What am I doing wrong here (note I installed them backwards to see it there was a difference). which reminds me...which end is up the small coils or the larger?
Full Version: Rear spring shock install question
Installing new Bilstein shocks with 140 lb springs. took off stock springs with Koni's with a spring compressor. I didn't really need the spring compressors for the Bilstein's and now they slip off the bottom cradle. The Bilstein cradle is flat where the Koni's is more formed, like the top piece from the car.
What am I doing wrong here (note I installed them backwards to see it there was a difference). which reminds me...which end is up the small coils or the larger?
What am I doing wrong here (note I installed them backwards to see it there was a difference). which reminds me...which end is up the small coils or the larger?
that silver plate is upside down - I think
QUOTE(jimkelly @ Aug 25 2013, 04:19 PM) 
that silver plate is upside down - I think
Yup lower spring plate is upside down. And the spring will wobble around till you get some pressure on them. Normal
Here is your exact setup. 
Once it's down and your not going neg G not a problem. Otherwise zip tie it on the top. You'll need to select a ride height on those. If you've got a 6 try the 4th perch. 
Click to view attachment
Once it's down and your not going neg G not a problem. Otherwise zip tie it on the top. You'll need to select a ride height on those. If you've got a 6 try the 4th perch. Click to view attachment
Thanks guys 
I will filp the plate over...
I have a 4, so no need to go to the other perch, however for the record I don't see how to move to the other perches...the plate just slides over them.
I will filp the plate over...
I have a 4, so no need to go to the other perch, however for the record I don't see how to move to the other perches...the plate just slides over them.
there should be a spilt ring [a wire that almost goes all the way around the shock body] that sits in the indents and holds the spring plate in place.
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 25 2013, 07:44 PM)
YES!!!!!
Another reason the silver perch should be the other way around, is that it captures the snap ring that is used for setting the ride height not allowing it to pop loose and the suspension would then collapse.
Upside down guys.
The clip won't car, but the spring will never stay centered with them upside down.
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 25 2013, 06:44 PM)
no hijack at all very much a part of the conversation!
QUOTE(messix @ Aug 25 2013, 10:47 PM)
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 25 2013, 07:44 PM)
YES!!!!!Well good thing I looked at this thread. Wonder what else I installed upside down
They need cleaning anyway.... 
Click to view attachment
OK I flipped the plates.
Where would you recommend I start with the clip ring.
It is now on the bottom. (I assume that would be the softest and highest ride height).
100 lb springs, no sway bar ......
OK I flipped the plates.
Where would you recommend I start with the clip ring.
It is now on the bottom. (I assume that would be the softest and highest ride height).
100 lb springs, no sway bar ......
The lower the clip the lower the ride height. I should not affect the firmness of the ride, the spring rate does that.
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 25 2013, 10:56 PM)
Upside down guys.
The clip won't car, but the spring will never stay centered with them upside down.
Rich,
What do you think about setting ride height. Where would you start with the clips?
Thanks
John
It varies. This just establishes your ride height. Start at any position (maybe the 2nd) then lower the car move it a few feet, check your tire/fender clearance and general over height and adjust accordingly.
QUOTE(76-914 @ Aug 26 2013, 12:58 PM)
It varies. This just establishes your ride height. Start at any position (maybe the 2nd) then lower the car move it a few feet, check your tire/fender clearance and general over height and adjust accordingly.
There is no drive train in the car yet so final adjustments can't be made. I was looking for a startiing point. I think I will just leave the rings where they are for now, and adjust once I get an engine in the car.
Rich T,
Racer Chris,
Anyone?
Where would you start with the ring on the spring level. Bottom? Mid?
Thanks
John
Start at the 4th groove from the bottom John.
You might switch to the 3rd groove but I don't think any lower is a good idea on a street car.
You might switch to the 3rd groove but I don't think any lower is a good idea on a street car.
QUOTE(Racer Chris @ Aug 27 2013, 09:18 AM)
Start at the 4th groove from the bottom John.
You might switch to the 3rd groove but I don't think any lower is a good idea on a street car.
Yo the man
bottom 
I like it low.
