Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums suspension-chassis-and-brakes/Stance Z31 Tension rods - RD
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tfdave: (2012-11-06 01:50:24)
Hey guys!
I finally received a donation tension rod last month. I lost the other pair during the move, doh!
We've been trying to figure out a way to completely remove the rubber bushing mounting design, which even with harder bushing will still move, changing caster while braking and cornering.
So we came with a solution, after several designs, that will allow more movement, less friction, and upto 3degrees of caster adjustment.
We just got the CAD drawings done, and ordered up the raw materials to make the prototype.
I will keep you guys updated!
[archived image: z31-tension-teaser.jpg]
G-E: (2012-11-06 01:59:43)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Yea can use a double-nut (bushing sided washers/spacers will help distribute the load to the bracket and center it) on a clevis for the early style brackets and a standard rodend from there onward
Can't wait to see more goodies for the z31!
adamvann3: (2012-11-06 06:05:13)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Good to see development!
But on some criticism I never really thought the mounting/bracket side was or would be the most difficult thing in the design. The ae86 guys have been doing it for years. Some hardware and a U-bracket is not overly complicated.
[archived image: jjrtensionrods86.jpg]
Where I am interested is seeing the method you use to produce a cost effective end that mounts to the lower control arm. Only way I could think of was making a press die to form the angle needed. Basing it off of your s13 tension rod mounts that would add another machine, tool and process into the equation. More overhead=more cost, as the z31 market volumes are not the same as s13s.
adamvann3: (2012-11-06 06:19:38)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Using the center hole position and centerline to base the two bends and smaller holes would be a cheaper design. The length of the overall bracket isnt critical. Though for prototyping its a lot easier to use two planes to measure the holes and bends. Sourcing/quality will be cheaper in volume production. Not trying to come off as a dick head, just something for thought. A lot of what I do daily is design sourcing.
tfdave: (2012-11-07 02:10:05)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
It'll be similar to the AE86 tension rod. The part that will connect to the lca will be aluminum, cnc. Honestly we have a general idea but haven't gotten to that part yet. We want to make the final design on the car, for clearances, etc. As far as the cost goes, Stance TC rods for S13/S14 is $230 msrp. It's not cheap, mainly because of the Aurora rod ends, as they are one of the more expensive ends on the market. But Aurora offers highest misalignment angle, perofrmance, and durability and pays for itself over the years. The actual rod ends we use have load rating that is 3 times higher than most of street cars will see, but that's one of the reasons why we have almost 0% warranty claims with our rod ends.
We're trying to keep the cost down by using any parts off of the S13/S14 TC Rod, but we'll know more after the testing.
Many of the cheap taiwan,china links fail because of the rod ends. We have seen the ball literally pop out after few months.
tfdave: (2012-11-07 02:12:13)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
[quote]adamvann3 wrote:
[archived image: z31-tension-teaser.jpg]
Using the center hole position and centerline to base the two bends and smaller holes would be a cheaper design. The length of the overall bracket isnt critical. Though for prototyping its a lot easier to use two planes to measure the holes and bends. Sourcing/quality will be cheaper in volume production. Not trying to come off as a dick head, just something for thought. A lot of what I do daily is design sourcing.
This U bracket was designed so that we could use S13/S14 TC Rod parts. Your constructive criticism and input is well received, no harm done. [archived image: smile.png]
zachary.ard: (2012-11-07 02:57:43)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Very interesting design. We actually are trying something pretty different for our solution, but there is nothing wrong with competing options!
300zxturboftw: (2012-11-07 22:51:00)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Glad to see this is coming together. Call me up when you guys need a car to test it on Dave. :lol:
MADMIKE: (2012-11-20 22:38:23)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Subbing on this thread.
KevinA: (2012-12-13 00:36:55)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
I have nothing to add, i just want to subscribe
OK85ZX: (2012-12-13 00:39:54)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Learn to use the subscribe button at the top of every thread.
MADMIKE: (2012-12-13 00:52:40)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
I do it my way to bump the thread.
300zxturboftw: (2013-01-14 19:55:16)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Going to ask Dave about the progress on these tonight. Will be at their shop picking some stuff up. Looks like they are still busy developing stuff for FRS/BRZ.
Edit: Dave wasn't there. I'm gonna give him a call tomorrow.
Butter: (2013-01-15 03:30:09)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Dave is at Tokyo Auto Salon studying on how to get rich off the FRS/BRZ chassis. :-)
ShamWow: (2013-01-15 04:12:29)
Re: Stance Z31 Tension rods - R&D
Dave needs me to come re- dimension and re-tolerance all his part drawings if they are done like that.
Then he can get rich.
G-E: (2013-01-24 19:24:55)
When I do engineering drawings, they look like doctor prescriptions on bible paper, so those are pretty good or overkill, not sure… [archived image: smile.png]
roastin300: (2013-01-25 19:26:17)
I am buying for sure. Hopefully within the next 6 months....
300zxturboftw: (2013-01-28 00:47:36)
I'll make sure to keep you guys updated and press for these to get released. They can use my Z as a test dummy =D.
G-E: (2013-10-19 09:30:50)
What's news on this? I'm almost ready to orderrrr.....
300zxturboftw: (2013-10-19 14:25:20)
I believe Dave is almost there with these. Had a buddy go over to TF works to test fit all this stuff and it worked out well. I think Dave said something like 6 weeks around 3 weeks ago.
Switchback Motions: (2013-10-23 13:33:35)
Will there be an initial group-buy on these???
Switchback Motions: (2013-11-28 13:47:23)
Any updates?
tfdave: (2013-12-03 04:13:39)
Almost! The main rod assembly is ready. Waiting for the U brackets,rod end spacers, hardware, etc to finish. I'll be posting up a GB soon.
Looks great so far! Attached files
G-E: (2013-12-03 05:54:13)
Purdy, rough eta ?
Parker: (2013-12-03 14:31:20)
Damn, those are a work of art!
Switchback Motions: (2013-12-03 15:04:53)
do want!
tfdave: (2013-12-03 22:58:58)
I don't have a set ETA yet but the pre production samples for remaining parts are coming in this week. Once I check them and approve them for production, should be few weeks until we can get everything assembled and ready to ship. I will post up a pre order sale once the remaining parts come in.
300zxturboftw: (2013-12-04 14:56:37)
Nice Dave, thanks for the updates. I'll definitely want these before my first track day with the Z next season.
tfdave: (2013-12-11 02:29:18)
Check the Groupbuy section for the Pre-order special!
samshadow: (2013-12-16 01:19:52)
I want some![archived image: smile.png]