Fizz wrote:
Awesome build, thanks for sharing!
I'm building a Locost based miata right now, and I'm having trouble finding a suitable ball joint for the upper a-arms. I tried to search this thread but couldn't find any info on what you used...
Judging by the pictures it looks like it's a steering ball joint?
Hey Fizz, I realize this comment was posted a couple of years ago, FWIW, here is how I dealt with my front UCA ball joint: I used a Miata replacement ball joint by Moog, and made a ball joint holder similar to some made for circle track cars which are typically larger and heavier. I plasma cut out a 1/4” steel plate, with a roughly sized hole . Then opened the hole in the plate with die grinder and file until it was a very close fit for a piece of pipe. I used 1 1/2” Schedule 80 NPS pipe. Miraculously, this was just about a perfect fit for gently pressing the splined Miata ball joint into it. So the pipe is beveled, welded and ground flush with the plate on top, fillet welded on the bottom , and the pipe length is cut so that in its welded position, it is the right length for installing the circlip (ring clip) furnished with the ball joint. Again it took a little planning in my cuts and some filing to get the length just right. And Bob’s your Uncle…… ball joint holder.
At final assembly and rough alignment one of the clevises (probably front) will be welded firm in one position. Both knurled tubes can still be adjusted for camber and caster. (If one Clovis is not welded , it would be a wobbly wonky mess)
Skidzzz