Setting up coilovers?

Post by **Gayno** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:24 am

I've got a set of second hand BC racing coilovers to go on the car.

Last weekend I gave them a good clean up to make them look spanking again before they go one. I noticed that on the axle pairs, one of the struts was set about 10mm lower than the other. Is this normal? I'm not sure if the 2 lower ones were on the same side or are opposite.

Should they all be at the same height when unsprung, or is the difference to compensate for weight distribution when on the car?

Obviously I'll measure the height to top of wheel arch before I remove the current suspension, and then measure it after to see, but just wondering if it's right and can go straight on, or do I need to even it out first??

Post by **4thgenphil** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:04 pm

i had the same issue when i fitted mine

stk prelude · Post by **stk prelude** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:07 pm

isn't it to counteract the weight.. as driver side got the gearbox and driver to deal with.. so by not lowering it as low as the passenger side this will make the car level,... if you get me.. i think

Post by **Gayno** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:27 pm

Gayno wrote:is the difference to compensate for weight distribution when on the car?

Excatly as I thought in my first post!

This is what my logical brain tells me it is, but jsut seeking clarification from someone who knows **hint PAW hint**

toyracer69 · Post by **toyracer69** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:32 pm

Set them up so that they are at the same height as the tallest one. Fit them to the car. Adjust them to get the car level. Allow them to settle and then do the final set up with either the drivers side one 5mm higher or better still level with you in the drivers seat.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 6:26 pm

Adjust them in pairs. DONT make them ALL the same height as the fronts are different spring rates to the rears and the shock lengths are different.
Make sure the pairs are the same. and then adjust when all on the car.

Make sure the Preload is set to 3mmish. Basically you can get the adjustment spanner inbetween the spring tightening but and the locking nut. Thats 4mm.

Heres a better guide.
http://www.iscenem.com/forum/threads/12 ... -(Preload)

There is also a video on youtube.
Get some vernier calipers as it helps MASSIVELY

Post by **Gayno** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 6:42 pm

Thanks Ratty,

That thread states 5mm is the factory setting though?

To change ride height is it just a case of moving the bottom ring C?

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 6:50 pm

where are you going to get it geo'd afterward? a kwikfit or formula1 frachise wont be so good.

kinda makes me think you could just take them to rich and get him to set them up and geo the car properly.. your more local than me even.

Post by **Gayno** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:01 pm

Yeah it'll be going to Rich for geo once they're on. Just want to get them as close as possible to start as I won't be able to go for a few weeks so need it to be driveable in the meantime

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:32 pm

Gayno wrote:Thanks Ratty,

That thread states 5mm is the factory setting though?

To change ride height is it just a case of moving the bottom ring C?

Do it at 4mm. When i rang BC up for stiffer springs they said 4mm. $mm is the spanner width so just slot that in to measure it. Once the Preload is set tighten the preload lock in the middle.
And yes to lower the car you adjust the lower nut. Once set to height tighten it the other way.
I soaked the coilovers in bilt hamber ferrosol and i will everything i wash my car to keep them clean. Mine were second hand and have seized but luckily they are low enough already.

If you have a strut bar install it with the suspension off the ground.