Suspension Component Restoration

Once again, thanks to the folks at FM for guiding me in the right direction.

I purchased most of the suspension components from FM.  I wanted to start out with the best parts available, and not mess around with making upgrades later.  It’s much cheaper this way.

The arms are all used stock Miata parts.  I cleaned them up and painted them.  Yes, it’s a race car.  But it doesn’t need to be ugly.   I was going to powder coat them.  But I used a rust prevention coating, and didn’t realize you couldn’t PC over that.   I painted them with same Rustoleum Regal Red.

Heated and pressed out the old rubber bushings
Heated and pressed out the old rubber bushings
Rust proofed and painted
Rust proofed and painted

Just for fun, I welded in some bracing on the upper rear arm.  Not sure if it needed it, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.  Later, I bought some tubular arms from FM.  But I haven’t installed them yet.

Welded in some extra steel
Welded in some extra steel

My original thought was to use Delrin bushings everywhere.  And I even considered spherical bearings.   But they convinced me that performance oriented rubber bushings were the way to go.   I did not want Poly, as that requires too much maintenance.

Rubber bushings from FM. 30% Stiffer than stock
Rubber bushings from FM. 30% Stiffer than stock
Shop press isn't needed, but it's nice.
Shop press isn’t needed, but it’s nice.

Heavy duty front hub bearing from FM, with ARP studs installed

Heavy duty front hub bearing from FM, with ARP studs installed