Hi Dave,
Those chassis kits are often a good value. I'd personally go for the
urethane bushings in any suspension rebuild, just because they last a lot
longer
and give more precise handling.
The solid steering rack mounts are a good idea, but there are different
quality available and I'd suggest shopping around. They will probably transfer
more noise and road "feel" to the steering. Poly mounts are an "in between"
solution, surely a lot better than the rubber mounts, but still a little
forgiving. I don't know for certain, but imagine they still require some
preloading.
Check with the supplier.
Regarding Konig Rewinds, I've heard they are a good wheel but I believe
they are only in limited sizes. 15x5.5 wheels are pretty safe on TR4/4A with
standard suspension setup. Some brands of wheels are only available 15x6 and
that
can be pushing it. With both these wheel sizes, watch for interference at the
rear/upper a-arm in particular, when the steering is turned all the way to
one side or the other. 16x6 wheels and/or lowered/cambered suspensions can be
even more of a problem.
I'm running 195/60 Goodyear Eagle HP tires on 15x5.5 KN Minotar wheels.
The wheel was very close to the a-arm, probably partially due to other
suspension modifications and lowering of the car, but has adequate clearance
after I
did some work on it. There are a variety of ways to correct for interference at
the rear upper a-arm, but it sort of depends on the car, suspension setup and
tires/wheels being used, what works best.
You might want to look at Superlight Wheels, too. These appear a very good
value and sets I've seen are quite nice. Again, I think 15x6 is all that's
available. KN and Konig are the next up the price ladder. Panasports seem to be
the priciest of the Minilite or 8-spoke style wheels, also are usually not
found in the 15x5.5 size, I believe. Expect them to be 15x6.
By the way, there are some alloy wheels available in centerlock versions,
that will fit right onto your wire wheel adapters. I know KN and Superlight
offer these. Not sure about Konig or Panasport. They look really great, but
there is much less weight reduction. I think you will really notice a
difference
going to lighter alloys and reducing unsprung weight.
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 CT17602L
*****************************************************************
1. Has anybody had any experience with The Roadster Factory front suspension
kits? Seems like a good deal right now.
2. I am considering converting my steering rack mounts to solid aluminum but
have heard some of the kits out there crack over a period of time. Would it
be better to just go to Poly or some other material. From what I have heard,
the stock rubber rack mounts should be a last choice. If I use Poly mounts,
do I still have to preload the rack mounts and if so how is that done these
days?
3. I am considering changing from the stock 60 spoke wire wheels to the
Konig (minilite type) wheels. Did anybody ever buy a set of these? If so,
what do you think of them and what size did you get?
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