In Post #27, I covered how GM designed the rear end of the stock Fiero to toe-in under compression by making the forward lateral link 27 mm shorter than rear link. This helps to create understeer, which is a desirable trait in a rear-heavy car.
When it came time to locate the mounts for the same lower links on my new cradle, I decided to use equal length links rather than have the front one shorter than the rear. Doing so simplified the design of the side rails and the mounts, and besides, there are several simpler ways to induce understeer if the need arises during the testing phase.
I used the drawings from Post #32 to make the cardboard templates for the lower lateral link mounts, then transferred the shapes to some 1/4" steel plate and cut them out:
Once they were shaped, I drilled the pivot holes for the lateral links using my drill press:
To ensure the mounts would be welded with perfect spacing and alignment onto the cradle, I made a simple jig using some old hemispherical joints and some washers as temporary spacers:
Then using some threaded rod and lock nuts, I adjusted the distance between the forward and aft mounts until it was just right:
Here's what the jig looked like while mocked up on a spare piece of 2" x 3" steel tubing:
When I was certain it was perfectly fitted, I went to tack-weld the first set of mounts to the cradle only to realize I hadn't made one of them correctly. The front-most ear must be longer to compensate for the sloped cradle rail where it mounts, so it was back to the cutting wheel for that one! Here's a close up of the correct length mounting ears tack-welded in place and after having removed the jig:
Lastly, I permanently welded them into place along with the engine and transmission mounting pads as well:
With that done, it was time to prime the cradle and test fit the engine.