This thread is old. An updated version of it can be found at the link below. This is being kept here for now until I get the time to consolidate and prune everything, make it much cleaner, and await some more data from DavidB.
http://club-s12.org/v3/index.php?topic=33508.0
-J
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since theres a lack of any real concrete information regarding the solid axle cars, ive decided to make a thread for it. hopefully others can help fill in the information i dont have and correct any mistakes i made
Basics:the solid axle is found in the USDA 1984 CA20E cars, some candian built 85's, and some FJ equipped cars. the suspension design utilizes a 4 link design similar to a 4x4 truck, with the sway bar mounted under the axle and attached to the lower links. the axle model is a H190 and features a open differential.
Specs:Model: H190
Differential Size: 7.49 inches
Maximum Torque Capacity ~285 lb. ft.
Advantages:* lack of camber adjustment means u can lower it and not have to worry about the wheels tipping in.
* easier to build then IRS type rear ends.
* excellent traction for drag or drift applications
* very strong and durable
Disadvantages:* no camber adjustment, so youre stuck with the straight up rear wheels
* bumps cause handling issues while cornering
* no cheap/easy limited slip options
* no cheap way to do a 5 lug conversion as hubs are fused to the drive axles
* drum brakes, however there are conversion methods (more on that later)
* lacks a "Panhard Bar"
Tech Drawings:Overview:
Removal Points:
Case & Axle Detail:
Exploded View:
Photos:(coming soon, as im in the process of removing my own)
Upgrading:Shocks:Factory Ride Height:
* 1979-1993 Fox Body Ford Mustang ( +/- an inch of height)
- Monroe Sensatrac
- Gabriel
- Kyb GR2
Performance/Lowering:
* 1982-1992 Chevy Camaro ( 1"-5" Lower depending on brand used)
- KYB AGX
- Tokico Illuminas
Typically, stock type camaro shocks will lower the car around 1.5" - 3" while a performance shock will lower it anywhere from 1" to 5"
Lowering the car past 2" with a hard spring will require short stroke shocks or a type of retainer system to prevent spring from coming off perch
Springs:* Ground Control can sell you any spring combination you'd like. Just order a 3"- 3 1/18" Spring diameter
- adapting to 2.5" springs: fabricating a retainer plate will be required if you wish to run smaller diameter springs. Simply drill and tap spring seat to suit 1/2" bolt, drill into a plate, and you have a retainer. There is a pre existing hole which makes this process very easy. Use no smaller than 1/2" use fine thread if possible.
Sway Bars:4-Links: Techno Toy Tuning can build custom 4-links
- for long term drift/race cars, stock 4-links will need to be reinforced for strength, as they bend quite easy.
Limited Slip Differentials:* Phantom Grip (not recommended)
* Nismo Produced a couple models, but theyre both rare and expensive
Brakes:*
S110 Rear Disk Conversion* There might be other caliper/rotor combos that fit, so ill be researching that as well
Bushings:Axle Swaps:***this is based on speculation and theory and shouldnt be taken as fact***
if youre skilled with a welder (or know someone who is) any light type axle can be swapped into the car as long as it has a center mounted diff. remove the stock link mounts and smooth the metal, then weld in new mounts for the links, swap the perches from the old axle or fab up new ones, narrow the axle tubes to the proper width, and weld up some brake mounts. advantages of an axle swap include access to a wider variety of disk brake options, more rear gear options, and a limited slip type diff. however youll need to mod the drive axles on both sizes to accept the hubs of your choice
-toyota truck rear ends
-early rx7 axles
-ford 8.8 or 9" (heavy though)
-early pathfinder axles (some had lsds stock)