Fabricated A-Body spindle ideas and discussion

swisswill said
This is awesome. I agree with you, I think we need to get geometry mapped out, see what it takes to optimize, and maybe the fab'd spindle can seal the deal. I'll throw some coin in to help defray suspension analyzer costs and pay for time. If there is a lift near me I'm happy to throw my car up and take measurements, but I'm probably not the best guy to map it all out, I paid somebody for help with my '69. I have SPC upper's on my car with a bunch of caster already, but I don't think that would mess with designing caster, or additional caster, into the spindle. But maybe plotting out a neutral position with the UCA, then look to optimize the UBJ? I've heard, and read, that the LCA being level is ideal, but don't know for sure. I know my '76 is much lower than stock, and I'd like to go lower yet but if too low is messing up handling/geometry then I'll make a change. None of it will be perfect, but I'll bet we can find optimum ride height, caster, camber gain, then maybe some tweaks of a custom steering arm can dial it in. When we have something, I'm happy to take it to my guy to get thoughts on machining but @bjkadron already meantioned he's in on that as well. I could also take the design to Michigan Metalworks to get their thoughts on producing it.

I read your comment on the other thread Dion about the hub being pulled in 7/16". That could be tricky for some that already have 18" wheels and big offset. Originally I was planning to match the factory hub/rotor offset with the hub/rotor combo I pulled together, but haven't taken measurements yet.

I appreciate all the work you've done so far, and letting some of us jump in with you.

I looked at the examples of the spindles that Michigan Metalworks produced the best one seems to be something like this which is a large departure from what @DionR had been working on.

That being said, I think the best approach would be to either do a modular design like the below, Or basically just work together on the geometry and then everyone fabricates them how they think best. Though that would lose any opportunities for bulk discounts.

I have Fusion 3d that I can model things in but don't have a suspension analyzer currently. I Have some old information about the stock, raised B-joint and F body setups run through Performance trends but it is from about 15 years ago and I know it's not conclusive. Also my car is not currently in the state that I could accurately measure geometry.