Suspension confusion.

[economiser]

Yes, I'm reading the stickies. Lots to absorb.
Hello,
I'm transforming a 71,477-mile garage refugee into a road warrior, just not high powered nor ugly.
I'm here because I need to create a new rear suspension for it, and I've chosen an offset 3 link with Watt's link.
It's also getting the front suspension / steering / brakes from an '87 RX-7, which is very different, supposedly bolt-in, and seems to need some welding and sectioning for the correct position, but my concern here is fore-aft tilt / anti-dive.
The car is at the paint shop right now.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/122_zps235d4328.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/122_zps235d4328.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/IMG_0005_zpsb8d3c46e.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/IMG_0005_zpsb8d3c46e.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/048_zps02b1a6ce.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/048_zps02b1a6ce.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/IMG_0012_zps1967ebae.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/IMG_0012_zps1967ebae.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/025_zpse1817820.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/025_zpse1817820.jpg.html)

More later.

[WSSix]

Welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll be able to find what you need in the suspension section. Let us know what else you're planning for the car. Good luck!

[economiser]

Thanks!
I realized it takes guts or cluelessness to post any car other than a first-gen Camaro here, but just reading the Ron Sutton stickies felt like a good reason to join. I have an '86 Camaro, and have had a '71, so maybe I won't get ejected :)
This RX-7 is getting the V6 engine from a '96 Camaro, the T5 from a '94 Camaro, the 7.5" axle from a '94 S-Blazer, because of a 2.29:1 axle ratio being installed.
This isn't my car, or I'd have the paint wait until after the mechanicals. The owner wants an occasional daily driver, and mostly a road trip car. So the primary goal is the capability of 50 MPG. Can't enjoy your touring if you can't afford it, right? To that end, it will be 1536 RPM at 65 MPH, and there's 2.41:1 gears if it needs more. Otherwise, I may go hunting the mythical 2.14:1 gears.
This T5 has a 3.75:1 first, and a 0.72;1 fifth. There's always the 4.03 / 0.76 set if needed, or going the other way, a 3.35 / 0.68 set.
Not much progress to show until the car returns from paint and a new windshield. I really don't like these particular exhaust manifolds, so I hope they don't fit. But I'm not changing the cam anytime soon, nor rockers, nor porting. 205 HP should suffice. I'm keeping it ULEV, because why not?
Others have made stock shifters work, I wish the B&M was in the plans.
I'll be fabbing a belly tray, I'll eventuall try both an airdam, then a rear spoiler, then both, all in the hunt for the MPG.
The rear brakes are from an '84 Trans Am I had, I re-drilled those rotors to fit '89 Mustang shafts. Now it all bolts together with the Auburn posi from a '94 Z28 that had the standard 2.73s.
Audio is simple: a brand new new, direct from Pioneer AM / FM head unit that plays old cassette tapes, plus a used Alpine 6-disc CD changer off E-Bay, and 4 new Pioneer 3-way speakers. That's it. No woofers, no subs, no bluetooth / satellite / I-pod / whatever the kids do now.
The tan interior got dyed gray, it turned out well. The new paint should be Navy blue. Seat covers will be custom.
I test-installed the gauges from a '94 Camaro, not bad, but needs work.
I sent the PCM to Ryan Gick at GMTuners.com, he's done well for me before.
The wheels were ordered before I knew about the front suspension swap, but the owner's desire for power steering sealed the deal. So now it is stuck with 195/55R15s on 15x7s. These particular wheels should allow 12.46" rotors with Evo 9 sourced Brembo 4-piston calipers up front, come spring. Partly because it will need inch thick adapters, to match the rear track, and for these high-offset wheels with smaller lug circles. I've seen how GM had 11.88" rotors inside steel 15s. Like a '77 police Caprice. So I measured the backs / insides of these.
So that's all for now.

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/047_zps182d47ce.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/047_zps182d47ce.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/032_zps0a578c6a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/032_zps0a578c6a.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/033_zps20fd64dc.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/033_zps20fd64dc.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/034_zps00f01647.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/034_zps00f01647.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/035_zpsf8bf6a2f.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/035_zpsf8bf6a2f.jpg.html)

Looks to me like the backlash was good at 0.008", but I need to replace the 0.030" pinion shim with a 0.040"

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/061_zps021b330a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/061_zps021b330a.jpg.html)

[economiser]

So here's my first mod, cutting for the third link. I'm copying a similar car here, and I'll post a pic of that after mine.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/063_zps5efad884.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/063_zps5efad884.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/2004783850100856500MQSRLp_fs_zpsb6a01d12.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/2004783850100856500MQSRLp_fs_zpsb6a01d12.jpg.html)

But mine will be adjustable.

