+2 Front Suspension Re-build issues

[Classic-BSC]

I am currently re-building the Front Suspension on my +2.

I have come across a couple of issues and wondered if anybody else
has come across these issues?

First off, the New Track Rod Ends are about 9.5mm longer than the original
ones.
I am told this is how all the new ones are now Days.
This means nearly 2Cm of Toe Out will need to be Adjusted for, and I don't
think there is that amount of adjustment.

Second, I have fitted TTR adjustable Spring/Dampers, but the Diameter of
the Damper is very slightly wider than the distance between the Lower
Wishbones, which means they Foul the Wishbones once everything is Tightened up.

Now, I can Trim and File the Steering Arms and Dampers to fit, but I have to ask, why
should this be necessary?
Shouldn't Parts ordered for specific Cars (Lotus Elan in this case) Fit correctly?

Has anybody else come across these Problems?


Ian

[JonB]

Regarding the track rod ends, I had the same problem but there was enough thread on both sides of the extension pieces to achieve the right toe in.

I'm more concerned about the TTR shock absorber fit as I was thinking of getting a set myself. Can you take a few more pictures showing the clearance or lack thereof, please? Do I take it that it is the preload adjuster rings that are fouling? If so, you can't be sure this is going to be a problem until you set the ride height - your suspension looks to be at full droop in the picture (must be as it is not assembled) - so when sitting on its wheels the clearance should open up.

[jono]

I've done both of these jobs.

On the track rod ends I found that using a narrower lock nut allowed sufficient adjustment to achieve the necessary toe (and my own experience is that zero toe is optimal but others may disagree)

I can't recall an issue with the TTR spring damper units - have you got the required large washers on both ends of the wishbones to stop the bushes migrating? - if not, that might be your problem.

[john.p.clegg]

Those wishbones look very " square " ?

John

[Classic-BSC]

John,

That's an interesting observation!

The Wishbones are New Susan Miller ones, and I just went out to check.
You are right, they are very slightly more Square on the edges than the Originals.

However, when I matched up the TTR Damper with both the Old and New
Wishbone there was very little difference.
Might be a very slight improvement in clearance with the Old Wishbone,
but not enough for free unobstructed Travel.

I have spoken with TTR this Morning, so will wait for feedback from them.


Ian

[Higs]

Hi

Are the platforms adjusted for the correct ride height yet? Mine (not TTR) have the platforms higher and clear of the wishbones.

Richard

[Classic-BSC]

Hi Richard,

The Ride Height is not set yet, but this doesn't matter as the Spring
Platform is much higher up and above the Wishbone so it is well clear.

The Damper appears to be too wide to fit between the Wishbones, so
either needs to be Narrower, or the lower extremities slightly higher up.


Ian

[Classic-BSC]

Its been a couple of years since I've looked at this Thread.

On looking at it today, I notice most of the Thread appears
to have been deleted.
Basically, all of the information regarding the main fault
and its eventual solution have been removed.

Is there a way of finding out why?



Ian

[elan66]

Hi ,what was the problem and solution ?
Regards Paul