25 replies to this topic

[PaulColeman]

I've just refitted the engine into my daughter's 1976 Mini 1000 and in the process of restoring it I've replaced all the bushes, bearings and suspension components. I haven't fitted the glass yet but the doors are on although there is no interior yet other than the back seat. My problem is that the new dampers I bought don't extend far enough to bolt them up and I'm concerned that if I could compress the suspension enough to bolt them up, when I let the suspension go it would rip them apart!! The car is sitting very high at the moment and I'm not sure why? I haven't driven the car yet as I haven't got that far.

 

Does anybody have any idea what's going on?

 

Thanks, Paul.

[sonikk4]

Have you fitted new suspension components like new cones etc?? are the knuckles correctly located in the cups?? Are the cones seated correctly?? 

[PaulColeman]

Yes, new cones and new knuckles. I fitted the knuckles with my press so they went right down. They didn't seem a very tight fit in the cups so I'm guessing they're right down?

 

Cheers, Paul.

[sonikk4]

They should be a snug fit in the cups and certainly not loose. Did you fit new cups at all?? May be worth taking it apart again or certainly looking to see if everything is seated correctly.

[Cooperman]

It is sometimes necessary to put the normal weight of the car onto each corner in order to fit the dampers. If the suspension is at full rebound position the dampers may not extend far enough. 

Just one thought, have you fitted the little down-stops under the top arms?

[Wakey-Dan]

What dampers are they? I read a post on here recently about gmax being too short although mine have been good

[rally515]

New cones take some time to bed in so thats a reson why you're riding high at the moment, as for the shock's...are they lowered dampers you,ve bought ?

[1984mini25]

What dampers are they? I read a post on here recently about gmax being too short although mine have been good

gmax are 25% uprated and slightly shorter than standard dampers...

Edited by 1984mini25, 18 June 2013 - 08:40 PM.

[PaulColeman]

They are yellow GMax dampers!! They're just regular dampers, not lowered or anything. I'm putting the car back to stock, so no suspension mods. They look about 1/2" too short? Hmmm... just looked and Mini Spares don't sell them any more that I can see. Sounds ominous!

 

I have fitted the little rubber blocks which are slightly compressed at the moment but I haven't got the full weight on it yet.

 

It does look high at the front?

 

Cheers, Paul.

Edited by PaulColeman, 18 June 2013 - 07:05 PM.

[rally515]

As cooperman said, have you put some new rebound buffers in under the top arms ?

These parts:http://www.minisport...SPDSP681FR.html

[PaulColeman]

Yes, they're new and slightly compressed as it stands.

 

Paul.

[jaydee]

They are shortened dampers

Second post in a week from someone whos been sold shortened dampers instead of normal ones

[KernowCooper]

As jaydee has said above they are for car which are lowered on the suspension and when extended fully they are to short to fit on a standard ride height car.

[A-Cell]

Dampers should have enough travel to cope with fully closed to fully open, so should not be difficult.
The post about Gmax dampers before seemed that they were incorrect. I gave this info before , still stands...

Std front damper open 330 mm, closed length 210mm, stroke 140mm
Rears open 380 mm, closed 240, stroke 140mm
Hope this helps.
Sports pack different
Front 425/333 stroke 92
Rear 380/250 stroke 130

Hope this helps

[PaulColeman]

Thanks for the replies and info.

 

I've just measured the fronts and they're 305mm open and 225mm closed. I can't easily get the backs off.

 

Bugger!

 

Cheers, Paul.