Ok, here's the deal. I'm completely redoing the suspension on my FB. Tokico illuminas, GC caster camber plates up front, new bushings, new springs, etc.

However I decided not to go with the adjustable coilover set up due to my inability to weld. The springs I got were 2.5" ID, 12" long, 350lb. The 2.5" ID required for the caster plates. I thought they would fit the lower perch, but, I was wrong. They are ever so slighty too big to sit in the lower cup.

So, I'm looking for opinions on solutions. Preferably ones where I don't have to weld, but it's starting to look like I might be headed down that road.

Thanks

 

You should be able to get springs at different lengths. Also, I believe (correct me someone if I'm wrong please) that you should be able to cut it without changing the spring rate. It will only be shorter. Since the springs are 350 lbs/in, cutting them will keep them the same rate.....

 

wrong https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ht=spring+rate

 

To clarify, it's the diameter of the springs that is too large for the lower perch, but matched for the camber plates. The attached picture kinda shows what i'm talking about. The right side is in the cup nicely, but the left side is starting to hang over.

 

If you need the plates, (ie. racing,etc) and the only thing in your way is welding skill then I would get the plates and have them welded in at a local welding shop. If the spring diameter is large to fit the stock there aren't a lot of options that don't require modification including welding. Oh, by the way, If you cut a coil spring the spring rate does change. This is often confusing to MANY people and I don't really care to get into it. It's one of those things that if you ask 5 people you'll likely get 5 different answers some of which sound reasonable, but the fact is cutting the spring does change the spring rate

 

Read it, makes scense. Thanks for the clarity. I should have known better.

 

+1

You absolutely can NOT use the stock perch with those springs. Please dont do it. I see from your sig its going to be an IT car? I built my car and was not confident at the time with my welding skills so this is what I did. Purchase the kit. remove the struts from the car (remove the inserts to protect them)and remove the perches. I used a band saw to do most of the work, then a die grinder. You could even use a hacksaw or a cut off wheel, just be careful and dont destroy the strut housing. Then Carefully mark the position where you want the perches welded (including where the flat side goes). Take them to a shop and let them do the actual welding. Stick around and watch if you can to be sure they dont screw it up or you'll really have problems. I think it cost me like $15 to have the welding done. Also IIRC I had them only weld it around the bottom so the collar would sit flush on the perch and not ride on the weld bead. HTH

 

Yeah, there was no way I was going to use them as is. Yeah, I'm trying to head towards IT eventually, but for now the goal is a track car for next season. Figured IT was a few years off and I'd end up redoing it by then, so I was trying to take the easy route. Guess I'll bump up that plan a few years, since I don't see a good way around welding.

Thanks.

 

Oh one option I just thought or. Racing beat and/or mazdatrix sells drop on spring adjusters. The collars are cut to fit the stock perch and work with 2 1/2" springs. Gettin old sux, cant remember **** lol.

I dont see it on either site. Maybe they still have them though. Give em a call.

 

That's kinda what I had in mind when I was looking for this stuff, just had never seen them. I know that those types of collars are common for other cars. Hmm. I'll have to try that route out too.

 

We have a drop in coil over setup that will not require welding out in a few weeks. These are shaped to fit the strut housing without modification or welding. I will tell you the 12" springs will not work though. 12" springs would need the spring seat lower than stock. So you are back to cutting the old perch and adding a weld on C/O kit. You will need 6" to 8" springs.

PM me if you want to be informed when the C/O kit come out.

-billy

 

^nice

 

Yea I meant to mention that. I have 10 or 12 springs and my perch is well below the stock one.