RE Coil-overs for type-44 (5k)

[QSHIPQ at aol.com]

Having done 4 coil over conversions to the type 44 (and even 1 to an S car),
I can share that it's not easy, the 2B stuff doesn't hold up well, and you
best be ready to have a really sporty ride.  You need to accomodate wheel
travel as well as suspension arc caused by the triangulated swaybar.  I went
with a more rigid design using a slotted plate under the tower.  2B uses a
spherical bearing in the camber plate.  IME, the 2B camber plates can't
handle the punishment of the up down movement without routine replacement of
the plates (they bend, btdt a couple times).

I'd encourage you to get a bigger front SB and convert the rears to C/O.  WRT
to the 18x 35 offset, I run 17x8.5 with 235/45 17 with fender flares and 5ml
spacer on 30offset.  You will have more problems in the back than the front,
but I'd doubt you could get 18's to work without a really low aspect tire.

HTH

SJ

Gerard writes
was thinking today about my suspension again. I've currently got mylittle
project car sitting on some Merwede 30mm drop springs and usingBoge TurboGas
struts and shocks. I will be getting some 200q20v flaredarches put on as
well. I am going to go for some Rondell X-Spoke 18x8rims (the OZ units I
wanted were just too darn expensive over here).I don't suspect any problems
on the rear, but what about the front? Canthe 200q20v take 18x8 up front
using a ET35 offset or will the stocklower spring perch interfere?This
brought up the question of converting the front to coilovers.Pretty much the
idea 2Bennett have. I'd use a coil-over conversion kit,remove the stock lower
perch and weld a ring in place to fit thecoil-over's lower support ring. What
happens on the top though? Would itentire necessary to do what 2Bennett have
done and used a re-designedtop mount with some needle bearings and a
spherical bearing or could itbe done quite simply with a machined upper mount
for the coil-overspring to sit up again the stock spring perch?