I'm going from memory (and anyone who knows me understands how scary
that is), so I can't swear to this, but I don't think I replaced my
vertical links to gain caster, I think I just replaced the trunnions.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Susan and Jack
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 12:45 PM
To: fot@autox.team.net
Subject: [FOT] TR3A/TR6 front suspension interchange - Help needed
I have been accumulating the required TR6 front end components to give
my (post 60,xxx) Street/AutoX TR3A some caster and camber for a few
years. The recent article by Tim in Classic Motorsports has renewed my
interest in completing this upgrade. Until now, I had been planning on
replacing only the upper A-Arms and ball joint, giving me adjustable
camber. Reading the article, I have elected to add some caster too.
Caster would be a very good thing. I have been getting conflicting
information on some of the components and I know there are FOT who can
help clarify these issues.
According to the Moss catalog, the following parts are common between
the two cars:
Upper A-arm bushes
Fulcrum pin (A-arm to chassis bracket)
Hub
Stub Axle
Wheel Bearing kit
Spring pan (across lower A-arms)
It starts to get confusing with the Vertical Links (uprights) because
the
TR6 vertical link has two part numbers, for both left and right, whereas
the
TR3 upright has only a single part number. This leads me to believe the
TR3 upright cannot be used with either the TR6 ball joint or with the
trunnion.
I strongly suspect it's the trunnion, not the ball joint. Can anyone
confirm this? Do I need to acquire TR6 Vertical Links to make this
conversion?
The Tie Rod Levers are different, not only between the TR3 and TR6, but
also with the TR4(A?), so that will be an interesting challenge if I am
going to use them to help dial in bump steer.
The Brake caliper mounting plates are different, so I will be
accumulating a set of TR6 plates for a future Toyota brake caliper
conversion.
My biggest question is as follows:
When installing a TR6 trunnion on a TR3 what else must be changed out?
I'm pretty sure that TR3 Vertical Link must be replaced, along with all
of the hardware required to interface between the trunnion and the TR3
lower A-Arms. I believe the TR3 lower A-Arms, while a different part
number than the TR6 lower A-Arms, are compatible and can remain. If I
need the entire TR6's lower A-arm assembly, please let me know, as I
don't think so.
Also, if anyone has purchased Moss' Major Suspension kit for this
conversion, will that supply all of the remaining parts? If not, can
you provide any details?
Can those who have already completed this conversion help me out here?
I am sure, with enough time and parts on hand, I can get it all worked
out, but buying fewer unusable or duplicate parts and minimizing costs
would be nice.
FYI - I am using an early BGT front spring, with no TR3 spring spacer in
place now. This has the car a tad too low. Remember, this is not a
vintage race car, it's a Street/AutoX car. I have original spring
spacers and a half thickness spring spacer too, so I'll be able to dial
in a somewhat sane ride height, once the new parts are in place.
Current bushings are Ken Gillander's Urethane uppers and the
nylon/stainless lowers, which will remain on the car.
Also, if any of you are Moss distributors, especially the PNW guys,
please send me an email with your pricing policy for FOT, because I'd
like the business to go through you.
Thanks in advance,
Jack Brooks
Covington, WA
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