Honestly, 2-4th from the bottom...
really depends on what you like.
the lower you go, the cooler it will look, just saying.
rich
I like it low.
Honestly, 2-4th from the bottom...
really depends on what you like.
the lower you go, the cooler it will look, just saying.
rich
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 03:10 PM)
bottom
I like it low.
Honestly, 2-4th from the bottom...
really depends on what you like.
the lower you go, the cooler it will look, just saying.
rich
Thanks rich,
I moved up to the 4th groove because I am concerned with tire clearance .The tires/rims I bought off the net and did not come with the car. The fenders are not rolled but the hell hole side had much work.
I will adjust once I get a powertrain in the car.
Finished.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 27 2013, 01:18 PM)
Finished.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
Not an issue, again I don't think you hijacked as much as continued the conversation. I too have to set my ride height and the car is totally apart.
so from the pictures the large coils are bottom and the small coils are top? Right?
I don't think he has progressive springs, so I would OT use his picture as a reference.
Add to that, the shorter coils go on the bottom.
Add to that, the shorter coils go on the bottom.
QUOTE(76-914 @ Aug 26 2013, 05:11 AM)
Here is your exact setup.
Once it's down and your not going neg G not a problem. Otherwise zip tie it on the top. You'll need to select a ride height on those. If you've got a 6 try the 4th perch. Click to view attachment
Why would you zip tie on the top? I've read on the forum of this procedure, but really have not read "why?"
I too have the same set up as this post. Knowledge is power, or like someone once told me knowledge is "potential" power.
thanks,
Fern
QUOTE(Type 47 @ Aug 27 2013, 08:14 PM)
so from the pictures the large coils are bottom and the small coils are top? Right?
Oh God, here we go again. My springs are lettered by Westmeister. I did lettering rightside up. However mine are only 100 lbs and seem to be uniform.
Click to view attachment
John
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 04:18 PM)
I don't think he has progressive springs, so I would OT use his picture as a reference.
Add to that, the shorter coils go on the bottom.
OK, I'm confused...which spring placement is correct? Yes the perch is upside down...it's my previous pic before I fixed that
it doesn't really matter.
and no need to tie off the springs to anything unless you plan on jumping the thing like a Baja truck. just remember when you let the car down after being jacked up to ensure the springs are seated.
and no need to tie off the springs to anything unless you plan on jumping the thing like a Baja truck. just remember when you let the car down after being jacked up to ensure the springs are seated.
You are fine, they are not progressive.
If you are around this weekend, I will see if I can swing by for a look see at your progress.
For the zip tie question...
I have 180 lb springs which are shorter than stock.
So, when I jack up the car, I can want to make sure the springs stay lined up correctly with the spring perches, and you cant see the top easily.
So, most of us zip tie the top of the spring to the upper spring perch.
When you jack up the car, it keeps the spring in place with the upper perch.
When you set the car down, you can see, and easily feel the lower perch to make sure the spring is oriented correctly with the perch.
Rich
If you are around this weekend, I will see if I can swing by for a look see at your progress.
For the zip tie question...
I have 180 lb springs which are shorter than stock.
So, when I jack up the car, I can want to make sure the springs stay lined up correctly with the spring perches, and you cant see the top easily.
So, most of us zip tie the top of the spring to the upper spring perch.
When you jack up the car, it keeps the spring in place with the upper perch.
When you set the car down, you can see, and easily feel the lower perch to make sure the spring is oriented correctly with the perch.
Rich
QUOTE(Type 47 @ Aug 27 2013, 05:43 PM)
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 04:18 PM)
I don't think he has progressive springs, so I would OT use his picture as a reference.
Add to that, the shorter coils go on the bottom.
OK, I'm confused...which spring placement is correct? Yes the perch is upside down...it's my previous pic before I fixed that
these are progressive springs....
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 27 2013, 05:40 PM)
QUOTE(Type 47 @ Aug 27 2013, 08:14 PM)
so from the pictures the large coils are bottom and the small coils are top? Right?
Oh God, here we go again. My springs are lettered by Westmeister. I did lettering rightside up. However mine are only 100 lbs and seem to be uniform.
Click to view attachment
John
these do not appear to be progressive springs....
