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TR4/4A TR4a frame

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Rut

Rut

Obi Wan
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I've got my TR4a frame ready to go for welding, sandblasting, and powder coating and I have the braces for the diff mount, but I'm wondering what else I can do to improve the suspension mounting points. I see the different kits for sale for the front suspension mounts as well. What's the best way to go about improving this frame?
Thanks, Rut
 
Weld the front braces in place and use the TR6 front lower suspension mounts which mount with two studs instead of the 4A one stud mounts. Also look closely at the original welds on all of the front suspension supports, clean them and re-weld any that look weak.
 
Thanks guys! I think I understand the diff mount well enough, but the front suspension mounts need additional bracing from what I've read. There are several kits out there, but I'm really not sure which one to get. Modifying the mounts to use two bolts and an extra two hole plate to accept the TR6 style makes sense, but should I add additional bracing to those frame mounts?
Thanks, Rut
 
I've been researching where to buy the front suspension reinforcing kit and it looks like Revington is the only place that has them in stock. An ideas who might have one on this side of the pond?
Thanks, Rut
 
Have you tried TRF, they keep a limited amount of the Revington stuff on hand. Can't speak to whether or not they have all this in stock but what you need for the full changeover are the support brackets that get welded to the frame (139580, 4 each), the gusset kit for the support brackets (RFK158, 1 each, perhaps Revington bits) and the fulcrum brackets for the lower control arm (148691, 4 each). You should also consider getting some of the shims for camber adjustment that go between the fulcrum bracket and the support bracket (139727, quantity as required, maybe 8 min, 12 max) and the doubler plate for the support bracket (TRFCD137, 4 each). I like having those "chicken doublers" as I have seen a couple of TR6s that had cracks running between the two holes in the support bracket where the studs from the fulcrum bracket mount up. The doubler increases the thickness and as a result the strength of the joint. You could make up your own doublers but for the price I don't see where you could make them for less than you can buy them unless you already have the steel on hand and you don't charge yourself much for your own labor.
 
Tybalt,
I talked to Chuck at TRF about the brackets that get welded to the frame and they are on BO for at least 2 weeks, er I mean months. I did order the other bits, but can't take the frame in until I have the brackets. If I can locate some before they ship from TRF I can always cancel.
Thanks, Rut

well, a set just popped up on eBay and I bought them!
Rut
 
Rut,

Just for grins I decided to take a quick look at Rimmer Bros page. Lo and behold, it says that they have the gusset kits for the support brackets in stock. Here's the URL, scroll down to items 41 and 42:

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID600270

I have ordered stuff from both Rimmer Bros and Revington in the past when I couldn't easily get it in this country. The both have shipped fast, often beating expectations. Shipping cost has been fairly reasonable as well. It might be worth a look to you.
 
All the parts I need arrived today and I'll take them with the frame to get welded in. The kit from eBay was in the original TRF packaging for half the price...I'm a happy guy!
Thanks, Rut
 
Rut said:
All the parts I need arrived today and I'll take them with the frame to get welded in. The kit from eBay was in the original TRF packaging for half the price...I'm a happy guy!
Thanks, Rut
Click to expand...
Be careful that the support pieces when welded in do not prevent you from putting the bolt through the lower mounting for the lower control arms. I seem to recall looking at the pieces and seeing a potential issue on my 4A. Sorry I don't recall the specifics as it's been several years ago. Just confirm there are no issues.
 
Jerry,
Thanks for the heads up and I need all the advice I can get! I'll mount the wishbone brackets first to make sure the support pieces don't interfere with putting the bolts in.
Thanks, Rut
 
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