Offset suspension bushings

[Rickrey]

Does anyone make offset rear link bushings to adjust camber ?
Thanks

[miked]

I have never seen any. The Elan and it's bushes have been discussed at length. Standard rubber ones, poly bushes, rod ends and sperical bearings. Adjustable A frames and adjustable wishbones.
A lot if divided opinion about the pros and cons of each. Out of the box some of the chassis's (oops ... sub frames) and bones can add up to quite an out of tolerance.
I have been on here since 03 and dont recall offset bushes being discussed. I assume you have done a search.
Mike

[Foxie]

I fitted a set of fully-adjustable Spyder wishbones some time ago.

All upper links are fully adjustable for camber, front upper wishbones also gives a degree of caster adjustment, lower rear wishbone have toe adjustment by a bottle screw on the rear tube.

[Rickrey]

Thanks — I’ve considered the adjustable rear links for the rear. I installed TTR coil overs at the front and Paul Matty springs in the rear. All the rubber bushings look good, but I have about a 1/10” toe out on the left rear and excessive negative camber on the right rear (1.75). Fronts are good. Unfortunately, I didn’t check alignment before I started to work on the car.
I would most like to fix the toe out. There are available offset bushings for the front of MGBs— I thought I might be able to adapt one of these to the Lotus rear.
Are the bushings used on the Lotus rear common to another make of car ?
Thanks again.

[Foxie]

The as-original rear toe and cambers were all way off, and all positive instead of negative.

The adjustable rear end transformed the straight line stability most of all.

[Rickrey]

That’s what I’m noticing— above 70mph the car wanders. I looked at the alignment readout again. The right rear is 0.35 degrees toe in and the left rear is 0.21 degrees toe out. So, the rear is steering left going down the road.
I was looking for an inexpensive fix, but it looks as though I’m going to need the adjustable links.
Where is the best place get these at a somewhat reasonable price ?

Thanks

[Foxie]

https://www.spydercars.co.uk/lotus-elan-2-wishbones/

[snowyelan]

If you're handy with a welder, and have access to a lathe you could modify your own arms.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=30315&start=

[Rickrey]

Thanks for the information. I know which way to go now.

[ceejay]

Late on this...but have a read of this.

http://elantrikbits.com/lotus-elan-blog ... ar-a-arms/

[bitsobrits]

However you do it, you really want to get the rear toe dialed in as it makes a huge difference in feel and confidence in medium to high speed sweepers. I'm currently running just under 1/8" per side in my S1 with good results.

[alanr]

I am rather curious to hear what Home DIY method of Track alignment equipment you are using to achieve this, and exactly how? Not familar with a baby Elan but a +2 has a 1inch wider rear track than at the front to further complicate any home improvised equipment measurement taking.
Also, Spyder talk about 3/16 toe in?...Is that per side or a total figure across the axle?

Personally I tend to agree with Colin Chapman when he said 'Give them adjustment and they will get it wrong'

Alan

[Rickrey]

Thanks for the comments and I did view the information from ceejay. The alignment measurements were done at an alignment shop with, supposedly, the latest equipment.