Hey guys! Finally starting the suspension! Located one of the rear wheels yesterday. A little worried about wheel/tire to frame clearance though. I built the +442 as most of you know, so I lost 2" of clearance immediately. I'm using all the miata gear, and was hoping to not have to buy extended axles. After putting everything where it should probably go, I have exactly 1" of clearance top to bottom, with the cv shaft basically 'stock' length, and the wheel at nearly 0 camber. Is 1" going to be enough to not hit anything on full bump or droop? I'm not sure, but I know the wheels essentially travels in an arc, but how much from max to max are we -really- talking here? I'll be using the GAZ coilovers that most of you use, not sure on rates just yet, but figure typical locost, whatever that is.
I have the opportunity to trade some miata parts for some 1/4" wheel spacers (for the miata). That would make it 1.25" clearance.. is this better/worth it? I feel like I'd probably have to get extended studs as well. I'm not sure what would be a better option, if I need to do anything at all... if using spacers at the wheels is best, or if fabricating some spacers at the differential, and moving the whole of the suspension outboard (or just extending it further). Any thoughts/ideas?
I'm hoping that 1" is/should be enough, and if it just HAPPENS to not be enough, then use the wheel spacers, rather than designing them into it from the start. I just can't actually fabricate any arms until I know what option is the best. I -know- that getting longer shafts would be the -best- option, but my wallet just doesn't agree at all. I mean, I can get 50mm (almost 2"!!) wheels spacers with included lugs for about $120 total. Otherwise we're talking anywhere between 60-100 depending on width. And again, I can get 1/4" spacers right now for free (trade).
This is all with the LCA being level with the ground, and the UCA angled slightly downward (some 10 degrees, I guess). Quickly measuring, it looks about 7" of ride height (I was hoping for more like 4-5"), but that can be slightly adjusted, or.. well.. lived with.
I'm also about to rewire my garage (again), to add more outlets/lights, as well as bring in a dedicated circuit for my welder. Getting really frustrated tripping the breaker multiple times during a project. Ain't nobody got time fo dat!!
In other news, I can't wait to get these wheels refinished!!! Gonna look siiiiick. In the end, the car will be black, hoping to do a bronze center, and polished lip (3.25"!). Have some custom axle nut caps made up with either a BA7 logo on them, or the standard '7' logo. Should look good!