3Pooches version 3.5

That was the deciding factor. Long drive for five laps, but we're going to make a "weekend" out of it.

 

Got the caster correction plates installed on the LC, definitely drives a lot better. Need to get the alignment checked to see what I ended up at (I was at 0* before).

Rear bumper is getting close, pretty much just need to do final welding/sanding/painting.

Caster plates:

 

Does it push the front axle forward?

 

No, it clocks the axle by repositioning the holes on the radius arm axle brackets. Hard to explain…spent about 4 hours drilling the new holes, not fun.

 

Are you getting 37’s?

 

This is just to have it quit driving squirrelly on the road. I mean, I eventually plan to get 37s but most likely not this year. I’ll probably need new radius arms when I go 37s to move the axle forward an inch, which aren’t cheap.

 

So the dumb question(s): what was the aim of moving your suspension around? Were you trying to fix something?

I keep looking at your gussets and mount tabs. My butt-engineer wonders if that's not strong enough, too. It could be because the gussets are punched out or the surface contact between the frame and tab. Either way, I trust your skills and there's only one way to find out if it'll work. Send it!

And your welds look beautiful. For reals.

 

Agreed, thanks for posting the weld porn.

 

Went to Purcellville this weekend to check out a KLR-650. I can't make up my mind on whether I want a car-toy or a motorcycle toy. Maybe I should get a Focus RS and Chris and I can start a club.

 

My original reason for the redo is to get rid of the traditional style trailing arm. I want to take advantage of some new products and move all the pivots up several inches. With the new style anti wobble joints you no longer need to have the shocks mounted below the center line of the trailing arm. And since I’m this far in I decided to redo everything. Shorter arms All around, bigger bolts and joints, wider separation between mounts. Should tighten up the rear and be stronger all while increasing clearance and improving geometry

 

All I read was it can be jumped without worry of damage now. I approve these changes.

 

The obvious option is you need both!

 

Well, yes. My personal accountant won't let that fly. Maybe just get a used Golf R and call it a day. It's a great replacement for the Matrix!

 

The golf R would be a great choice

 

Si

https://www.karenradleyvw.com/auto/used-2022-volkswagen-golf-r-20t-woodbridge-va/87568924/

 

Love the color and the mileage!

 

Ditto. Dealer is close, too. Have to see if I'll have time to look at it on Friday.

 

That’s exciting!

 

Went and looked at a tuner's website real quick. Can't remember the torques, but HP was 470 with bolt-on supporting modifications. Impressive.

 

I guess I’d have to mod the focus then….