Fitting front offset trailing arm mounting bushes

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E30mann
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Post Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:57 pm

Hey all, just a quick one to settle an argument! am in the process of fitting front sport suspension, thought that while I'm at it I'd replace the standard front slotted wishbone mounts for solid offset M3 ones - have a copy of the 'E30 Restoration Bible', said it would be a good idea as it slightly increases the front feel and handling. My query is, as the bush sets the wishbone slightly more outside (near the edge of the tennis racket shaped thingy), does the tie rods on the steering arms need extending to match the wishbone, or is it fine to leave it as is? my mate/helper on the project says the bushing does all the work, whereas I would say that it leaves the front wheels 'cross-eyed' without the tie rods being lengthened to correct it. Whoevers right gets a pint from the other tonight, so if someone could settle this for us that would be great!
StuBeeDoo
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Post Mon Jul 10, 2006 8:41 pm

Altering the castor by fitting the eccentric bushes will alter the tracking. You will need to get it re-aligned.
HTH
Stuart.
This is why I no longer drive an E30......

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Brianmoooore
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Post Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:15 pm

Even replacing suspension components like for like, the tracking should be checked/set.
StuBeeDoo
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Post Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:59 am

Brianmoooore wrote:Even replacing suspension components like for like, the tracking should be checked/set.

Good point Brian. I nearly put that, but you know what this place is like............. I'd probably have got flamed for suggesting it.
Last edited by StuBeeDoo on Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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E30mann
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Post Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:35 am

Hey guys thanks for sorting that out for me - pointing out what other zoners would think is stating the obvious isn't obvious to me - first time for me doing a car this in depth, so any help is very much appreciated, we all have to start somewhere eh? cheers!