17 replies to this topic

[MRA]

Actually radius arms are not that difficult to bend, I have had a bit of experience with bending radius arms when I used to road rally in the 80's

However I also bent a subframe in the process......

Normally a curbed radius arm will twist giving more positive camber and a little toe out...... of course this depends on how hard you hit the curb

Edited by mra-minis.co.uk, 28 June 2010 - 07:14 PM.

[MrMini]

Actually radius arms are not that difficult to bend, I have had a bit of experience with bending radius arms when I used to road rally in the 80's

However I also bent a subframe in the process......

Normally a curbed radius arm will twist giving more positive camber and a little toe out...... of course this depends on how hard you hit the curb

The curb was hit hard enough to shatter an alloy wheel, as i am afraid to say that i was the driver. I was young and stupid but we all live and learn!! I remember checking the subframe and it was still straight so i simply used a hydraulic ram to push the radius arm back outwards hence straightening the wheel to some extent, however it is still giving negative camber to such a degree it would cause uneven tyre wear.

Having said all that it is irrelevant to a certain degree because the original auto lump was swapped for a manual block meaning the original front drums were changed in favour of an 8.4" disc brake set-up. As we all know, this means mini-obsessive needs to run 12" wheels, where as the rear radius arms are the early NONE SPACED rear drums and will not run 12" wheels without either additional spacers or tyre rubbing. (It is a mark 3). So with the 12" wheels up front and the bent none spaced rear radius arms on the back it seems like the only choice is to swap them for the spaced drum type radius arm.

What is the easiest fix here?

Many thanks!

[MRA]

Easiest or safest fix ?

I would prefer to go down the swap complete subframe route, there will be some damage to the subframe, maybe small but it will be there.

Also the radius arms are not different, the only difference between a spacered and non spacered drum setup are the drums and wheel studs, which are longer.