Just started my brake swap project

[Safety Guy]

Rubbing in the rear area could be due to a larger tire size. Are you running 175/70 or 155/80 13s or larger? If so, they may rub on bumps in the back. Go to smaller diameter tires or get stiffer rear springs.

FMS used to sell "heavy duty" rear springs for $100 a pair. I have some and will eventually install them. They use slightly thicker coil wire than the stock rear springs.

Karl

[eastcoast413]

Are festiva and aspire control arms interchangeable? Did the brake swap and the new control arms are loose at spindle connection?

[eastcoast413]

Are festiva and aspire control arms interchangeable? Did the brake swap and the new control arms are loose at spindle connection?

Ok looks like I need to use festiva control arms...maybe I should not have bought them on ebay

[TominMO]

Right, you still use Festiva control arms, which are slightly shorter in the area from the ball joint to where it fits into the knuckle. Like maybe 3/4" shorter IIRC.

[eastcoast413]

So the brand new control arms are sloppy at connection with hub? Makes lots of noise? Looks like the tip end of the ball joint is too small in diameter

[walth]

dang dude...your swap is scaring me. get everything sorted out?

[gauge_half_inch]

My left side is that way, the knucle is worn out. Try to tighten the pinch bolt really tight and see if that helps.

[walth]

what happened to the original LCA's? the ones you got on ebay are wrong...and you're driving the car? Hoping that tightening that bolt enough will just have to do?

[Bert]

I initially used Aspire LCAs on the swap and the driveaxles immediately popped out enough to ruin the oil seals. Plus the front wheels were noticeably off plumb. New axle seals, retaining the Festy tie-rods (they are different from Aspire) and putting the Festy LCAs back on fixed all my problems.

[walth]

I missed the fact that you started this swap over a year ago.

I just want to make sure, do you still need help with anything? Did you install aspire outer tie rod ends? Inner tie rods can stay from the festiva but outer tie rod ends have to be aspire.