Track width

[Tim]

The front track width is one inch or so wider than the rear track width of a stock 1303. I am going to install the late 944 rear arms which will increase the rear by 3 inches each side. That means the rear track will become at least 4 inches wider than the front. Would it be any negative effect on the handling characteristic of the 1303?

Tim

[NYBugman1972]

I'm pretty darn sure aluminum trailing arms widen the track by 1" per side, so you only get 2" total +/-, which evens the rear track with the front. 3" on each side is massive and you'd need some really wide fenders to cover them, and then you'd mount the wheels, so you'd be sticking out maybe 5-6" more than stock overall, depending on wheel offset and width.

I don't think you'll have problems, as the aluminum arms are a popular setup. Personally, I run stock trailing arms with a 1" spacer with 17X8.5" with a 245-45-17 tire and there have been no problems.

[vujade]

Mike

Early Steel 944 arms - no track widening
Early Aluminum 944 arms widen track by 1" per side
Late Aluminum 944 arms widen track by 2" per side
944 Brakes widen your track by about 1" per side

So you see, your mininum width increase is going to be at least 2" per side if you use early aluminum arms & 944 brakes.

If Tim uses later aluminum 944 arms & 944 brakes he will widen his track by 3" per side.

[NYBugman1972]

Now, what exactly determines an early or late setup. What's the cutoff point?

[vujade]

83-85 = early 944 Steel Arms

86-91 = early 944 Aluminum Arms
92-95 = late 944 Aluminum Arms