Tuning Coil over front suspension

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Tuning Coil over front suspension

gt alex

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Jun 30, 2017
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Does anyone experience with a front coil over conversion on a 126 model with the rack and pinion steering?
Mine is a 126p circa 1990 and when I look a at the geometry of the top pivot and steering rack and extrapolate the lower wishbone (control arm) length it looks to me the wishbones on the kits are too short.
Has any one experience with how they drive when installed in a rack and pinion model and may bump steer comparisons?
Any input is welcome

Thanks
 
I've no experience of coilovers on the 126 but I am very dubious about swapping the transverse leaf spring for a coilover setup. The top mounts of the front dampers are built for the loads transferred from the dampers alone, not the suspension/springing load - what steps would you take to strengthen this part of what is a very lightly-built structure. I replaced the normal coils with a coilover setup on the rear of a (twin aircooled) 500 years ago and had to do a lot of beefing up of the transverse cross member that took the damper top mounts and, in particular, the bulkhead that took the loads from the cross member. Coilovers are obviously theoretically better than the standard leaf spring but I'm not sure the actual benefits would justify all the engineering that should be done to make a proper job of it. In my opinion a simple strut brace would not be sufficient.
 
I haven't thought too hard about reinforcement yet I assumed these issues had solutions already, since there are several kits on the market.
I am more interested at this moment about the way they drive, is bump steer better than standard (especially the rack and pinion models). but if any one has thoughts on what reinforcement mods to make or stories of success or failure that would be great.
Thanks
 
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