RK
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 02:13 AM |
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compressing springs
I have ProTech shocks. I was given soft springs with my so-called kit, which was really just a bunch of unrelated parts in exchange for my money. I
ordered harder springs from the nice people at Gaz. NOW, I have measured the old spring (7" long) and the new spring (8" long).
This presents a problem since my name is not Superman.
Help!
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Paul TigerB6
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 02:19 AM |
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I guess you need to send them back to Gaz if they are the wrong length - little else you can do as you certainly dont want to precompress the springs
by an inch to try and make them fit - your new harder springs would then be very very much harder if you did!! 
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RK
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 02:28 AM |
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Sending things back to the UK is not an option. It's just another one of those expensive mistakes - honestly, I'm getting a bit sick. I
was told that's the length I needed, but he was obviously wrong.
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MikeCapon
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 06:49 AM |
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Springs do not get harder when you compress them.
Almost any spring will need to be preloaded by a certain amount to acheive correct ride height. I would suggest that you fit the springs, with careful
use of a spring compressor if you have one, or small ratchet straps if not, and check out the ride height. If you can get the desired ride height then
all is ok. If not, then change the springs.
Edited to add: Why are you buying springs in the UK? They do know how to make them over your side of the pond
[Edited on 3/6/08 by MikeCapon]
www.shock-factory.co.uk
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Schrodinger
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 08:31 AM |
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The problem you may have is that with at least 1" of compression on the springs you will run the risk of running out of travel as the springs
bind. Check the length between spring seats of the fully compressed damper and see if the spring can compress that far by measuring the thickness of
the wire and multiplying by the number of coils.
Keith
Aviemore
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indykid
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 09:46 AM |
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use zip ties to compress the spring. you'll be surprised how effective they are and require pretty much zero clearance on the inside of the
spring.
it would perhaps have been wise to remove your other springs and measuring before ordering your new ones too.
tom
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britishtrident
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 11:10 AM |
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Replacing soft rate short springs with harder longer springs just won't work.
Using normal spring compresors probably isn't and option anyway because you won't have enough room to get them on (and off !).
If using tyraps they would be very strong to restrain at least 1 to 2 KN force safely.
Either get another set of springs or get the springs shortened and the ends groud flat locally --- this will however increase the rate of the
springs because they will have fewer working coils.
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RK
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 12:51 PM |
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Thank you for the informative replies, guys. I'll try using straps or zip ties.
My car doesn't have standard geometry (MX5 running gear) and a heavy engine. I need heavy springs. I also have 13" wheels, which are too
small to give more than 2 1/2" clearance of the very low sump, but I digress.
In other words, as with all things to do with the build, I will slog through and find a way.
This site is a true godsend. I am so grateful for everyone's interest and help.
I am always impressed with the cars I see posted on here; gives me inspiration!
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owelly
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 01:24 PM |
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I've been using my drill press to fit and remove my springs.
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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RK
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| posted on 3/6/08 at 10:42 PM |
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Yes I should have measured, except the car was not within 250 km of me when I was told what to order.
Who makes 2.5" ID shocks with 600 lb springs? This is a more common size to 1.9" ID.
How can I raise my car off the ground? Bigger wheels?
PS zip ties can't compress a 600 lb spring. Don't ask how I know!
[Edited on 3/6/08 by RK]
[Edited on 3/6/08 by RK]
[Edited on 3/6/08 by RK]
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