Is it possible to convert a car that has torsion bars to coil-overs? I am guessing it along the same lines as converting from leaf springs to coil-overs but I wanted to double check.
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March 9, 2010 11:52 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork
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March 10, 2010 12:14 a.m. Wally PowerDork
Yes, as long as you can make a set of mounts for them
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March 10, 2010 9:03 a.m. itsarebuild New Reader
i was curious about his too but i dont see why not. i was looking at this for my durango and it looks like it would be relatively easy with some welding and fab skills for the mounts. seems to me the big question would be whether or not the torsion bar does anything to stabilize the lower control arm from wheel impacts at speed. anyone have any idea on this?
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March 10, 2010 9:35 a.m. Gimp Dork
This is a popular mod for a lot of Dodge muscle cars. Many of those use a replacement K-member.
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March 10, 2010 10:02 a.m. turboswede UltraDork
Many of the Porsche 924/944 guys just add springs to the existing shocks and leave the torsion bars in place. The coils allow quicker/easier adjustment of spring rates at the expense of slightly higher CoG and the added rates seem to work out.
Some of the more serious folks remove the torsion bars completely and simplify the rear suspension to reduce weight, but they have to brace the upper shock mounts due to the higher spring rates causing issues with the mounts on the chassis.
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March 10, 2010 10:08 a.m. unevolved Reader
FB33 RX7s have non-axial coil springs and dampers, and from what I understand those that have simply added a "coilover" where the existing shock is mounted wind up with damage as the shock mount isn't designed to support the weight of the vehicle. Reinforcement can fix that, yes, but it's just some food for thought.
