A tale of two Dusters
Ok.. As you all know I wanted to update my front suspension to tubular UCA's. Well, here are the problems I ran into and the lessons I learned.
1- The straight arms contact with the supports for the front mount. This was the only clearance issue so I cut off a small section so it would clear through the full travel. See the orange tape in pic below.
When I was done it looked like this.
2- You have to run the cam bolts all the way out to prevent binding of the rod-ends. this is not a problem because there is plenty of adjustment range with the adjusters on the arms.
3- The spacers were actually the hardest part of the job. Mostly because I used washers (and a too-big nut) and had to hold all the pieces up while I ran the bolt through. I'll turn some new solid spacers soon which should make things MUCH easier. Note the cone washers on either side of the rod-end which allow for more mis-alignment without binding.
4- The only other issue was that due to my taller spindle and tall ball-joint the UCA now contacts the inside of my 17" wheels. It looks like I'll need about a 1/2" spacer to clear until I turn my new hubs. Anyone have long studs?
I haven't had much time to work on the 13" 4-piston brakes or the rest of the suspension. But I have just about everything I'll need so it should be sometime soon. Although my engine is going downhill quick.. Clouds of oil every time I start it up and a small tick that won't go away.. Oh well. I was wanting more power anyway. 360/4-speed to come. Also I'll have more areo stuff soon too.
Thanks again for looking!
Ok.. As you all know I wanted to update my front suspension to tubular UCA's. Well, here are the problems I ran into and the lessons I learned.
1- The straight arms contact with the supports for the front mount. This was the only clearance issue so I cut off a small section so it would clear through the full travel. See the orange tape in pic below.
When I was done it looked like this.
2- You have to run the cam bolts all the way out to prevent binding of the rod-ends. this is not a problem because there is plenty of adjustment range with the adjusters on the arms.
3- The spacers were actually the hardest part of the job. Mostly because I used washers (and a too-big nut) and had to hold all the pieces up while I ran the bolt through. I'll turn some new solid spacers soon which should make things MUCH easier. Note the cone washers on either side of the rod-end which allow for more mis-alignment without binding.
4- The only other issue was that due to my taller spindle and tall ball-joint the UCA now contacts the inside of my 17" wheels. It looks like I'll need about a 1/2" spacer to clear until I turn my new hubs. Anyone have long studs?
I haven't had much time to work on the 13" 4-piston brakes or the rest of the suspension. But I have just about everything I'll need so it should be sometime soon. Although my engine is going downhill quick.. Clouds of oil every time I start it up and a small tick that won't go away.. Oh well. I was wanting more power anyway. 360/4-speed to come. Also I'll have more areo stuff soon too.
Thanks again for looking!