1303 73 to 74 conversion problems
 

hi i own a 73 1303 after reading about the conversion to 74 spec suspension i went out and bought the 2 x track control arms, swaybar, 2x spindles ,rotors, calipers and strut legs complete.
i used the earlier >73 top mounts and all fits.

the problem i have is i notice a slight twist in the track control arms when they are fitted to the car and the car is on the ground also they bottom out on the frame head and stop the suspension from moving up do i grind part of the 2 plates that are on the frame head end of the track control arms of to allow full movement?

my wheels were also sitting like / \ how far is it safe to adjust the tierods and should i also use the later 74 tie rods? (i converted from drum front brakes to the discs front brakes that came with the 74 suspension).
i couldnt get the n/s tie rod to come loose so got the o/s tie rod outerend loose to sort the problem there is about 1 1/2"- 2" of thread still in the tierod will this be safe.

before the conversion from 73 drums and suspension to 74 discs and suspension my front wheels sat in a perfect line with the front wings now my wheels protrude beyond the wings how much track difference is there between the suspensions? now ill need to put on 2" wider front wings but cant wait to get it all setup properley and try this baby out...
thankyou for your help...

Sorry for my late reply. The first thing that comes to mind is that you may have the anti-sway bar installed upside down. The tie rods and ends were the same from 71-74 so that is not the cause. The later suspension is wider, but only by 8 mm, so that is not the cause either. Once you've had it fully adjusted and checked by a computerized alignment machine please reply with the results.

Superman,

I am in the process of doing the late to early myself..

I have a question, do I need to change the tie rods.. You indicate that 71-74 are the same.. which I take as early vs late the same? I am running the 944 spindles.. I eventually will find out (maybe this weekend, pending wife going into labor :bawling: )

I am installing a new shock stabilizer and reattaching everything so I am trying to figure out if I will be surprised.. If I do need longer can I use my 78 tie rods.. I think the inner ends are different??
Alex

I don't really understand your question because your car is a '78 and it already has the late suspension that is required for the 944 brake conversion.

Superman..

Sorry about that..

I did the early to late on my second bug.. a 73 saloon..

I need to change my sig..
Alex

Okay ;) ask the question again, I'm all confused now :confused:

Ok.. round two.. or three :)

I have a two bugs.. working on the 73.. so for now my question is for the 73..

I did the late suspension conversion on the 73 with some parts off my 78...

What I found is that the 73 tie rods are about two inches shorter on each side.. the wheels look like / \ when looking from the top.. so to answer my one question "YES" JIC anyone wanted to know..

The longer 78 rods should help..

Now a new question.. The Center bar on the 73 has two ball joints looking things, which are connected to the idler arm (Pass side) and the other side is where the stabilizer shock is also connected. These don't look replaceable, is this correct.. PS I am not referring to the Joints that the tie rods are connected to.. I was hoping to save some money 80ish by just replacing the joint..

Anyone have insight, or do I just replace the center tie rod..

Thanks
ALex

Just got some more parts for my 73 to 74 front conversion..

Got my center tie rod and late left and right tie rods with ends..

Bolted up everything, except for the pitman arm bushing, which I ran out of time to do.. but everything is good.. the longer tie rods are needed..

If anyone has questions let me know.. and I can also take pics..

ALex

Why do people want to change to the newer suspension?

The old system with tree bolts trough the spindle is much tougher. and will not break in the lower balljoint like the new usualy does.!

this is offcourse if you use your car for offroad or track racing.

Just my opinion...

I think most of the guys swap in the newer style stuff so they can bolt in the 944 spindles. I like the 3 bolt stuff myself, but then you'll need machining to make it all work with the 944 brakes.