Keisler Automation Drop Spindle kit, worth it?
 

So I know there was a thread on these, but I figured necroposting wouldn't do much good.

I was looking into buying the kit sold here: Keisler Automation drop spindles MAZDA - MiataRoadster - High-performance customer service...and parts for Roadsters but wanted some feedback on them before dropping some cash on them. The original post was more about the interest and potential benefits the kit brings, but no one really posted about buying the kit and installing it. I've heard a few negative things about them, like certain shock setups hitting, requiring new brake setups, no ABS and was wondering if anyone has actually installed them, My setup right now is stock, but the end goal is to have XIDA coilovers, possibly the FM big brake kit, tubular control arms, and maybe modified knuckles.

Anyone here have these that can give feedback on them, positive or negative? Thanks.

My feedback is if you are still ising stock shocks and springs....there is NO WAY you should be considering buying a set of drop spindles as your first suspension mod.

https://www.miataturbo.net/suspensio...pindles-76700/

I've seen them being made, very high quality product and lots of pros. However, this should not be your first mod to consider for suspension, heh.

This won't be my first for sure, but I don't want to invest in it if it interferes with what I would have once I'm ready to install it.

If you aren't building custom shocks to match, they aren't worth buying.

Yeah if I remember right to take full advantage of the spindles and get more droop you need longer shocks, not to mention MR2 hubs for the fronts.

The main concern with this whole thing is the cost, but the benefits are great. Just remember the cost\benefit analysis on this. You're probably looking at ~5grand for shocks/spindles/bearings/brake kit.

The link I posted has the MR2 hubs as an addition to the package. Also offers upper control arm ball joins, lower control arm ball joints, and tie rod end ball joints.

Is there a tried-and-true suspension setup made for these?

Keisler has his car with a nice cantilever setup, at least in the rear. I think he found some hayabusa shocks that fit the correct dimensions for the front of the car. I know first hand it works great :party:

I don't think many people in the states have tried these, but I know there's a dozen or more across the pond using them successfully. Unsure on the application, though.

Hayabusa? As in.. Motorcycle shocks?

Correct. It's not a developed solution I don't believe, but it works on paper and seems to work well enough in the real world too. As others have said, you'd ideally want a custom built shock for it. There's always the option to run spacers with a current OTS option while the custom shocks are being developed.

Very interesting. I suppose that it isn't really that strange. I wonder how much fabrication would be required to install something like that..

I just found this post on Club Roadster, seems to have a bit of info as well:

Our V2 BBK fits.

If you have axle/shock interference after install, you didn't get your custom shock dimensions correct.

The Gen 2's are supposed to work with ABS. His own test car has ABS now.

Hello all,

First off, I want to thank the moderators for giving me the opportunity to post on behalf of my retailer, Bill Wilner of Miataroadster.com. I would like to become a positive attribute to the forum by answering any questions in regards to my product line and also share any information regarding chassis, steering, and suspension dynamics.

I'm a little late to this post, but I have attached a link regarding information and precautions for the drop spindles-

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_l...5pd2k0ZWM/view

This link is constantly updated and provides accurate information to the Gen1 and now, Gen2 drop spindles. Many of the fitment hiccups of the Gen1 spindles have been dealt with after more then 2 years of testing all over the globe.

Before I get into "custom shocks", please remember that the NA/NB chassis have a .7/1 motion ratio front and rear. This means for every 1" the wheel actuates up and down, the shock moves .7". To compensate for the 1.5" drop in the spindle, the shock would need to be an extra 1.05" in length.

We offer 1" thick shock spacers that will compensate for the drop in the spindle while leaving the ride height roughly .07" lower then before the spindle and spacer install. This method does not change shock travel.

Some aftermarket shocks may have an interference issue with the spring perch and the rear axle shafts. A quick fix for a moderate level fabricator is to ditch the shock spacers in the rear and fabricate a pair of lower shock brackets with the mounting hole raised one inch. With a angle/cut off grinder, drill press, welder, and a little patience, one could make quick work of said brackets. The OEM brackets can be completely done away with, or the new brackets can extend off of the OEMs with the right design. All though I don't offer these brackets as a product, I am always happy to assist customers in the simple design of these brackets or even fabricate the brackets onto control arms shipped in by customers.

This method may not be the "bolt on" approach that many are looking for, but if it saves a couple grand in custom shocks, I feel it is worth half a days effort at most.

Our aluminum lower control arms that are in the works will utilize bolt on shock brackets front and rear. We will have the option for extended brackets for our customers that plan on coupling the arms to drop spindles.

Any questions, please feel free to ask.

Groan. They are EXACTLY what he should buy first. If the man wants the best suspension set up for a NA/NB he needs to start with the spindles. Everything else will be throw away if he does the spindles later. I hope you've all seen what 949 is doing now that these have matured.

This is an old thread but mis-info lives forever if not corrected.

Just for the record, I have Zossy's setup for sale (with Xidas) ATM, less the AP fronts (though they might be available too). All nicely debugged as per above, plus a bit more, although he hadn't got around to connecting up the ABS. That car was crazy fast, but I know they put a lot of effort into getting it that way.

Sadly I didn't get to install it on my car before I changed direction, hence the sale.

I haven't put it up here because of freight costs, but if anyone is interested in it I would be prepared to investigate the costs of shipping.

Unless the OP is ready to spend 8-10k in suspension componentry alone, he should start by buying a decent set of shocks for his existing arms and spindles and developing the car from there. Once he reaches a point where the spindles would be substantially helpful to him, the original set of "throw-away" shocks will seem like a prior lifetime. It would be far more foolish to dump the money into the spindles, custom shocks, custom arms, sphericals, etc, etc, etc. without understanding what any of them do. You are advocating putting the cart before the horse.

The guy you quote as spouting "mis-information" is arguably one of the most technically competent individuals on this forum. He also uses Keisler spindles on his own car. Proceed at your own peril on that front.

Savington, sorry, I'm not impressed. And no, it's not 8-10k in components. Don't judge by a 34 post count. You don't know who I am. I've been involved with these for more than 12 years.

Sounds like you've gained a lot of knowledge in the 4 months since you last asked Fisher Price level questions in the Better Bilstein thread. Care to share what you know now?

I really don't care if some self proclaimed expert is impressed by me, my opinion or my car. You aren't my target audience. When major automotive manufactures start featuring your car on their web-pages, when major tire manufactures use you and your car's likenesses in their advertisements, when you start winning championships.....you'll be at the entry level of people who MIGHT impress me and who's opinions MIGHT be a blip on my radar.

And you really don't math well for someone who claims to be a suspension guru.