Spyder Front Tubular Wishbones

[handi_andi]

Hello all

I am in the process of deciding whether to refurbish my existing wishbones, of which two need replacing as they are irrepairable, or replace with spyder Tubular wishbones. Hence I was wondering what peoples experiences have been of them?

On a seperate issue has anyone fitted Leda coilsm shocks and struts to a plus 2 and if so how did you get on?

Cheers

Andy

[niallf]

IMHO, they're good and strong, but that may be a problem with a folded steel chassis. With the spaceframe spyder chassis, they're fine, it's a very strong chassis/suspension set-up. The original folded steel wishbones are weak enough to deform before the original chassis in the event of a lateral clout, that would be what I would worry about.

Niall

[handi_andi]

Niall

I struck lucky when i brought the car as it already had a spyder chassis fitted. Although I can see the benefit of having the wishbones as the weak link rather than risk damaging the chassis, part of the reason for canvassing on here is to understand all of these issues in order to make an informed decision.

Cheers

Andy

[stugilmour]

Andy:

I went with the Spyder wishbones front & rear for my re-build using a Spyder chassis. Would make sure they come with the mounting bolts, as Spyder system is a bit different than stock. For the rear I got the adjustable ones, which allows toe in. Both ends fitted very well. They can be purchased with all bushings installed, which was great. Sounds like you are going with different shock/strut; I got the Protech's from Spyder. Can't give you info regarding in use, as car is not back on the road yet.

Agree with comment above about the stock ones being deformable. The write-up in the Dave Bean catalog makes this point as well. I figured this is not a big issue if using the car for road use and not a daily driver, as chances of a rap on the corner are not that great.

Let us know what you decide.

[niallf]

Niall
I struck lucky when i brought the car as it already had a spyder chassis fitted. Although I can see the benefit of having the wishbones as the weak link rather than risk damaging the chassis, part of the reason for canvassing on here is to understand all of these issues in order to make an informed decision.
Cheers
Andy

Hi Andy,
If you have a Spyder chassis, then Spyder wishbones are still likely to be the weakest link, which is good. It's just that this chassis/suspension set-up is now much stronger, overall.

I think Spyder wishbones and a standard folded steel chassis could be a combination that resulted in a few unneccessarily deformed chassis mounting points. That said, not many of us set out to under/oversteer into curbs at speed, which is really when I think all this gets put under lateral stress!

Niall

[JJDraper]

The lower wishbones on my +2 wore out due to elongation of the mounting holes at the trunnion end. A most unsettling feeling when cornering - understeer then oversteer as they shifted about. I only replaced the lower bones and the difference was clear in terms of handling, being more precise. The front end felt much more planted, even compared to when I first got the car years earlier. It is difficult to compare my experience of before and after, as the elongation of the holes in the wishbones will have been gradual, along with the deteriorating handling..

Quality wise, they fit well and have stood up to around 30k miles since fitting and have gone back on the rebuilt car, along with a new set of upper wishbones. Their weakest point is the paint/coating which has lifted a bit - but then the originals are worse! I still have the old ones, but I am not sure if they are worth repairing.

Overall I am happy with the Spyder parts.

Jeremy

[alexblack13]

Hi Andy,

As Stu' says above its all about what you are intending to do with the car. The spyder items are good, well made and strong. I agree they may be too strong for a std chassis and a clout prob' will distort the std frame. I would stick to the standard type if I could. I could not lay my hands on them so fitted the Spyder Items. They are well planted beteen my ears. 1st oppo' I prob will change them. The ones that came off my car look original but are heavily rust pitted. They sit on my shelf looking at me. If you are passing and want to look / borrow them as patterns.. You are welcome.

Your existing should be fixable. Carefully brazed on 'bosses' in the right place should sort them out. Providing they are in good condition otherwise.

AB...