What modifications do I have to do to fit 79-82 626 Front Struts in my FB? Any? Has anyone done this swap?
-Crispin

 

Looking to put 79-82 626 Front struts in the front of my 85 RX-7.. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

 

It wont work. RWD 626 cartridge is longer than a FB tho it is the same diameter. you will need to extend FB's strut tube. In fact, one of my RX-3s is currently running FB brakes/suspension with extended strut tube and Koni 626 cartridge.

 

I'll have both the struts and shock inserts from the 626. So, it should work then?
Thanks for the reply,

 

no it wont. the extended FB strut tube with 626 cartridge will be too long. You will need to remove the FB sway bar to install it. once it is installed, picture your FB with hydraulics ala Cheech & Chong low-rider

 

Why would you want use the 626 struts on a FB? What are the benefits?

 

I'm looking to raise my ride height, was told by another forum member that I should try installing some 79-82 626 struts.. It should raise the car an inch from stock. If I understand you correctly I need the strut insert and the housing.
Not just the insert, and when installed I have to remove the front sway bar, correct?

 

is your FB lowered now? If so, just change the springs back to stock. But since you insists, here are the facts:

1. 626 RWD cartrige is almost the same diameter as the FB.
2. 626 RWD cartridge is longer than a FB.
3. To use the 626 cartridge, you have to extend the FB strut tube as it is shorter than a 626 cartrige.
4. You no longer can use the FB front sway bar.

Is it worth it? you decide

 

Instead of extending the FB strut tube why don't I just use the 626 strut housing? It's longer than the stock FB strut housing..

 

The overall length of 626 cartridge/626 front suspension is identical to a RX-3. The FB front sway bar wont allow the FB lower control to have the travel to accommodate a longer strut. Don't try to reinvent the wheel as I have tried it already.

 

If you want to jack up your car,why not just raise the front by building a alum spacer and place it between the strut tower and the strut ,you will have to replace the bolts on the strut with longer stronger studs, you could also use an 84-85 se strut as they are 3/4 of an inch longer,and ,I think you can use a 84/85 gsl brake rotor to get the same bolt patern,

 

It's hard for me not to try,
But, I guess I'll have to take your word for it.

 

So, I could use GSLSE strut housings instead?

 

www.re-speed.com sells the spacer and is vendor on this forum. Believe me it will be the easiest and most inexpensive way to go.

 

yes look for the strut with the yellow paint they are SE the orange paint stripe is on the 84 gsl if you compare the lenth the se's are 3/4 inch longer

 

And I should be able to use the SE struts with the 626 inserts,
Thanks,

 

no

 

I'm all sorts of confused,

 

See below. Pix of unmodified 81-85 strut tube and a RX-3 koni cartridge (same length as a 626 cartridge but same diameter as a FB). Overall, the 626/RX-3 is approx 2.75" longer than 81-85. On the other hand, I dont believe that a GSL-SE is longer than a non-GSL-SE.





my modified FB tube with 626 insert. look at the upper part of the stock...that where it was extended. Spring perch was also relocated

 

You said that the strut tube diameter is the same,
so,
if i put a 626 cartridge in a 626 housing you say that it will work but i can't use my sway bar? that isn't a problem, i plan to make my own sway bar in the future.
So what the hell am i missing here?
Or, if the GSLSE housing is indeed longer, why don't i just use a GSLSE housing and a 626 cartridge? whether i have to modify my sway bar or not,

But, then like you're saying i can extend my FB strut tube? How do i know how much i need to extend it, the difference between the FB cartridge and the 626 cartridge?

 

OMG, you still dont get it eh? if you extend the strut tube, the only way to install or mount it to the FB lower control arm is to complete disconnect the front sway bar. and lets say you were able to do it better than me, are you aware that a 626 front brake caliper is not as good as a FB?

How do you I know this? I used a RX-3's front suspension to haul away a FB shell to a scrap yard for beer money

 

For what it is worth I remember trying to install an fb suspension on a 82 626 back in the day...when I lowered the car it was literally on the floor, but fromwhat I remember it all fit. I dont see why it wouldn't work in reverse for you. I guess my only question is why??? Let me guess...rallycross???

 

Yes

 

yessss....I like where this is going. Keep us updated.

 

I will, I'm still unsure of what direction I will go as far as shocks/struts go. Going to talk to some other people today In person.
I would just go with coilovers but I really don't have the funds,