Hey guys,

On my 74 RX-4 I want to use a set of FB strut housings to get the better brakes,and they also allow for better springs from what I have been told. I was told by a RX-4 expert that I will need brake hoses,and camber plates to make this work,but first I need to get the strut housings.

I have a pair of RX-7 strut housings with the springs,but no rotors,calipers,etc..
These came with a parts car I got many years ago which was an SA,but the seller gave me several parts that fit FB's as well,so I am not sure what these struts are for.

Is there anyway to tell by measuring tube heights,and or spindle size to tell if these are SA,or FB struts? I would prefer 84-85 housings,but if I can make these work then I will to save the money.

Also where is a good place to get cheap camber plates? Also if these are not FB strut housings,does anyone have FB struts complete with rotors,springs,and calipers they want to sell?

 

there are 3 types of housings.

SA, looooong strut tube. the strut top, if you have is has bushings.

81-83. shorter strut tube. strut is around 14" from base to the gland nut. strut top uses a ball bearing.

84-85 bigger stub axle for bigger wheel bearings.

i am actually working on a car with SA strut housings, i can take pics/ measurements if you like

 

I would love pics if you could get them. I will take a few of the housings I have,and maybe you can tell me what they are out of.

 

Super easy visual way to tell SA from FB is the lower spring perch.

SA lower spring perches are welded all the way around the tube.
FB lower spring perched are a formed sheet metal bracket that has 3 spots that protrude away from the housing, so the welds stop 3 times from going all the way around. See picture of a FB housing. Arrows point to 2 of the 3 spots I spoke about.




You will find the FB housings will lower the car a huge amount. SA housings are a bit longer. If you do go for FB housings you should have them extended a bit and move the shock insert up to match. This will allow the shock to be at mid stroke while at static ride height. Wacky made spacer to go between the strut tower and camber plates on one of his rx3s.

* Shameless plug*

ReSpeed FB camber plates will fit the Rx4.


-billy

 

Okay,so I have SA struts here. I got a pic,and I am sure it isn't what I need now. Anyone have FB struts complete with calipers,and rotors they want to sell?

 

how low do you want to go? here's a pix of my last project RX-4 with TII bridge. it has an unmodified FB struts/springs with REspeed FB camber kit, Tokico blues, and for the rear, Im not sure what size of lowering blocks I used. As I mentioned over at the old school row, Ive tried different brands of FB front springs including GC coil overs but I ended up with stock FB springs for a better ride. Unfortunately, it was sold to a collector from Florida a few month after. Also, Billy is correct with extending the struts but first you should find out if the SA's spindle is the same as the FB. I think they are the same except; however, there is a very limited selection of good strut insert for SA and Im not sure if FB insert with REspeed spacer will work. Research these 2 issues before spending $$. I've done lots of trial and errors on all my RX-3 including FB booster conversion and Im very happy with the result

 

I would not worry about the SA verses FB struts, unless you are going for 84-85 big bearing struts. FB brakes will bolt onto SA housings.

You will need a spacer to put FB struts into SA housings anyways, Might as well extend the housing a few inches and then make the spacer longer.

If you extend the housing above the lower spring perch it will not effect ride height but will allow you to put you shock mid stroke.

-billy

 

thanks Billy for your input regarding FB brakes to SA strut assembly.

here are what I've done so far with my RX-3:
1. I bought 2 pairs of strut cartridge from junkyard along with REspeed spacer. Instead of just extending the upper portion of strut tube, Islandsnow and I used these 2 sets to come up with one modified set. this is what I have now in my light blue RX-3. I also made a spacer which sat between the REspeed camber plate and the strut top to clear the tires. Im running 15X8s in the front and it is dropped with only less than 1 finger clearance. Im sure if you get another set of FB strut, you can make use of your old SA parts.


2. Extend the FB strut tube by welding another strut tube on top (the upper threaded portion). However, you will need to relocate the spring perch. This modified set uses koni red for a RWD 626, same lenght as the stock RX-3 but the diameter is equal to a FB. this is will be going to my new RX-3 project. and as usual, it will have a REspeed camber kit.

Since your doing all these upgrade to your RX-4, find a FB brake booster also. There is another RX-4 owner from the SF CA area who took my advise. He switched to FB brake booster and he reported that its a straight bolt-on with no other mods. Having these larger boosters in my RX-3s gave it a lot more stopping power. My RX-3s have FB front struts/brake assembly and disk brake conversion in the rear. If I have time, I will post a pix of my modified struts but we have rain in the forecast for super bowl weekend.

one last advise: please have an open mind. an old school is not your typical honda/acura where you can order stuff via catalog

 

FB strut tube, extended to match the lenght of a RX-3 tube, spring perch relocated higher.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I am not looking to make the car really low,but it is already from the previous owner who cut the front springs,used large blocks in the rear,and mounted a RX-7 GSL rear axle in it. I wouldn't even care if it sat at stock height,but it does look better lowered. I was just told that the RX-7 strut would allow for better handling as they have better travel,better spring selection,and better brakes,so it seemed a no brainer. I don't have crazy fabrication skills,so I was just looking to put the FB struts,and camber plates in,and call it a day even with stock RX-7 springs.

It seems though that it isn't quite that easy. I guess I will need spacers regardless of what RX-7 strut I use. The car came with staggered Weld draglites in 15" diameter,and it looks like the front skinny on the drivers side would rub the inner liner some,and the rear passengers side did as well,but that seems to be a product of 15X8,or 9 rims with a wide 225 tire,and the RX-7 axle not quite centered like it should be.

I have sold the WELD wheels,and plan to either use a spare set of 83 RX-7 Limited edition wheels I have that are 14",a set of 80's vintage Wed Autobahn 15" wheels I maybe getting on a RX-7 that is local to me,or maybe even a set of sweet Simmons wheels my friend,and current RX-4 owner has for sale local to me.

Do you guys think the 14" LE wheels will work on the car with FB RX-7 struts on it? To help here is a link with pics of the car at the current height with the 15" Weld's.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showt...hp?t=123759255

Thanks again,and if you think I need to modify the strut housings to work then can I bug you guys for a detailed write up of what to do,so that even this Caveman can do it?

 

The LE wheels will fit any first gen with the 4X110 bolt pattern. Even a lowered one unless it's a drastic 2: drop, then there may be issues. As for the 15" wheels, it all comes down to backspace, rim width and tire size.

 

Mr. T is correct. in fact, the old school's wheel wells arent designed for 15+ and wide rims so you should do fine with 14".

 

I have a line on a set of Weds Auto Bahn 15" wheels with the proper 4X110 bolt pattern. They will either go on the RX-7,or the RX-4 if they fit. I know they will fit the RX-7 as that is what they are on now,but I am unsure of the RX-4.

 

read what mr. t said. more pix to give you the motivation. this is what i really wanted but changes were made to save the rubbers

 

Please, call me just T or Prof. T. I'm not into gold jewelry or weird haircuts. My ponytail has served me well for many decades.

 

LOLLLL Prof T