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zpscad43363.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zpscad43363.jpg.html)

64" overall width, versus 63 stock, so it'll tuck.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/009_zps768deae1.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/009_zps768deae1.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/007_zpsfb16472f.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/007_zpsfb16472f.jpg.html)

So I guess I'll have to space the backing plates ( which double as caliper brackets ) out a little.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/008_zps178f1db3.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/008_zps178f1db3.jpg.html)

[economiser]

I put a 0.045" cutting disc on my angle grinder, and started correcting the FC crossmember. In no particular order, here are the pics so far. BTW, if you copy this, you need to establish a baseline, do plenty of careful measuring and figuring, and keep track of your reference points. I'll give my exact measurements once my results are acceptable. If you do copy me, it is at your own risk, et cetera.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zpsbe61ebd6.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zpsbe61ebd6.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/009_zps550d04b1.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/009_zps550d04b1.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/003_zps463a37f6.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/003_zps463a37f6.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/013_zpsbd00243f.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/013_zpsbd00243f.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/011_zpsa6653f53.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/011_zpsa6653f53.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/010_zps69576f4c.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/010_zps69576f4c.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/005_zpsb9d87c53.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/005_zpsb9d87c53.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/004_zps121d9415.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/004_zps121d9415.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zps3a37a2ac.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zps3a37a2ac.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/007_zps1494640b.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/007_zps1494640b.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/008_zps870538d4.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/008_zps870538d4.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/009_zpse166ab69.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/009_zpse166ab69.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/012_zps88b7dc5b.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/012_zps88b7dc5b.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/013_zps968096e0.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/013_zps968096e0.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/015_zps2188d664.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/015_zps2188d664.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/018_zps43452be0.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/018_zps43452be0.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/004_zpsc2a294f5.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/004_zpsc2a294f5.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/005_zps94be38c4.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/005_zps94be38c4.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zps404a9daf.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zps404a9daf.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/007_zpsefa7a06a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/007_zpsefa7a06a.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/010_zps6b8182e6.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/010_zps6b8182e6.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/004_zps7f0abd82.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/004_zps7f0abd82.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/005_zps4bf29674.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/005_zps4bf29674.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zpsf0f2f9dd.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zpsf0f2f9dd.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/002_zpscff94fd7.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/002_zpscff94fd7.jpg.html)

[economiser]

After removing the front springs, assembling the rest of the front suspension, assembling the "new" rear axle, and measuring, I find there's no space for wheel adapters, and no way to change the lug circle of the front hubs, except to replace the 4-lug with 5-lug, which is necessary for big brakes anyway. But I'm already over budget, so I'm thinking just order front wheels. Only I can't make that match without going 5-lug.
So I found a pair of '01 Mercedes S430 Brembo calipers for $ 110 / pr, delivered, including everything, even the used pads. Next was figuring out rotors, and after 2 hours on Napa's website, I found some 11.75" x 1.25", 5 on 4.5, with a large enough center bore, and less than 0.010" too much height.
Anyone wanting to copy this, the rotors are part number NB4885743. And only $ 54 each! Now I'll have to fab some caliper mounts to adapt them, but that's ok.

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/014_zpscc19960c.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/014_zpscc19960c.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/017_zpsf987fe10.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/017_zpsf987fe10.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/001_zps7b55764a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/001_zps7b55764a.jpg.html)

from 9" to 11.75"

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/004_zps28f819e6.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/004_zps28f819e6.jpg.html)

bit of a problem, but parts have been ordered

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/007_zpsf6da277a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/007_zpsf6da277a.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/006_zps5a19b721.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/006_zps5a19b721.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/001_zpsa54b2307.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/001_zpsa54b2307.jpg.html)

getting my rewiring looking stock

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/002_zpsf0565069.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/002_zpsf0565069.jpg.html)

that mockup looks great

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/005_zpsd7edbbee.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/005_zpsd7edbbee.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/008_zpsc287e294.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/008_zpsc287e294.jpg.html)

there is clearance between the Brembos and the Racelines!

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/011_zps508667b9.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/011_zps508667b9.jpg.html)

[GregWeld]

Seems you're cruising right along! Nice job cleaning up all those electrons...

[economiser]

Thanks!

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/012_zps47bca319.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/012_zps47bca319.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/013_zpsa31c3aa0.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/013_zpsa31c3aa0.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/014_zps1170720f.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/014_zps1170720f.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/017_zpscaabdf32.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/017_zpscaabdf32.jpg.html)

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/002_zps60a081a5.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/002_zps60a081a5.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/003_zpsd862efb3.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/003_zpsd862efb3.jpg.html)

[economiser]

Yesterday I turned the car around to do some welding after all that butchery, but then I discovered what a hypocritical dumbarse I am. I set a fender in place, and realized I hadn't moved the crossmember back. The front wheels were way too far forward. Now I have to move everything back an inch, then mock it up. And even if that goes well, now I have this hassle of the steering linkage. Even at an inch I'll still have slightly more wheelbase, and positive caster, than stock. I seldom worry about looks, and I don't mind the idea of the wheels not being centered in the wells, but this needs corrected.

[economiser]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/001_zps4699ae57.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/001_zps4699ae57.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t616/thecosmick/005_zpsfc0e78e9.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/thecosmick/media/005_zpsfc0e78e9.jpg.html)

[economiser]

Not dead. In fact, just got the Moog CC877 springs assembled onto the struts, after a bit of modifying the springs.

[economiser]

I did a little trimming on the struts, the spring seat, but then when I tried to put the wheels on, the tire rubbed the spring. So I had to undo alot, turn the spring a quarter turn, then I felt I had to spot weld the tip of the coil to the spring seat. Pics to follow. Anyway, now the car rolls.
I need to get the engine and trans in the car, to free up some garage space, before making some custom brackets to mount the Brembo calipers.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

while your in there close up that hole next to your notch. Big weak spot.