New spindles and uprights - what features are needed?
 

We're about to embark on a Miata project with a LOT of fabrication. This will be a high powered car with a lot of tire under it. One of the things we're looking at is fabricating new spindles and rear uprights that will accept a modern cartridge style bearing. These parts will eventually make it to production.

Why? The number one reason is to get rid of the failure prone front hub. Number two is to make it easier to put a Ford 8.8 IRS diff in the back.

This will most likely mean a swap to 5x114 bolt pattern.

Is there anything else we should incorporate into the new parts? Raise the centerlines to lower the car? Move the steering arm for more or less Ackerman? Fix any bump steer from lowering?

If we can drive a season on a repacked hub, do we need a bigger bearing?

Why do you want to use an ultra-heavy iron rear end?

Who makes a 9" wide 5x114 wheel?

We'll be using more tire and have more power.
The rear end we will use is an all aluminum housing.
This project will use a larger diameter wheel.

Im taking a different approch. Custom rear subframe with suspension mounted higher in the chassis. tubbed inner fenders. 23.5X11R16 tires on 16X11" wheels. Could possibly go to 12" wide tires.

Bob

cool
cool
meh