Double Wishbone Front on Live Axle car

[I.Mupferit]

I am sure this has been discussed before, but does anybody have details how to convert the front suspension of my live axle car to double wishbone type? I have had conflicting views on the benefits of such a change, but I want to use my car on track days and want to maximise the handling. I use adjustable spring platform Bilsteins and Yoko AO32R all round which have already significantly improved the handling. So I guess I am now looking for small gains, but would it be worth it?

Brent

[Aidan Parte]

Brent, I (for what it's worth) would have thought it would be better to try your current set-up on the track first, then upgrade later if you felt it necessary. If you do upgrade then you will be able to really tell what difference it has made. I think Caterham can do the conversion at fairly reasonable cost.

 

Aidan

[I.Mupferit]

Aidan

The only trouble with getting Caterham to carry out the mod. is that, as I understand it, they would simply fit the De-Dion front end complete. That would mean different wheel stud centres front and back. I believe there is or was a company which can carry out this mod and retain the same wheel stud centres. Only problem is I don't know who they are.

[Charles E-H]

Ratrace in N London can do this. Give them a call.

 

 

 

 

[Graeme Smith]

What suspension set-up have you got at the moment - the standard live-axle one using the anti-roll bar as part of the upper link? If so, you want the Scholarship set-up (I guess its called the Academy set-up now?) which has a proper upper wishbone. It does involve cutting an extra hole in the side panels though.

[Aidan Parte]

Brent - by the way, if you do change your wishbones, I would be interested in buying your old ones!

 

 

 

Aidan Parte

aidan.parte@virgin.net

[I.Mupferit]

Graeme

Does the Scolarship set-up allow for adjustment of camber? I don't mind cutting a hole in the side (neatly!) but where does the front of the wishbone fit to. Does it need to have a mounting point welded on to the chassis tube?

Brent

[Mat Norris]

Another question about front double wishbone upgrade setup:- Does it replace the front anti rollbar to chassis mounting blocks with somethoing more substantial? I replaced the 'ali' blocks less than a 1000miles ago and they have worn already causing a clonking noise! Any other remidies to fix this would be welcome.

 

Mat

[Graeme Smith]

Brent/Mat, I'm afraid most of this is from memory as I removed most of my front suspension in a crash at Pembrey at the weekend! I don't think you can adjust camber, but I remember a few years ago some Scholars tried by bending the wishbones! You keep upper link/wishbone from the original set-up and bolt another strut to the front of it, to make it into a proper V shaped wishbone. The front of this goes into a new bracket that bolts onto the front of the chassis. The front side of this bracket is where your new seperate roll-bar mounts - no ali blocks as I remember. Basically, you end up with a DeDion type front end but the upper wishbone is made from two seperate struts bolted together. Can't say whether its a worthwhile upgrade, as my car's always been this way, but Caterham must have thought it worthwhile to put on all Scholarship cars. I guess a chat with the factory (Len?) or Classic Carriage Co (who specialise in all things Classic) might shed some more light on how easy the conversion is.

[tgracing]

There's some pictures of the assembly of my Academy car on my website (www.tgracing.btinternet.co.uk). The Academy set up is not adjustable as there is no thread on the top link. Adjustable dampers were also removed from this year's spec so setting the bush at the right angle is the only possible change for us Academites.

 

Graeme, so that was you that smacked your car up then. Derek said they were very busy. tongue.gif

 

Davebo

C7 CAR

 

Edited by - Davebo on 11 May 2000 09:17:55

[gsewell_uk]

I'm sorry if I'm jumping in late on this one. Ratrace converted my car 2 years ago with the DeDion front suspension. They had to change the uprights but somehow kept the original hubs so I didn't need new wheels.

 

The camber is adjustable but not caster. The rollbar is straight off the DeDion (so rubber mounted). So far, on the road, I have noticed no significant difference - however, I have not adjusted the geometry away from factory spec so I would expect much change. The selling feature was potentially better stability under braking as the upper wishbone is now solid rather than using the ARB which can flex. Also, in the rare occasion where the ARB might snap (never heard of it personally) you could still limp home.