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Topic: Custom made spindles for coil-overs? (Read 5643 times) previous topic - next topic

Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

So I bought this coil-over kit for my 5.0 88 TC car and the guy that sold it to me assured me that it'd fit my car, with my wheels and tires saying, "yeah, my buddy has the exact same setup!"

Long story short, I installed everything and my 17x9 R's didn't fit!  I probably needed a good inch of clearance.  So my question is:

Would some kind of tubular custom spindles, made to move the spindle strut mounts straight in toward the center of the car, really mess up the geometry of the suspension?

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #1 –
You shouldn't need anything special like that.  Are you sure the backspacing on your wheels is correct?  Are your springs too long?  Folks do this swap all the time. 

We need a bit more info on what you have and what you tried to install.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #2 –
Coilovers with 17x9 Saleen wheels, no clearence problems. :dunno:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #3 –
Well, I'm sure that this setup doesnt fit.  I don't remember the brand of the kit anymore, but it was a Fox body, street coil-over kit (bought front and rear).  When I put the front coilovers in (never bothered with the rears after this), the springs stuck out from the strut too much and the tires didn't clear.  BTW, I had the wheels and tires on for a while before I put the coil-overs on (actually, they are still on the car) and I had no backspacing problems what-so-ever. 

I guess I should have got a second opinion on this, since I knew I only had about 1/4 - 1/2" clearance between the tire and the strut, but I figured the coilovers changed something to make enough clearance, since this salesman was so sure.  So is there anything I can do?

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #4 –
got any pics of the setup? any details?
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #5 –
Well, perhaps the springs are too long.  You kind of have to think that if the strut is close to the wheel/tire (as they normally are on these things when you fit wide tires) you can't have a spring that's an extra 1" around or more that is going to fit.

10" springs are usually what you need.

Since you can't tell us what kit, and don't have any pics we really can't help you much more.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: BookSixStudios@yahoo.com
Well, I'm sure that this setup doesnt fit.


Maybe you didn't install it right.

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck W
Well, perhaps the springs are too long.  You kind of have to think that if the strut is close to the wheel/tire (as they normally are on these things when you fit wide tires) you can't have a spring that's an extra 1" around or more that is going to fit.


Yes, I realize this, and did at the time of ordering.  I know it sounds kind of stupid that I ordered it knowing of the clearance.  But I didn't know exactly how the kit was set up.  All I know is after 30 min on the phone, the guy promised it would work great with my exact setup.


Quote from: lowcat
Maybe you didn't install it right.


LOL, its really not that hard.  Put the coil-overs on and bolt the strut back in the only place it fits.


Well anyway, the car is 2000 miles away, so is the kit.  I'll try to get some info and measurments.  And sorry, this was back before my digital camera.  No pics!

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #8 –
Oh yeah, and one other thing that I forgot.  I dont think it matters but in case it does and you read my signature and say "hey, you left this out...":

When I installed the kit, I had stock TC spindles on, I now have SN spindles for the cobra brakes.

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #9 –
Well, my first thoughts are you have maybe 12" springs on there....that would cause the problem....
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #10 –
Ok, well I see if I can get them measured.  Thanks....

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #11 –
Cougarman.... what coil overs do you have? Brand, specs, springrate? Any problems with your install? How mush adjustment do you get with them height wise? Any and all information about your install would be great. Thanks.

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #12 –
They are from Granatelli motorsport, iirc, they had about 3-4 inches of adjustment the springs were 500lbs. It's been awhile since I had them, traded them for a set of Cobra r's and some air tools. If I find any more info I'll post it. :grinno:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #13 –
here's a pic of the kit....
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

Re: Custom made spindles for coil-overs?

Reply #14 –
were those for the stock struts?
It's Gumby's fault.