Coil over suspension FUN!

JCoop · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 07:19 AM

When I got SPF1052, (BB460 motor), I could not adjust the fronts to the recommended 27" floor-to-fender lip ride height. I got as low as 27 3/8". It had QA1 adjustables with 10" 450 lb. QA1 springs. I have 17" PSE wheels so the ride's a bit harsher than with 15"s. From previous experience, I decided to switch front springs to 8" Carreras 450 lb so I could lower the suspension. I experienced no ride deterioration at 26 3/4" ride height all around. Then, I heard about the wisdom of using variable rate, progressive springs (that's another discussion) and saw that 10" 225/475 springs were available. I had just installed 12" 175/350# in the rear and loved the ride, although a bit soft for track work. I figured that with the softer initial rate, the front would settle a bit to get to the 27" or lower recommended height; so I bought them, installed the springs, then battled to try and re-install them to the fronts. the springs would extend the shock to 14", but the eye to eye length of the shock mounts were 13". I rented strut spring compressors from Autozone (great loan program BTW) but with them on there, I couldn't massage the dang assembly into where they had to be. Next idea, compress them at the shop with wall-mounted compressors, then safety-wire the springs to install, then snip them once they're in there. While I was doing the compression, I thought I'd be basically transporting or handling a

'bomb'

before installation and decided to abandon the idea. I re-installed the 8". Maybe I'll try them in the rear, once my back stops hurting

My question is, how the heck did the factory install the 10" sprung shocks? They were pre-loaded at max. extension when I first took them off.
Special tools maybe?
"Safe" ideas, anyone?

RedBarchetta · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 10:24 AM

Ray, it's been a couple years since I swapped out the earlier factory AVOs for some Bilsteins from a 21xx car. I just remember that the backs were easy and the fronts were a PITA, especially with all the washers/spacers and trying to compress the shock just enough to align. I honestly can't recall just how exactly I did it...what I used. Maybe some 10 gauge electrical wire and then I snipped it once the through bolt was in? I just remember filling up the curse jar that afternoon and not even the dog wanted me to pet her.

FWIW, the Bilsteins ride a whole lot smoother than the AVOs. It's still a fairly stiff ride, but then again I didn't buy a Cobra with the expectation that it would ride like a Cadillac.

-Dean #747

Flyin_Freddie · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 10:39 AM

Simple task...step back and think a minute, guys. Use a nylon, ratcheting tie down strap. Loop the tie down over the top lug of the shock, and over the bottom lug...then simply ratchet the belt tighter until the shock/spring compresses sufficiently to line up with the mounting holes.

This is the same way I installed my Olthoff-designed Bilsteins several years ago, and it worked great. Trick is to be gentle with everything...click the ratcheting assembly very slowly and make sure the belt doesn't slip off the mounting lugs on the shocks....or...BOI-YOIIIIING!

Hope this helps...

JCoop · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 03:17 PM

>>>>
....or...BOI-YOIIIIING!

<<<<

That's what I'm afraid of...

Flyin_Freddie · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 10:19 PM

Ray...it's really not that difficult using the ratcheting strap. The Olthoff designed Bilsteins are NOT that dangerous...should the strap slip off, the shock does "unload", if you will, but the internal valving prevents a rapid and dangerous unload....it's more gradual. It's not slooooooow by any means, but it's not an explosive KA-BAM, either.

Tell you what...here's how I found out how they unload. Place a towel, or some other padding on the floor to pad the mounting lug. Then, place the lower mounting lug on the towel, and press down with all your weight on the upper end of the shock. It will compress slowly. Now, stop pressing down...and the shock will extend again. Remember, when installing the coil over unit, the spring should be fully extended, and therefore no pressure on the shock itself. The only things that will cause the shocks to extend is the internal spring, which is controlled by the internal valving and nitrogen gas, in the case of the Bilsteins...or oil, in the case of AVOs, and some other shocks. I think you'll be surprised at how "gentle", if I can use that word, it will extend...it certainly won't be a violent extension, trust me...

It's easy...if I can mount 'em...hell, almost ANYONE can...