Fabricating Rear Suspension Wishbones

[260DET]

In order to have adjustable rear camber, I am in the process of designing replacement wishbones (transverse links). The idea is to use the stock inner threaded tubes and their rubber mounts, together with two rod ends on the outer shaft which locates in the hub. The eyes of the rod ends would locate on the stock outer shaft. So the threaded part of the rod ends would point inwards at 90 degrees to the wheels. From an engineering point of view, is it OK to use rod ends in this way, keeping in mind that the rod ends will not be angled in the direction of travel? From a practical point of view, the proposal seems quite workable, using structural steel pipe to make the basic wishbones.

[peej410]

i think this has already been done, there are a few different ways it can be done, i would use heim joints if i were you. Heres another way to do it, but i dont agree with the design http://www.usq.edu.au/users/degroot/240z/Pages/suspension.htm

the reason i dont like the design of the rear a-arm is that it wouldnt effectively adjust toe, because of where the adjustments are the a-arm would bind when you try to adjust toe. i understand that for camber this would be effective but theres no point in putting the adjustments there if u cant adjust toe too. i like your idea better. if i find a picture of it done ill send you the link - pete

[Guest ScaryFast]

go to http://www.arizonazcar.com/

[260DET]

Thanks muchly for the links. The Arizona set up looks quite good except that it seems while toe may be adjustable without any disassembly, camber is not. I'd guess that you would have to use a sliding clamp to connect a sway bar, too. But for my purposes the Arizona approach indicates that using rod ends as they have is a sound engineering practice. I hope.

 

The set up shown on your link peej410 would, as you say, not allow any significant toe adjustment.