Z3 rear track reduction using Z4 setup?

[VinceV]

Hi

I am wanting to narrow the rear track of my Z3 to fit wire wheels on. I know that I can change the Z3 hubs for Z4 hubs and this narrows it by 20.2mm each side. But I wonder if anyone on here knows whether I could just remove the full Z4 Drive shafts, hubs, discs and callipers, and whether that would reduce further?

Thanks in advance.

Vince

 

[Andyboy]

No, the Z4 has E46 rear suspension.

 

[VinceV]

No, the Z4 has E46 rear suspension.

I knew it has E46 setup but if I was just using the drive shaft, surely that will be the same as the Z3... I was just wondering if it would be shorter? I can definitely put the Z4 hubs onto a Z3 but it would be much easier if I could go to a scrap yard and just remoter the full shaft with the hub etc still attached and bolt onto the Z3.

 

[IainP]

What model do you have?
The early 1.9’s have narrower rear arms that would do what you want.
Provided you don’t already have an early 1.9

 

[VinceV]

What model do you have?
The early 1.9’s have narrower rear arms that would do what you want.
Provided you don’t already have an early 1.9

I have the 2.8 wide body, so you might be into something there... change to a 1.9 driveshaft and rear arms etc that might just do it?

 

[Lee]

I have the 2.8 wide body, so you might be into something there... change to a 1.9 driveshaft and rear arms etc that might just do it?

Unfortunately, out the box this won't work. the 1.9 use a small case diff with smaller drive shafts. The 2.8 uses medium case diff and longer drive shafts. That's not to say you can't use a medium case diff and changing input shafts etc I'm currently doing this for someone's E30.

In you're current situation it's far easier just changing those hubs to gain sub 50mm extra clearance.

 

[VinceV]

Unfortunately, out the box this won't work. the 1.9 use a small case diff with smaller drive shafts. The 2.8 uses medium case diff and longer drive shafts. That's not to say you can't use a medium case diff and changing input shafts etc I'm currently doing this for someone's E30.

In you're current situation it's far easier just changing those hubs to gain sub 50mm extra clearance.

Thanks Lee, I think that’s what I’ll do mate. I was trying to gain a little more maybe get it to 80 - 100mm so was thinking if there was any way to gain that?

 

[Delk]

The Z4 conversion gains from changing the hubs and brake disc. The drive shafts and other items remain the same.

 

[VinceV]

The Z4 conversion gains from changing the hubs and brake disc. The drive shafts and other items remain the same.

Hi Delk,
Yeah I know that, it gains 20.2mm each side, but that’s only a gain of 40.4mm and I was trying to find a way to gain double that… if possible? That’s why I posted on here, because there must be someone who has done this to put wider wheels on the rear???

 

[Delk]

I am running 10 inch wide wheels. I don't know anyone who has done anything with the trailing arm itself.

Sounds like you are trying to run wheels with a very high offset and not an issue with the width.

 

[VinceV]

I am running 10 inch wide wheels. I don't know anyone who has done anything with the trailing arm itself.

Sounds like you are trying to run wheels with a very high offset and not an issue with the width.

I’m putting the Ferrari 250 SWB kit on, and it’s to allow the centre laced wire wheels to sit within the body of the car. The Z4 hub swap gives you enough so that the tyres are flush with the bodywork… but I was trying to gain a little more so they sit inside the bodywork. I’ve heard it can be done, just not sure how???

 

[Lee]

I’m putting the Ferrari 250 SWB kit on, and it’s to allow the centre laced wire wheels to sit within the body of the car. The Z4 hub swap gives you enough so that the tyres are flush with the bodywork… but I was trying to gain a little more so they sit inside the bodywork. I’ve heard it can be done, just not sure how???

Narrow body arms with either a small case or medium case diff. Neither option is cheap as it's a custom setup, parts building etc.