Solid Aluminum A-arm suspension?

Started by caveeagle, September 24, 2015, 09:32:08 AM

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caveeagle

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One of the things that attracted me to the CF800 ATV I just purchased was the Aluminum A-arms on the suspension.  Just from my observation, it seems to be the only CFM vehicles with this feature. 

I was just wondering if anyone had a take on the relative benefit of the solid aluminum parts vs the welded tube-steel versions?  Just from outward appearance, they look stronger, but It hard to tell for sure how they stack up to the others.  Any why the ZF/UF 800 models don't have the same engineering?

Why is the CF800 the only model with this feature?
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emersonsc

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Would like to see aluminum all the way around on the ZForce, but in the end, youre only saving weight. Aluminum is a softer metal and is subect to bending easier than steel. Aluminum also has a tendency to break, where steel bends.

caveeagle

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Yea,  I get the alum vs steele advantages.  These cast a-arms look pretty thick and beefy.  I am guessing they would be at least as strong as the tube steele a-arms I have seen on the other models.
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Bpraim

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They come on the x550ho also. And soon the x450.

emersonsc

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Quote from: Bpraim on November 02, 2015, 05:46:02 PM
They come on the x550ho also. And soon the x450.

Not in the states...

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X550 ready to package at factory

Cosmosdan

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Cosmosdan
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I would think that the production costs would be less with the solid arms. No cutting, bending or welding. I would also think that they would prefer to use the same parts in most products due to economy of scale.
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Bpraim

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Each country builds their units to their own specs, there is a menu of option to choose from.
This why you see a lot of different names engine size stickers, and parts.
If you want items you see in photos, just ask your Rep, That said, a lot of items are not available in the USA market.

caveeagle

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Quote from: Bpraim on November 03, 2015, 10:48:27 PM
Each country builds their units to their own specs, there is a menu of option to choose from.
This why you see a lot of different names engine size stickers, and parts.
If you want items you see in photos, just ask your Rep, That said, a lot of items are not available in the USA market.

Nice to know.  In my case..  the CForce 800 seemed to be the only model in the dealer showroom that had the alum A-arms.  On your options list.. Are these considered an upgrade?  Just curious..   They sure look nice to me..  but you would really need to see weight, strength, deflection tests to now if they are better.

I am still trying to track down alignment specs too.  Anyone know??
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Bpraim

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Alignment is toed out 5° on utv's. It chews tires but that is the recommended setting.
I run all of ours true straight or as best as possible.

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Quote from: Bpraim on November 04, 2015, 11:56:34 AM
Alignment is toed out 5° on utv's. It chews tires but that is the recommended setting.
I run all of ours true straight or as best as possible.

Wow!  5* out?   I have read that is not unusual for ATVs..  Just wanted to make sure.

It also looks like I can see positive camber.   \--/   .. especially on the Left side. It was like this since the day I brought it home.  And no obvious way to adjust.

Is this normal?
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NMKawierider

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NMKawierider
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Just going to toss this in but my z8 manual clearly states 4-10mm toe in. This is in the same range as my Kawasaki's BF 750 and my Friend's RzR 800 and his KQ750. I know it is said there are some that require toe-out, but I don't know of any. Now its true people that race do use tow-out as it offers less roll-over on  track corners.
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Bpraim

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I must agree with NMK
Cfmoto is toe in.
I run toe out on my machines. I apologize for the mix up

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Thanks guys!!  I have it very slightly toe out ~<1* right now and it seems to handle ok.   I will change it to 4-10mm toe in as soon as I get a chance.

I still am concerned about the positive camber. \--/   It was obvious right away, but I just thought maybe it was normal.  I don't see any way to adjust it.  Maybe changing the shock / ride height?

I put a level against the tire/wheel just to make sure it was not an optical allusion..  Sure enough, I have positive camber,  especially on the left side.

**I do have the service manual, but did not see the alignment information posted above.  Maybe I just need to print it out and look closer..

Thanks again..

Mark
Mark