Pettit FD Toe Links Install
 

We know that some Mazda production parts are not made to strict tolerances.
But they all will fit without any or much problems. Thus any aftermarket parts should take this into consideration.

Having installed the Pettit toe links yesterday, I had these observations and problems.

(1) Pettit uses machined aluminum bushing adapters that fit into both sides of the spherical bearings. All four have the same length. These are needed due to their bearings being narrower that stock. The stock inner bearing is larger the the outter one.

(2) The inner brackets have more space and require washers to take it out.
Pettit gives you 4 of them.

(3) My left inner bracket required the use of a third and thicker washer. The right inner could have used a third thin washer, but worked with their two.

(4) The left outer bracket was a perfect fit, but the right was too tight. I had to hand sand down both Pettit adapters to get them to fit.

(5) I assume Pettit did it this way to save costs. If so, they should have made the adapters shorter and supplied more washers.

Were you aware that the outer mounting point has sleeves that you can adjust by tapping them out or using an assortment of nuts and bolts to pull out? If so, after adjusting that was there still an issue with the fit?

I recently purchased toe links from RX7.com and they came with a large adaptor on one end and a small adaptor on the other end. The fit was perfect, no washers needed :nod::icon_tup:

You can see it on the bottom link in this pic:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/...64a3fac0_b.jpg

...I recently returned a set of TrackPro coilovers due to fittment problems.

Yes, I am aware of that internal sleeve just like what is on the air pump and alternator. I have owned and worked on my R1 since June 1992.

Sorry, I was not trying to insult your FD knowledge. I assumed you knew about it, I just had to ask because it is a very common for people to overlook that. I need to stop giving Pettit products too much credit...

What's the beef with Pettit?

I bought the Pettit Toe Links also back in October, being that I’m new to the whole RX/FD car, I didn’t recognize the lack of proper spacers. This past weekend I wanted to install them and I noticed that the inner bearing spacer assembly has to be shimmed up with washers of some sort. Very poor.
I can’t send them back because I painted them prior, so now I have to buy some 1” stock and machine up some proper spacers, now I have the option if I want to use seals for the heim joints or not (I’m on the fence regarding the seals).
Funny other MFG’s supply the proper spacers (with seals) and their arms are bolt in.

...I recently returned a set of TrackPro coilovers due to fittment problems.[/quote]

I had problem with their coilovers too, the lower mounting perch was machine wrong (too wide) and I couldn’t bolt it in. Sent them back, did receive my money back a month later. Other than the Pettit items I have now, I will no longer support Pettit.

It looks like the rotary performance arms don't have seals on the heim joints. Looking at rx7.com it says they have "Chromoly heim joints". I wonder how long these toe links last? I have been researching this for a while, and people say the Pettit links wear out from road grime if not protected. I am on the fence about going aftermarket here, or just getting the mazda toe link bushings.

Check out Improved Racing's toe links and trailing arms, they appear like quality pieces.

http://www.improvedracing.com/produc...9574f991a74742

Wow those look good. Chrome moly rod ends with stainless steel bushings and dust seals. I also see that they are made in the USA...nice. Thank you R_1.