Lower ride height with stock springs.

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TimR

Member
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2,731
It is my understanding that ride can indeed be affected by adding preload to the spring ( shortening it's overall length by way of rotating the ring/lock nuts and compressing it...)
Not ideal by any means but someone will be along to explain that Maserati essentially did this to the 4200 and GS iterations of the cars over the years..Its also relevant that the damping software got tweeked..so there's that !
 
Oneball

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,117
Moving the spring seat won’t affect the stiffness unless you move it so much that there’s no sag from the load of car/luggage/passengers. At that point you’ve basically made the suspension rigid.

It’s a bit more complicated than that but put simply the only way to change spring stiffness is with a new spring.
 
T

TimR

Member
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2,731
With respect, I think you're making the sense of the thing less clear...! :eek:
The rate is linear sure, however, the energy in the compressed spring is greater than that of the same spring with less compression...which means the "inputs" required from the wheel to initiate movement from the suspension is greater if you add preload...( refer preload above)
This will change the "character" of the car's ride...
Rule of thumb ; the greater the preload, the more damping is required to control it for the same effect...

The other slight fly in the ointment focuses on the ring/lock nuts. They have a habit of getting seized I understand..so adjustment mat not be as easy as it looks....
 
Tamariini

Tamariini

Junior Member
Messages
102
You can not add preload to spring until shock absorber is maxxed out on length.. and before that cars ride height is something like Alfa crosswagon...

and to lowering question: Yes, you can lower car with just turning ringnut lower. but it does not affect on spring charasteristics at all. stiffness and ride harshness will remain the same as before.
 
N

Ngknick

New Member
Messages
16
Can I add another layer to this question....

I understand the preload and rebound effects, but what about geometry? Is it possible to raise the ring a few threads to lower 1/4-1/2" without affecting suspension geometry (and uneven tire wear)?

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T

TimR

Member
Messages
2,731
Quite so..
reduce preload = increase static sag = lower ride height....
My bad !
 
gillis

gillis

Junior Member
Messages
77
Thanks all for the info.I am still not sure if I should do the change.
But I guess I should put some new springs on the wishlist. Ride is quite low already, but from a visual perspective, it might be a little lower in my opinion.
The facelifted version of the 4200 is lower already. Does it mean that it got shorter springs? Any suggestions regarding springs. Where to get them.
 
T

TimR

Member
Messages
2,731
I have been of the view that Iwould likely ditch Skyhook for coil overs eventually...
FD are expensive although their springs are less than a coil over kit...
Having recently had the car fitted with theFD sway bar kit, I am considering using their springs too, so good is the result with their ARB....
Jus sayin’....
 
gillis

gillis

Junior Member
Messages
77
TimR said:
I have been of the view that Iwould likely ditch Skyhook for coil overs eventually...
FD are expensive although their springs are less than a coil over kit...
Having recently had the car fitted with theFD sway bar kit, I am considering using their springs too, so good is the result with their ARB....
Jus sayin’....
Click to expand...
Maybe a stupid question , but how do you find out whether you have skyhook or not ?
 
N

Ngknick

New Member
Messages
16
TimR said:
I have been of the view that Iwould likely ditch Skyhook for coil overs eventually...
FD are expensive although their springs are less than a coil over kit...
Having recently had the car fitted with theFD sway bar kit, I am considering using their springs too, so good is the result with their ARB....
Jus sayin’....
Click to expand...
Where do you find coilover kits, custom from someone like BC racing?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
Corranga

Corranga

Member
Messages
1,223
Ngknick said:
Can I add another layer to this question....

I understand the preload and rebound effects, but what about geometry? Is it possible to raise the ring a few threads to lower 1/4-1/2" without affecting suspension geometry (and uneven tire wear)?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

As soon as you alter the ride height, you'll also have to have the geometry set up as the suspension won't be completely linear as it moves.
Also, uneven tyre wear is certainly one aspect of bad geometry, but so is bad handling, poor grip, a tendency to be excessively tail happy, instability at speed etc..
When was the geometry last done? I planned to lower mine to GS ride height, but the adjusters looked like they probably wouldn't move, so I opted to leave it as is and apply the GS geo settings, and I'm happy with it. It's a face lift so perhaps already sits lower than the older cars..
 
davidhowson

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
I did this in 2010. Have a look through my earlier threads and you will find the saga that was my lowering on stock springs. Took mine down 20 turns on the front and 17 turns on the back to drop an 02 model by about 1 1/2”
Looks and handles a dream; I did have a full geo setup done after too and it needed it.
Hope all goes well if you try it.
-David-



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gillis

gillis

Junior Member
Messages
77
davidhowson said:
I did this in 2010. Have a look through my earlier threads and you will find the saga that was my lowering on stock springs. Took mine down 20 turns on the front and 17 turns on the back to drop an 02 model by about 1 1/2”
Looks and handles a dream; I did have a full geo setup done after too and it needed it.
Hope all goes well if you try it.
-David-



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I read them :). Sounds pretty good. Think i ll have a look at the state of the threads and rings first. Read they might be stuck forever.
Now trying to find some proper spacers + bolts. Very tempting to get the spacers + coiloverset from FD. It is a good 4500 dollars together. So that keeps me thinking still :)
 
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