How to make rear coil-overs using factory struts, with pics. (Page 5/49)
86blackgt FEB 15, 10:09 PM
how do you know if the coilover sleeves will fit? do the carrera sleeves fit on the fiero strut without any extra work?
MinnGreenGT FEB 16, 09:57 AM
The Carrera tubes should fit over "normal" strut bodies without any trouble... I had to have mine enlarged slightly (thanks Darrell Morse) to accomodate my Koni Adjustables.
fierohoho FEB 16, 09:35 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fiero STS:

only thing you forgot is to replace the rubber snubber on the shaft. this protects the shock when it bottoms out.



Well I think I've found the way to deal with this problem.

The factory snubber that sits on top of the dust boot from my strut was in bad shape, the center that holds the snubber and dust boot to the strut shaft had come loose, most likely due to the previous owners spring compressor lowering attempt, this piece is metal that was bonded to the rubber.

Just to check things out I removed the snubber from the dust boot and reinserted the center.

I held the snubber in the coil and found the fit was too close for what I was comfortable with so that piece was out.

So, off to the parts store where I found a possible solution in the "Help" section. It's a shock absorber bushing, it's 1 1/2" long with a hole a little smaller than the strut shaft diameter, part number 31010, my cost was $3.65 + tax.

[This message has been edited by fierohoho (edited 06-18-2005).]

fierohoho FEB 16, 09:51 PM
First thing I did was bevel one inside edge so it would make it easier to slide the bushing onto the strut shaft.

A little oil inside the bushing and on the shaft and it slid on with a little pressure.

I decided to leave off the washer I had put on before, the next pic shows a view of the spring retainer plate and bushing without the spring in the way.

This last pic is an underside view of the re-assembled coilover strut, I think the bushing will work well to dampen the shock when/if the car bottoms out.

I'm very happy with this set-up, additional cost for two bushings, about $7.50, cool.

qwikgta FEB 16, 11:07 PM
what is the diff in spring size (10 vs. 12 etc..) and spring rate 250, 300, 325lb etc...

How do you pick the spring rate. I have a 3.4 DOHC engine on a 88 suspension. I want it to be about 2" lower when done, and i want no body roll, or bounce. I dont drive it daily, so im not worried about a tough, ride.

Rob

------------------

88 TTop coupe (CJB #95), 96 3.4DOHC/5 speed in progress

fierohoho FEB 17, 07:32 AM
I'm not sure what the spring length would affect, maybe the amount of bottoming out on rough roads due to the shorter spring and shorter travel of the strut shaft?

They way I understand it is, the higher the spring rate the stiffer the suspension and rougher the ride. I have to check the spring rate for my springs as I want them to be about the same as stock.

Seems to me body roll is controled more by sway bars than spring rate but I'm sure that a stiffer spring would effect body roll a little also.

Anyone else have a thought on this?

[This message has been edited by fierohoho (edited 04-06-2007).]

Lambo nut FEB 17, 10:48 AM
Excellent find on the shock bushing! This was the last piece of the puzzle I was looking for.
If I may though, you might reconsider the washer. It just looks to me, that it would prevent the strut rod from pushing through the upper plate, shoud the rubber in the plate fail. Looks like it allows the bushing to do it's thing for about 3/16" of travel, then stops it, if needed. I'm just afraid without it, the force of some bumps in the road, may start to push the rod right up through the rubber bushing in the plate, and into the decklid. Especially with a stiff, gas filled strut. Then again, I might just be worring about it too much!!
dave@heldmotorsports.com FEB 17, 01:20 PM
For a few dollars more, you can buy all the pieces / parts with proven
success... along with matching the right spring rate for your application,
driving style, engine / trans, etc... you can find them at :

http://heldmotorsports.com/coilk.htm

just thought I'd make sure that those looking for a ready-to-install kit,
or rear coilovers insalled on new struts know where to find them.

dave

Howard_Sacks FEB 17, 01:42 PM
Spring length will effect ride height. if you run a short spring at a close to stock rate, you will bounce off the bump stops more often.

If you up the spring rate, the ride will get rougher. The cool thing about having a setup like this that you can get a couple sets of springs fairly cheap and pick what works best for you or even change depending on the season.

On a fiero, roll is controlled by springs as well as a rear roll-bar if equiped. In general, roll-bars are more effective.

Tune to Win and Competition Car Suspension are good places to start reading if you want to know more.


quote
Originally posted by fierohoho:

I'm not sure what the spring length would affect, maybe the amount of bottming out on rough roads due to the shorter spring and shorter travel of the strut shaft?

They way I understand it is, the higher the spring rate the stiffer the suspension and rougher the ride. I have to check the spring rate for my springs as I want them to be about the same as stock.

Seems to me body roll is controled more by sway bars than spring rate but I'm sure that a stiffer spring would effect body roll a little also.

Anyone else have a thought on this?
Lambo nut FEB 17, 04:38 PM
Dave, I'll agree, that for someone who knows not what they are doing, your kit would be an excellent way to go. But this thread was started I believe, to help some that can do it themselves, and save some money in the process.
I've only got a little under $150.00 in my set up, plus the struts, so for me $264.00 is not just "a few dollars more".
But yes, if someone is not sure what they are doing, please buy a kit from dave, or somewhere, that knows what they are doing, and save yourself, and maybe one of us, from a potential wreck/disaster!!

Kevin

[This message has been edited by Lambo nut (edited 02-17-2004).]