Hi Dave (and all), I have attached a couple of pics., showing "shorter" pivot/hinge assemblies, this will allow you to drill a body post hole. Depending on where you need to position the front body post, you can alter the fore/aft position of the hinge. The hinge does not need to be long in order to be strong.......I use 2mm drill blank ( an old cut down motor shaft will be just as good) for my center pins.
Dave, We are keen to hear about your ongoing testing/tuning results........keep us posted!
Cheers
Chris Walker
If you give these a quick eyeball, you will notice that the complete hinge assembly is no bigger/longer than a front wheel/tire.......so......18/20mm.
In the first pic., the body post was behind the rear axle, so the hinge was positioned accordingly.
The body for this car required the body post to be a little further back, so, the pivot was moved forward.