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coil conversion on a 73

Tech Talk for Cruiser owners.

Moderators: toaddog, Elmo, DUDELUX

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Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:19 pm
Location: Bowenville, Queensland

coil conversion on a 73

Post by mick&shon »

just wanting advice on a coil spring conversion on a middy
ive heard of some using a 80 series chassis???
and will it pass D.O.T
whats involved and is it worth doing....cheers
Posts: 3038
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2004 10:06 pm
Location: VIC

Post by dogbreath_48 »

Where the fark is goondiwindi for a start? :D

In my opinion, i think the easiest and possibly most cost effective method would be to use standard or 60 series axle assmeblies and some low to medium range coilovers.

A coilover can be had for only a little more than the price of a good set of shocks and springs (FOA or low-end fox for example), and the spring/shock mounts are possible cheaper and simpler (i.e. setup is more flexible). It certainly depends on how much work you can do yourself, and how well you can convince the engineer that you know what you're doing (conversion will have to be engineered in any case).

Alot of people claim it would be easier to drop the 70 series body onto an 80 chassis - but i don't think this is the case - especially considering you'd end up with a standard (compromised) suspension design as opposed to a completely custom/ideal suspension.

Really it all comes down to how much work you cna do yourself, how good you are and how cheap you can get parts.


...wow is that the time?

-Stu :)
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:19 pm
Location: Bowenville, Queensland

Post by mick&shon »

hey stu
goondiwindi is on the Qld/NSW border about 4hrs in land from brisbane
and yes im planning on doing a fair bit if not the whole conversion myself.
getting all the measurements and having a plan is what i need or if anyone
out there has done one that i can have a look at (locally)or have some pics..cheers mick
Posts: 309
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:20 pm

Post by Thommo 73 »

easyest option would be to use 80s diffs or 79s, im using standard. 60s wont work real well cause they are 2" wider on the long side meaning it will be too far over on the short side for mounts(radius arm setup)
your next problem is where the radius arm mounts is where the GB cross member is, so both need to be in the same spot(unless you get custom made longer arms).
DOT im not sure of
and dont plan on having it done in a week.
1uzed and no home for it
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:19 pm
Location: Bowenville, Queensland

Post by mick&shon »

the body off chassis and have a engine conversion to do as well
so ive got a bit of time before i start on coils(if i go that way) but if
i know what i need i can keep an eye out and pick them up when i
see them at the right price :)
Posts: 271
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:15 pm
Location: LLANDILO N.S.W 2747

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Post by lukes4x4 »

PM EVIL73 cause i think he has done this.
LUKEYS 4X4 CUSTOMS - 0409 991742
LLANDILO N.S.W 2747 - SYDNEY
www.lukeys4x4.com
HARDCORE GEAR AND SUSPENSION
Posts: 309
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:20 pm

Post by Thommo 73 »

im pretty sure evil used an 80 chassis, which means you have to shorten the chassis or cut the wheel arches as the 80 has a longer wheel base.
but if you can find an 80 chassis you can use all the brackets off it, radius arms from 79/80/100, make diff brackets yourself...etc

all depends on what diffs you want to use as to what parts you need.
1uzed and no home for it
Posts: 6221
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 12:51 pm
Location: Sydney

Post by v840 »

Why not get bundy radius arms, coil perches, and other bracketry and weld it all to your car? Geometry should remain fairly consistent as they are pretty similar vehicles and may be easier to engineer too.
Just a thought.
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