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Thread: FWD vs AWD

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    FWD vs AWD

    Anyone know the exact differences between the FWD and AWD struts and springs? particularly with aftermarket coilovers. I remember reading the spring rates were different because of the weight difference, and the difference in where on the body they are actually mounted. But as far as the unit themselves are there any differences related to clearance and mounting?

    About to buy some FWD megans and I forsee an AWD conversion sometime next year, so im just wondering.

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    Now with more poop-smear Not Verified Feedback Score 8 (100%) IPD's Avatar
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    since i've done the conversion, i'll chime in.

    afaik, the fronts are IDENTICAL regardless of fwd or awd. if memory serves, what i was told by evan (shooter83) is that i'd need the rear AWD struts to do my conversion and that the FWD rears would not work.

    paul could probably verify this, or hans/em. i don't recall any work needing to be done to the perches for the rears.

    keep in mind that there is VERY little clearnance between the rear axle flange and a set of coilovers on an awd conversion. mine touch when the car is in the air. on the ground, there's clearance...but not as much as stock. it's only been a couple months that i've actually driven mine with the coilovers installed, so i can't say for certain if it stays clear even with spirited driving.

    i think the cause of this is mostly due to the increase rake of the coilovers vs. stock.

    hope that helps!

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    I think an AWD set fits on a FWD car. I think I have a set of AWD tein coilovers on my FWD. Someone else should confirm that though.

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    Now with more poop-smear Not Verified Feedback Score 8 (100%) IPD's Avatar
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    *edit*

    NOT possible. see below for details.
    Last edited by IPD; 02-09-2011 at 11:35 PM.

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    Anyone happen to have those parts laying around and can grab a quick picture?

    Im interested in the clearance issues, I wonder why? Then again if its not causing any issues I guess it shouldnt be a problem.

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    I'm Kind Of A Big Deal Feedback Score 8 (100%) Emilie@GZP's Avatar
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    The rears don't mount the same.

    If you do an AWD conversion, you'll just need to buy AWD rears.
    Circa 2005... Oh my, how far I've come
    Quote Originally Posted by Emilie@GZP View Post
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    I dont mind the purchase, if anything I'll just sell these and buy an AWD set. I was just curious as its something that will eventually come up and I didnt happen to see a definitive answer on it.

    Thank you emilie for clearing that up.

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    the clearance is, i believe, only a problem for those with a conversion.

    p.s.

    the FWD vs. AWD is one of the reasons i did my conversion BEFORE doing suspension. i didn't want to have to reinvent the wheel.

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    Yeah, im just a little impatient and want to lower the car this year and start autocrossing. Ill be buying a vr4 as a dedicated race car eventually, and will be keeping this for the street. Vr4 conversion will just come when I get bored with it.

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    I'm Kind Of A Big Deal Feedback Score 8 (100%) Emilie@GZP's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by inperfectdarkness View Post
    the clearance is, i believe, only a problem for those with a conversion.

    p.s.

    the FWD vs. AWD is one of the reasons i did my conversion BEFORE doing suspension. i didn't want to have to reinvent the wheel.
    the bottom mounting point is TOTALLY different. it has nothing to do with the angle of the rear shock assembly that you run into with the AWD conversion.

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