i own an 88 formula that im finishing up and getting ready to hit the track in but i need help setting up the rear suspension.here is the list of goodies:

438 ci 10.9 to 1 comp.,ported victor jr. heads, super victor with 1150 dominator,nos big shot set at 300hp, the rear is a moser 9'' with 35 spline and spool, bmr extreme everything(torque arm, lca, panhard) strange adjus. shocks and stock springs.

the rear end was squared when i had the allingment done on the front end and i know i have to set the pinion angle but what else do i need to adjust on the rear susp? do i need to adjust the lca and panhard, if so how do i do it? also whats the best way to set the pinion angle? thanks

 

Pinion angle is adjusted with an aftermarket adjustable torque arm. Measure the angle of the driveshaft. Measure the angle of the pinion. There should be 2-4* down angle on the pinion in relation to the driveshaft. Changing the ride height (lowering springs etc) will change the pinion angle.

Panhard bar just keeps the diff centered under the car. Unless you do drastic suspension changes, it never needs adjusting.

LCA should be parallel to the ground or down slightly at the rear. Using LCA relocation brackets allow the back end to drop down. If the suspension is lowered, this will help make the LCA parallel again. It can be down slightly at the rear but the rear should never be higher than the front.

 

if your stuff is all rod ended instead of poly bushings, i would run -1 pinion angle. -2ish for bushings.

 

adjustable torque arm you mean i'm sure.

 

I stand corrected

 

I was told to start at -3 pinion angle. Yes everything in the rear is rod ended. thanks

 

mine works best 2 3/4 with my spohn torque arm

 

I'm running a 4 link in my GA, and only running about -1/2 degree pinion angle. That's where it works the best. I used to run leaf spring cars and every body used to say -4. Mine never worked with that much. I'd start with -2 and try it. What kind of tourque arm mount do you have? That will determine what angle you need to run. The tighter it is the less of an angle you will need. If you go too much, the car will start hopping, and unloading the tires.

 

bingo. nobody realizes more pinion angle doesnt make the car hook. all your trying to do is put the trans,driveshaft, and rearend in a perfectly straight line when the suspension is loaded and going down the track.
with my rod ended stuff i run -1.