BDR Front Suspension Adjustment

WOLFEMAN · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006, 11:18 AM

It appears that the factory springs are too short if I adjust the bottom adjustment so the front end rides lower. There is a large gap when it's on the jack (in fact, I have to manually align the spring when I take the car off the jack so the coil is properly aligned). I'm afraid that, even though they compress when the weight of the car is on the wheels, a hard drive over large bumps may cause handling problems.

Am I missing something? Is the top adjustable as well? Do I need longer springs.

WOLFEMAN · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 10:33 AM

Wow. The response has been underwhelming.

jwoodard · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 10:38 AM

Wolfeman,

Just a thought, but have you contacted Backdraft directly and asked them the question?

sfeakes · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 03:18 PM

I think you are "barking up the wrong tree", that's probably why you have no responses.

Just because the coil does not expand to the same length as the shock, when the car weight is lifted from it, has no reflection on it being too short and affecting the handling.
If by some chance (like jumping the car) you did manage to expand the front suspension enough to make the top of the coil come away from the mounting, it would snap right back in place.
This setup is normal when shocks / springs are sourced from different places, and put on vehicles with very limited travel.

Backdraft#64 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 03:59 PM

Early BDR builds sometimes needed an upgrade on the front Springs. Reg was great, he got them to me asap when I asked. New builds like yours have the stiffer springs. I think they went from 10mm to 12mm. It is normal for the spring when unloaded to flop around on the shock tower.

Take your car and get it corner balanced. You will be amazed as to how well balanced the BDRs are.

thunder1 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 04:18 PM

I have backdraft #84 and Reg sent me bigger spring "Thanks REG"
They are always there to help. MY car is over 2 years on the road I can't amagion the spings being a problem, and i have hits some hard bumps. the ride is also easy to ajust.
ED

WOLFEMAN · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfeakes

I think you are "barking up the wrong tree", that's probably why you have no responses.

Just because the coil does not expand to the same length as the shock, when the car weight is lifted from it, has no reflection on it being too short and affecting the handling.
If by some chance (like jumping the car) you did manage to expand the front suspension enough to make the top of the coil come away from the mounting, it would snap right back in place.
This setup is normal when shocks / springs are sourced from different places, and put on vehicles with very limited travel.

Hey Sfeakes: "Barking up the wrong tree" Good Canine humor! Wolfeman