Radius arm length, shock mount location, live axle

[Vinman1]

Looking for info on the various lengths of Radius arms and Ford axle weld position for shock / radius arm locations for Sevens. Mine is a live axle car and I am questioning the rearward position of the axle and wing clearance. Most I see are at the 12 O'clock position relative to the axle center. Mine are at the 10 or 11 position.  Perhaps they were set for a 4 link?

Greatly appreciated,

 

V

[MV8]

[Vinman1]

I see, the 4 links are mounted behind center, I'd say at the 1 or 2 Oclock position and the top Radius arm is curved. How long is the bottom arm, bush ctr to bush ctr?

[MV8]

I don't know. Wheelbase spec can get it close but there is also pinion angle to consider among other things. Better not to rely on someone else's measurement. To make the lowers, I'd fit the dampers without the springs, fenders, and wheels to determine best placement at ride height, wheelbase specs, driveshaft joint angles cancelling, and the forward travel of the wheel in bump. Make lowers, fit, and repeat the process for the uppers. Adjustable length upper arms might be nice to have but not original. A museum like Barber Motorsport in Leeds, AL may allow you to take a measurement.

[MV8]

I showed you S1. S2 and 3 live axle is like this, similar to dedion. You should be able to buy those new from cat.

It looks like the pinion angle is adjustable by loosening the upper link/lower coilover mount brkt U-bolts and rotating the housing.

Edited December 12, 2022 by MV8

[Vinman1]

MV8,

 

I have seen that drawing with the bolt on shock/radius arm mounts. It does appear to make it easy to adjust pinion angle. The radius arms appear to have a curve upward at the shock mount. Have never seen those type. I agree with that essentially, all these cars are a bit different and removing the springs to set up and test suspension movement is the way to go. Will do this week and let you know how it works out. 

The other issue with the rear is the width. It is a Ford Escort Mexico which is 1.5" wider than the Ital or Corsica axle. On top of that I did a rear disc brake conversion, because I could not find brake backing plates anywhere for the Ford rear.  This added 10-15mm of width due to rotors and required spacers for 13" rim  / caliper clearance. The 60's series tires did not help either.

I would go to the drum set up if I could find brake backing plates for this rear, perhaps you know of a source? 

 

Best,

 

V

[MV8]

Turners Auto Wrecking in Fresno may have a complete '70 cortina axle, stock # ST026. 559 237 0918.

Not hard to find just the brakes cheap on UK ebay if you can find a shipper.

Try US cortina or capri clubs or salvage yards that specialize in antiques.

 

[Vinman1]

Saw some on ebay. Will try the Capri clubs too. Thx!