CR 1 Front Suspension Upgrade

[rbgray1]

Since the previous thread was getting very lengthy, I thought I'd start a new thread.

Here's my problem:

In the process of upgrading front suspension to QA1 coil overs and Heidts tubular A-Arms.

I'm running into a few issues and want to ask if anyone has done this to a CR1.

Issue 1: Lower A-Arms contact the front lower portion of the Spring Tower/Perch. Has anyone done this conversion and what did you change to eliminate the A-Arm interference? I was thinking about cutting the lower front portion of the spring tower, bending to provide clearance then re-welding the tower.

Issue 2: QA1 Mustang II coil over sets are shorter in term of overall extended shock length and compressed length versus the original Monroe 5815 gas shocks the CR1 build manual called for. Monroe length-13.250 ext, 8.750 Compressed, 4.5"travel------QA1- 11" Extended, 7.75" compressed, 3.25" travel.

Issue 3: The original CR1 upper shock mount extends upward from the spring perch 3" and the small 2" hole provides for shock shaft clearance during upward travel. Due to the larger body diameter of the QA1 shocks, the clearance hole would need to be opened up to provide clearance for the QA1 shock body during upward travel AND I beleive the upper shock mount would need to be shortened to nearly even with the upper sping perch, cutting off the original shock mount, shortening it by 2.5"+ and re-welding to the top of the spring perch.

If anyone has done this conversion to a CR1 I'd appreciate your feedback before I start cutting and welding.

[rbgray1]

I think I have the answer to all the issues.

The main fact is that the upper U bracket that the shock attaches to at the top needs to be shortened to approximately 1/2" above the top of the spring perch where the upper control arm mounts.

I spent about 30 mins on the phone with QA1 engineering, they are extremely helpful by the way (ask for Bill Foley at QA1), and they helped me with several calculations including lower control arm angles at ride height taking into account vehicle weight per corner with 375lb springs which means the 8" spring will compress approximately 1.4" static, length of shock at ride height (40% of total travel, 60% travel remaining) which means the shock length would be about 9 5/8 inches static partially compressed.

All of this means that just the top of the shock mount bracket should be shortened from it's current 3" height above the spring perch to only 1/2" above the spring perch. This is simple to do by cutting off the current shock mount, cutting the bracket down to 1/2 inch tall (removing 2.5") and then re-welding to the spring perch.

This also solves the internal clearance issue with the shock body not protruding up through the existing spring perch AND completely minimizes the interference issue with the front of the new Heidts control arm contacting the spring tower. I may still bend this slightly, just to be safe to ensure plenty of clearance for the lower control arm.

I'll post pictures when I get the shock mount lowered if anyone is interested.

I

[amfyoyo]

I had the upper shock mount lowered 2'' so i could mount QA1's on my '90 CR Sebring MX 5000,it has the same frame and Mustang II front suspesion as their cobra kits. My original springs were curved so badly they were coil bound on the inside. Front wheel clearence was 5'', jacked up so high the rear had no give left . With QA1 coilovers I have set front clearence to 2'' and the rear suspension feels much better to boot. I'm still using MII a frames.