Diff bushings + LCA bearing - Steeda vs. BMR

[Bluemustang]

I want to do diff bushing lockout and LCA bearing kit and I don't know whether to go Steeda or BMR. I'm inclined to go BMR because I am experienced and satisfied with their products. But I'm sure I'd be good either way.

The Steeda LCA bearings are a little cheaper. Other than that the cost is not that different. What's the difference between both company's offerings? This would be for mostly street use.

Not trying to start a whole Steeda vs BMR bashing thread just looking for information to help me make my decision.

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[BMR Tech]

Both parts from both companies aim at achieving the same goal.

What I will say about our BK055 is that it is the most proven LCA Bearing on the market, and offers more features than any other system. This can be seen by simply looking at the picutres and comparing it to any other.

The last debate about this, led to users posting incorrect information to try and make parts look better - and I am not into going there.

Either way, good luck! If you need anything I will be here for you.

 

[BMR Tech]

Here is a good read. Read it carefully. ;)

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70560&highlight=7075

 

[Rebellion]

On the diff bushing inserts, the Steeda ones you get durometer 80 and 95, I think, so you can interchange them if you want stiffer or softer, probably at the expense of NVH, but it's also more expensive.

The BMR is cheaper but uses durometer 95 only, I think, but it includes the bolt upgrade, which I think it's even more important than the actual inserts. Steeda also sells a bolt upgrade kit, but I understand they work different.

On the LCA, that's hard to tell! Someone, please enlighten us on the pro/cons of each...

 

[BMR Tech]

On the LCA, that's hard to tell! Someone, please enlighten us on the pro/cons of each...

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70560&highlight=7075

 

[Rebellion]

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70560&highlight=7075

Yeah, but that thread has been convoluted beyond belief...read it some while ago and didn't reach a practical conclusion.

 

[wildcatgoal]

I have Steeda LCA bearings. Steeda, BMR, Cortex - just get one - all those options are quality. I chose Steeda because of the metal used, the design of the spacer which I favor, and the fact I could have them press it into new control arms and send me the completed solution. Others will say they chose BMR/Cortex for XYZ reasons. The important-most part is the bearing and each aforementioned brand has a more than sufficient bearing. Nobody has made a bad decision choosing either - PUT SOMEONE'S LCA BEARINGS IN!!

 

[Bluemustang]

I have Steeda LCA bearings. Steeda, BMR, Cortex - just get one - all those options are quality. I chose Steeda because of the metal used, the design of the spacer which I favor, and the fact I could have them press it into new control arms and send me the completed solution. Others will say they chose BMR/Cortex for XYZ reasons. The important-most part is the bearing and each aforementioned brand has a more than sufficient bearing. Nobody has made a bad decision choosing either - PUT SOMEONE'S LCA BEARINGS IN!!

Thank you wildcatgoal. I always enjoy reading your posts and appreciate the information you contribute to the forum. I am definitely going to add this. Just gotta figure out which one I want.

What is the biggest performance gain you have felt from installing the LCA bearing?

 

[SteedaTech]

I have Steeda LCA bearings. Steeda, BMR, Cortex - just get one - all those options are quality. I chose Steeda because of the metal used, the design of the spacer which I favor, and the fact I could have them press it into new control arms and send me the completed solution. Others will say they chose BMR/Cortex for XYZ reasons. The important-most part is the bearing and each aforementioned brand has a more than sufficient bearing. Nobody has made a bad decision choosing either - PUT SOMEONE'S LCA BEARINGS IN!!

Very good I agree, they are all great products.

 

[Bluemustang]

About the diff bushings lockout, I find it hard to believe that Steeda claims NO NVH increase. It seems that BMR claims a minimal NVH increase if you go for the BK051.

Any insight on this?

Also, the 12.9 grade bolt upgrade - a wise plan to do this? Just for safety reasons? Sounds like it is not needed unless on high HP applications but if it gives me peace of mind- I'd opt for that.

I'm learning a lot about this stuff now! Now suspension is fun again!

 

[wildcatgoal]

On a Torsen differential, which I can speak to, there is some NVH increase with Steeda diff inserts. But mine was a clunky POS stock. I have put on the red Steeda diff bushing inserts in other cars and they noticed no difference in NVH and those cars did not have a Torsen. It will depend on how lucky you are with your "Built Ford Tough" drivetrain.

 

[BMR Tech]

Yeah, but that thread has been convoluted beyond belief...read it some while ago and didn't reach a practical conclusion.

Well here was my post about our BK055 System.

Our BK055 Bearing kit was designed to be the best design possible while keeping the cost realistic.

Our Billet CNC Bearing housing features a thick retaining lip on the front side, with a heavy duty lock ring on the aft side. This ensures the bearing is perfectly located when pressed in, and also ensures a tight and snug fit to prevent movement of the outer bearing housing under extreme loads. In the past, we have seen issues with steel pieces pressed into aluminum under extreme abuse. (slop within the mount from the assembly shifting)

We also use the largest bearing in the industry for this application. We use a 1" Spherical Bearing to our spec. The larger bearings are stronger, they last longer, and they are typically better for NVH.

To top it off, we use bulletproof black anodized 7075-T6 Billet bearing spacers with more surface area than any others. This design ensures slip free mounting and helps to strengthen the entire mounting system.

When we designed this kit, we considered making more of an "Econo" design...but we really like to offer products that we feel are the best. I am sure all of the available bearing kits work great - we just like to know ours cannot be improved upon.

 

[SteedaTech]

About the diff bushings lockout, I find it hard to believe that Steeda claims NO NVH increase. It seems that BMR claims a minimal NVH increase if you go for the BK051.

Any insight on this?

Also, the 12.9 grade bolt upgrade - a wise plan to do this? Just for safety reasons? Sounds like it is not needed unless on high HP applications but if it gives me peace of mind- I'd opt for that.

I'm learning a lot about this stuff now! Now suspension is fun again!

We recommend them for high HP applications or for just a peace of mind.

Our diff kit has very little increase in NVH if any, it's very subjective.

 

[Bluemustang]

On a Torsen differential, which I can speak to, there is some NVH increase with Steeda diff inserts. But mine was a clunky POS stock. I have put on the red Steeda diff bushing inserts in other cars and they noticed no difference in NVH and those cars did not have a Torsen. It will depend on how lucky you are with your "Built Ford Tough" drivetrain.

Mine is an auto car so I don't have the Torsen diff. I'm looking for a solid feel in throttle situations and better launches so I can get the car to hook up on the street better. Plus I want to eliminate any alignment changes under power.

 

[wildcatgoal]

I doubt you'll get much NVH with an auto.

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