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> bilstein shock questions, my V8 is sagging
xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 12:31 PM
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my recently purchased '75 5.7 is sagging in the rear, and I'm hoping someone can help me out. The clips are set to highest setting and it's still low, and when I jounce the rear end, there's no movement. here's my questions:
1. what do I have now, the coil diameter is roughly 3.625 (92 mm) X .47 (12 mm).
2. Renegade recommends 200# springs but only sells the coil over kit $350 or so. Where can I get springs for this shock? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks


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Andyrew
post Jan 25 2012, 12:47 PM
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Show some pictures of the "sagging" rear..

You need to take the springs out and measure them, Throw weight on them till they compress 1", Do it again for 2" (If you have enough weight), as they could be progressive.

They are thick coils which makes me think aftermarket.

If you like the ride, but just want to raise it up, you can get some threaded collars from Coleman Racing. Double check your shock diameter with a dial caliper.
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jmmotorsports
post Jan 25 2012, 12:48 PM
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Pelican Parts, Performance Products. AutoAtlanta, Paragon Performance. All of these guys should be able to set you up. You don't need a coil over setup.

Jerry
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xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 02:12 PM
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QUOTE(jmmotorsports @ Jan 25 2012, 10:48 AM) *

Pelican Parts, Performance Products. AutoAtlanta, Paragon Performance. All of these guys should be able to set you up. You don't need a coil over setup.

Jerry


Pelican and Paragon carry 180# springs. No dice on the 200#. anybody running 180s?
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bulitt
post Jan 25 2012, 02:14 PM
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Automotion also carries 200lb springs.
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jmmotorsports
post Jan 25 2012, 02:53 PM
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QUOTE(bulitt @ Jan 25 2012, 12:14 PM) *

Automotion also carries 200lb springs.



180's will be fine. I ran them in my car for years with a SBC. Still have them in there with the LS1.

Jerry
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sean_v8_914
post Jan 25 2012, 10:48 PM
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suspension is a system. Proper handling is a safety concern. I recommend taking the time to investigate. you already have heavy springs back there so what is wrong?
what torsions are up front?
are your gas charged Bilsteins blown?
are the top hats installed corrctly?
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sean_v8_914
post Jan 25 2012, 10:51 PM
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have those springs been cut?
I think stacking weights and measuring is a bunch of bologna
I like fried bologna
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xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 11:45 PM
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QUOTE(sean_v8_914 @ Jan 25 2012, 08:48 PM) *

suspension is a system. Proper handling is a safety concern. I recommend taking the time to investigate. you already have heavy springs back there so what is wrong?
what torsions are up front?
are your gas charged Bilsteins blown?
are the top hats installed corrctly?


So, it looks to you that those are heavy springs? Being a newbie, I'm not sure I can answer any of those questions. If I pull them off things may become clearer. considering the size of the tires, I don't think the front can drop w/o clearance issues. on a side note, with the car level, I may put 50 series tires on it instead of 60s.

The car actually handles very well as is, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

also, as stated earlier, Automotion carries 200# springs for the 914, but they couldn't confirm they would fit on the Bilsiens (they are after marked right?).
thanks
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Chris Pincetich
post Jan 25 2012, 11:47 PM
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more pics would help
Most 914s look low in back, that is normal
V8s are heavy, so yeah, yours could be suffering, but it could be "something else"
The coil-over conversion opens up a world of new options, which is why I pulled the trigger and got one. A set of springs is included in the cost (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I am using 175# springs, stock TIV, newish Koni yellow shocks, 205/50 tires, but have needle bearing suspension pivot bushings so the 175# is not "as stiff" as if used with bushings that experience more friction
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dlo914
post Jan 26 2012, 01:29 AM
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If ya eventually don't like the bilsteins, how much ya want for them? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
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xsJerry
post Jan 26 2012, 11:59 AM
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QUOTE(ChrisNPDrider @ Jan 25 2012, 09:47 PM) *

more pics would help
Most 914s look low in back, that is normal
V8s are heavy, so yeah, yours could be suffering, but it could be "something else"
The coil-over conversion opens up a world of new options, which is why I pulled the trigger and got one. A set of springs is included in the cost (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I am using 175# springs, stock TIV, newish Koni yellow shocks, 205/50 tires, but have needle bearing suspension pivot bushings so the 175# is not "as stiff" as if used with bushings that experience more friction


here's some profile pics. I measured it at the donuts, and found about 3/8" lower in the rear (probably about 1/2" for the length of the car). It does give an impression of pointing upward as you are driving.


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xsJerry
post Jan 26 2012, 12:03 PM
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it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)
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Rand
post Jan 26 2012, 12:08 PM
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QUOTE(xsJerry @ Jan 26 2012, 10:03 AM) *

it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)

Do some serious examination of the suspension console and ear on that side. I hope you don't find any serious rust or cracks.

I like the looks of the rear height as you have it. I would lower the front and put some lower profile tires on - but that's partially a personal taste thing. Then readjust the alignment. Maybe corner balance.
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Eric_Shea
post Jan 26 2012, 12:31 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) lower the front. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I like the tires though...
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SirAndy
post Jan 26 2012, 01:11 PM
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QUOTE(Rand @ Jan 26 2012, 10:08 AM) *
QUOTE(xsJerry @ Jan 26 2012, 10:03 AM) *
it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)

Do some serious examination of the suspension console and ear on that side. I hope you don't find any serious rust or cracks.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
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Andyrew
post Jan 26 2012, 08:40 PM
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Those are some tall tires...

I agree with the body suspension point check. Do a visual to see how many shims about are on each side as well for the trailing arm lower mount.
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nsr-jamie
post Jan 26 2012, 09:45 PM
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Its easy to lower the front end. Also you may want to consider an adjustable perch and spring kit for the rear that lets you set the rear ride height once you find out you have no other problems. I got mine from Tarret racing
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sean_v8_914
post Jan 26 2012, 09:57 PM
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rt rear is low and has more neg camber. everyone else made some good observations except eric shea
are all 4 tires the same size? brand?
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914itis
post Jan 27 2012, 12:25 AM
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QUOTE(Andyrew @ Jan 26 2012, 09:40 PM) *

Those are some tall tires...

I agree with the body suspension point check. Do a visual to see how many shims about are on each side as well for the trailing arm lower mount.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
My friend,s 914 was sagging just like yours. Changed the shocks and springs, made very litle difference. After a few weeks it gave up completely on the freeway while we were going to a show,

Grand prize: broken suspension ear.
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