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 28 2013, 06:34 AM)
You are fine, they are not progressive.
If you are around this weekend, I will see if I can swing by for a look see at your progress.
For the zip tie question...
I have 180 lb springs which are shorter than stock.
So, when I jack up the car, I can want to make sure the springs stay lined up correctly with the spring perches, and you cant see the top easily.
So, most of us zip tie the top of the spring to the upper spring perch.
When you jack up the car, it keeps the spring in place with the upper perch.
When you set the car down, you can see, and easily feel the lower perch to make sure the spring is oriented correctly with the perch.
Rich
Thank you Rich!
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 09:04 PM)
You are fine, they are not progressive.
If you are around this weekend, I will see if I can swing by for a look see at your progress.
You are welcome anytime Rich. I appreciate your comments and help.
For the zip tie question...
I have 180 lb springs which are shorter than stock.
So, when I jack up the car, I can want to make sure the springs stay lined up correctly with the spring perches, and you cant see the top easily.
So, most of us zip tie the top of the spring to the upper spring perch.
When you jack up the car, it keeps the spring in place with the upper perch.
When you set the car down, you can see, and easily feel the lower perch to make sure the spring is oriented correctly with the perch.
Rich
QUOTE(messix @ Aug 27 2013, 09:16 PM)
QUOTE(Type 47 @ Aug 27 2013, 05:43 PM)
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 04:18 PM)
I don't think he has progressive springs, so I would OT use his picture as a reference.
Add to that, the shorter coils go on the bottom.
OK, I'm confused...which spring placement is correct? Yes the perch is upside down...it's my previous pic before I fixed that
these are progressive springs....
These are progressive springs.
Is easy to tell, the shorter softer coils are wound tighter than the middle mid range coils or the upper stiffer coils.
The tighter wound coils should go at the bottom, but I cannot find a definitive recommendation from any one source.
Give what they do, the soft coils at the bottom will make the little bumps less annoying.
When you get into it, the upper lower coils are all compressed and the upper and midrange coils ae doing the hard work.
Rich
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 27 2013, 05:18 PM)
Finished.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
Wndsnd, you DO NOT have progressive coils.
You also won't need to zip tie your coils to the top if you needed a spring compressor to install them.
Is only required if the springs are loose when the upper nut it tight.
Rich
too low gives you terrible suspension travel
too low often blows out your shock annually
the rear ride height is (for me) based on the front ride height
you need a downward rake to the car when all is finished
and enough range of suspension travel to absorb some bumps and not bottom out your shocks.
too low makes the car perform less well in the corners and gives a terrible ride over minor bumps or street applications.
too low often blows out your shock annually
the rear ride height is (for me) based on the front ride height
you need a downward rake to the car when all is finished
and enough range of suspension travel to absorb some bumps and not bottom out your shocks.
too low makes the car perform less well in the corners and gives a terrible ride over minor bumps or street applications.
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 11:07 PM)
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 27 2013, 05:18 PM)
Finished.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
Wndsnd, you DO NOT have progressive coils.
You also won't need to zip tie your coils to the top if you needed a spring compressor to install them.
Is only required if the springs are loose when the upper nut it tight.
Rich
Absolutely correct. I did use compressors, and I did not have to use tie wraps. Since they are not progressive I would guess there is no top or bottom to the spring, but I did allign them by the manufacturer's lettering.
John
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 28 2013, 08:19 AM)
QUOTE(r_towle @ Aug 27 2013, 11:07 PM)
QUOTE(wndsnd @ Aug 27 2013, 05:18 PM)
Finished.
Thanks everyone.
Really sorry Type 47 that I high-jacked this thread, but thanks for bringing this to my attention! I hope you have yours sorted out.
Wndsnd, you DO NOT have progressive coils.
You also won't need to zip tie your coils to the top if you needed a spring compressor to install them.
Is only required if the springs are loose when the upper nut it tight.
Rich
Absolutely correct. I did use compressors, and I did not have to use tie wraps. Since they are not progressive I would guess there is no top or bottom to the spring, but I did allign them by the manufacturer's lettering.
John
Its all good now....
Rich
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