37 replies to this topic

[Tiny]

The HQ sits alot lower on the drivers side than the passenger side..

Now.. I know this is probably because of my fat arse always being on that side, but i really want to try and level the car up!

Many moons ago i was told about some "spring spacers" that are basically plastic blocks used to raise the spring a bit.

I wonder if anyone has heard of them, knows wehre to get them, and if they work or not!

I'd like some ideas before i go to the hassle of changing the spring itself!

Cheers

[GML-31]

well you could always put in dual controls and swap sides daily...

[Tiny]

HAHAH or just let someone smaller drive it

I'm thinking i may have to go a slightly heavier spring on the drivers side to stop this problem.. It's been apparent since i first put these springs in.

[GML-31]

you could always carry some lead rolls on the passenger side when you dont have passengers

[GML-31]

sorry double post... but anyhow Tiny for around $100-150 you could get enough lead

Edited by GML-31, 20 September 2006 - 06:41 PM.

[knoath]

Hey Tiny....how old are the springs?
Have you looked into re-setting them?
I'll be doing this to the UC once the rims come my way, and have been quoted $280 to remove all 4 springs, re-set them and reinstall them.
I figured it wasn't worth my effort to pull them all out, get them to the guy, then refit them for $100, but it's another option for you.

Hope this helps mate.
Cheers.

[TerrA LX]

id try A. ballancing the car out, best option or
B. reseting the springs to suite,
i would think putting spacers under the springs is asking for trouble.

[dattoman]

Spring pads are available for HQ in thicknesses of 6 8 and 10mm as quoted in earlier email Tiny

Maybe you could buy a pair and stack them if need be

You could always let Lekky drive..... then you in the passengers seat might balance it up
Or........ diet

[Tiny]

Thanks guys!

GML: but then i would need yet MORE Horsepower!!

Knoath: I had a set of coils reset previously ( not these ones.. these are about 3 years old and were brand new..) and they sagged like a bitch.. i vowed not to get anything re-set again! ( Not for the cost of a spring anyway!)

ALX: Yeah i'm not sure if the spacer idea is a good one or not... Not sure how to balance the car other than to use varying rates and heights of springs on a set of scales or soemthing.. and i dont think i need to go to that length! I'm going to look into getting the right height spring and maybe just change that one.

Dattoman: Ahhh so it was YOU who were telling me about them!! I think ive got altzheimers...I will have to get some accurate measurements to see what height i need.. have you seen/used these things before?
And Err... I dont mind lekky driving.. but she's gotto learn to use the secondaries
And... i acually AM on a diet

Red Dragon: Yeah as ALX mentioned above, i think that would be the ideal situation. I dont know if i want or need to go that far in what's essentially a streeter!

I'm really more concerned about having the car sit level, and to give the right guard a little more clearance.. Cause its sagged the tyre is waay too close to the guard!

Anyhow, Thanks for the advise guys! I'll look into the options and see how we go!

If anyone else has used ( or seen used) these spacers/spring pads, I'd be interested to know!

[TerrA LX]

effective ballancing can sometimes be achieved by relocating parts such as spare tyre, battery and anything else you can shift in the car to more better compliment your weight in the drivers seat.
of course these things would have to be located roughly proportionaly to your position in the car not always practical in a streeter.

a sand bag on the passinger floor maybe.

[Tiny]

heheh sand bags... lead.. what are you guys telling me!!

But i do understand what your saying there ALX76. I've got the battery mounted passenger side ( 26Kgs.. worthwhile to do that!!) and thats about all i can think of being able to move!

I'll have a chat to a mate.. he knows of a guy who MAKES springs.. Maybe i can get one made with the correct ride height, but slightly stiffer to counteract my weight!

[TerrA LX]

the spring thing will do you good cosmetically buy may alter the suspensions reactions differently for cornering etc.
but as you say its only a streeter.

[Tiny]

Mmm that's a good point too... Hrmmm....
Cheers!

[LX2DR]

1st thing i would do is swap the springs! see if the low side goes with the spring.

Process of elimination, if prob transfers, definately the spring!

If not, something else could be wrong.

Loosen all the suspension bolts, see if that lets the thing sit level?

Dont forget to re-tighten them again.

My 2 cents worth.

Paul

[TerrA LX]

^ i think the problem only arises when he is seated in the car

[Tiny]

hehe No actually the car does sit uneven even when unladen...

it's damn noticable too!

Paul: Thats a good idea mate, I'll do that and see if the springs are the same height when sitting on the ground, and then again when re-installed and under compression.

Thanks

[Redslur]

Tiny I have used the spring insulators. They work well. A 10mm (largest option) will give you 18mm increase between the top of the gaurd and the centre of the hub. Very effective.. Any more than the 10mm and they don't sit well in the top craddle. They are simple to fit and have worked well for me..

[Tiny]

Awesome Thanks red!! much appereciated that!!

[Toranamat69]

G'day Tiny,

I have these spring spacers in my LX as it was slightly too low when I put the koni shocks in. The koni's made the car approx 1/2"lower so I put in the Superpro spacers to make it back up.

The HQ to HZ take the same spacers as the Toranas.

On the rear, you get 1 for 1, so if you want 6mm, put in a 6mm spacer.

The fronts you get approx 2:1 so a 6mm spacer gave me about 12mm ride height increase.

I thought the 6mm spacer was pushing it for the front spring top location with the LX, not sure if I'd go to the 10mm one. Have fun getting the buggers in too )
You may have more to play with on the HQ.

A whole $9 each too, so I bought myself 2 of each size for front and back as I may use them to weight jack 1 rear wheel at the drags - there are heaps of combo's.


M@

[Tiny]

Thats GREAT info, Thanks heaps Matt!

Looks like i'll be getting a couple of different thicknesses and a bit of trial and error!

At this stage its only the right rear that i'll use them (it?) in and see how it goes!

Do they go on the top or bottom of teh spring? ( i'm assuming that would be fairly obvious when i buy em...)
And Err.. Where would be best to buy some? are they a repco type of item?

Thanks again for all the replies guys! I really appreciate it!

[TerrA LX]

sorry tiny i was under the impression the car sat level, left to right unlaiden.
by all means use spacers to a height were the spring is still captave but try to find the problem starting with as stated, measuring the spring height both installed and free as you may have a dud spring.
maybe pull the shocks and measure from the ground up and i wont insult you by describing measuring free height.(you will be pulling them anyway).
if no joy there keep looking, maybe look at your mounts ie bottom wishbone inners to see if they are not off etc.

[Tiny]

No Worries ALX76! Your advise/Help/Ideas that all you guys give me is exactly why i asked the question!!

OH.. and feel free to insult me by telling me how to do stuff.. I like to know IF i'm doing it right.. or wrong... or you have another/better way!!

But yeah, Your right mate, defintiely some investigation to do!

Thanks mate

[Tiny]

I hear what yout saying there Chop.. At the moment i'd like to have a go at the symptom.. and sus out the problem further and properly when i have more time and cash!