Making my own coilovers.

[Whizbang]

Here are the stock stats i measured out:

FB:
5.5" stroke
1.8" (45.6mm) OD Tube
32.9mm insert body
20.9mm insert shaft
1.0mm x 42.5mm (or maybe 41mm?) depends if you measure the inside or outside of the threads) Gland Nut

FC:
?? Stoke
2" OD tube
34.64mm Insert Body
22.65mm insert shaft
No Gland Nut (welded cap)

So from the above information, i am trying to build two different front sets.
First set is for an FC subframe on my FB. The body is the right side for easy to find threaded sleeves for the springs (2") but lacks a gland nut. I am pretty sure i can cure this via welding the threaded section of another tube from another car. namely rwd toyotas. I need more stroke with the car anyway so i can have a longer tube body. Insert wise, im pretty sure i can use a Bilstein insert. Might be pretty straight forward.


The second set is for my FB. I want to use the FB tubes since it uses a gland nut but the inserts leave me wondering. I really have no idea what there is for inserts that could fit in there. It has a narrower tube as well at about 1.8" so not sure what kind of threaded sleeves there are.

There other thing is can i remove the strut tubes from my 82 and use them with 84/85 spindles? I can see how they would come out.

[Phoenix7]

I found this thread a while back...while it's not rotary related, it still applies...
http://www.motorgeek.com/viewtopic.php?t=26499#415378

Hope it helps:
http://shop.a1racing.com/coiloverkits.aspx

[Whizbang]

[Whizbang]

a1 sells a sleeve that is 1 7/8 which equates to 1.875 inches. The Tube OD is 1.8 ish. I need to confirm actual size. Worst case i can have some form of spacer.

[Whizbang]

for the pavement car, i am going to have to make some phone calls. i see the tokico inserts but i need to know some more information like the stroke and overall length. Since the car is going pretty low, i need to make sure the insert is going to work properly

[Whizbang]

well actually looking at it, im pretty much reinventing the wheel considering RE speeds road race kits price. its exactly what i plan on doing without the whole having to part stuff together.

so i guess the pavement coilover stuff is pretty square.

i can now focus on making the FC style rally coilovers.

[Kentetsu]

This is the first time I've dipped into this thread, but I was kind of wondering why you were going to such extreme measures to design the coilovers. The Respeed stuff works great.

I will also give my recommendation for Bilstein shocks/struts. I've got a used set on the rear of my fb, and they just plain work. I do miss the adjustability of the Illuminas in the rear when I'm on a long trip, but the performance improvement of the Bilsteins more than makes up for the harsh ride.

Good luck with your project(s). I'll be keeping an eye on your progress.





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[Whizbang]

the respeed kit should work great for the hillclimb car since it will see pavement.

the rally car, there is nothing really out there i can use so i will have to make those still. And being that FCs did not use gland nuts, it a bit more tricky.

[josh18_2k]

its not too hard to make your own strut housings. its just a tube, capped ont eh bottom, threaded for gland nut on top, with hub brackets welded on.
or keep it simple and use AWR strut housings (for koni or bilstein)

[Whizbang]

i might eventually make them from scratch, i will have to see how the tubes hold up.

[speedjunkie]

Alex, won't your coworkers wonder why you're showing up to work with your boots all nasty...you know, being that you work in the tower and all? LOL

Looks like a big project. I'm always amazed at the jobs you jump into haha.

[Whizbang]

those are a worn out set. speaking of which marauders dont stand up to welding worth shit.

[Kentetsu]

You might want to consider talking to Billy about your rally car plans. He has many years of experience in rally, and probably knows all the tricks already. The best place to catch up with him lately is over at iwankel.

[lonetlan]

Did you figure out what insert(cartridge) would be right for your application?