Rear lower links

captrob · May 19, 2014

Hi, I have a bent lower rear link. They're pretty thin wall tubes and I'm a bit worried about structural integrity...has anyone straightened one?

From my research on the superseded numbers, are the lower rear links the same from S3/Turbo til the latest? Looking at my options used versus new if I buy another.

Thanks, Rob

carbuff · May 19, 2014

I've seen some bent lower control arms, I'd be inclined to replace rather than attempt to straighten them. Even if you THINK they are straight, the length may have been compromised.

Bending usually happens if the car is jacked or flatbedded via the control arms. :no:

captrob · May 20, 2014

Or curbed by the previous owner :huh:

I agree new is probably the safest bet. I'll use the bent one to practice modding for making the uppers adjustable.

thanks, Rob

carbuff · May 20, 2014

Vulcan Grey made his own adjustable upper links. Search for the Topic or shoot him a PM.

Are you fitting S4/V8 wheels? If not, you don't really need adjustable upper links. The taller 15" tires are not as fussy as the low profile tires.

captrob · May 21, 2014

I'll check out Vulcan Grey's adjustables.

captrob · May 21, 2014

oops...

Yeah, I'm putting slightly larger custom wheels on and would like a little camber adjustment to tweak the rear suspension/handling a bit as well.

Thanks, Rob

maxvelocity · May 21, 2014

for the lower links some have just put a jack tube with heim ends. I first had them on my Europa 30 years ago but see no reason why they would not work Esprit.

lotusesprit101 · May 21, 2014

I have both lower and upper non adjustable link.all need new bushing.JAE got them bushing.I sell one lower link for 125 shipped.

QuadCam · May 21, 2014

I have custom made upper and lower adjustable aluminum links with spherical rod ends. Dropped a couple of pounds compared to the stockers. Allows me to adjust camber and toe without having to fiddle with the ridiculous shims at the front of the trailing arms.

Vulcan Grey · May 21, 2014

Here's what I did.

https://picasaweb.google.com/116113253735518541549/LotusSuspension

MidLifeZ · May 21, 2014

Nice Travis! You should sell those! or do you?

Vulcan Grey · May 21, 2014

I had to buy left and right hand taps, which I still have. Not sure if the X180-R or S4+ adjuster bolts are still available...

Those are on my car, have been for years.

captrob · May 23, 2014

I've thought about making some custom links with spherical ends, but I think I want a more compliant ride without the extra maintenance.
How is the ride with those Quadcam?

captrob · May 23, 2014

I have checked yours out Travis. Those uppers are exactly what I want. Did you make the threaded inserts or get them from somewhere? I think the adjuster might be available at Speedway Motors.

Thanks, Rob

captrob · May 23, 2014

I just re-read that you bought right and left taps, so that answers my question that you made them. Those are really nice..

captrob · May 23, 2014

I found adjusters on LotusBits to build link here-->LotusBits.
Has anyone used them? I haven't contacted them yet to see what shipping would be to the states, but I'll give them a shout tomorrow.

Thanks, Rob

Vulcan Grey · May 23, 2014

captrob said:
I just re-read that you bought right and left taps, so that answers my question that you made them. Those are really nice..

The threaded adjuster turn-buckles came from Lotus, they were standard on the X180-R. Lotus had a similar part for the 94+ cars with adjustable camber, but a different part #.

I used the left and right hand taps to make the stainless steel inserts that I welded into my cut upper links.

Rear lower links

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