2 replies to this topic

[northernboy]

I am rebuilding a 1992 Cooper SPI and struggling to fit rear shocks  as the radius arm will not come high enough to get the shock absorber top bolt through the wheel arch mount. I have new Bilstein shocks which are correct for this car.  (19-221700) and it is extended fully I have a new Mini Spares subframe, new standard cones, original trumpet and standard knuckle joint so all should be correct. I checked to ensure I had not used a front knuckle joint as these have a extra spacer to lift ride height at the front but have used correct rear standard joints. Everything look's to be seated correctly so can't work out why shock won't fit. 

 

It is as if the new cone is too tall ( new) . If I could fit HI-LO but should not be needed for std build.

 

any ideas please ?

[absx2]

Quite a common problem with new cones, just make sure the ball joints are seated properly and the cones are fully seated in the subframe then place a block of wood or similar under the shock end of the radius arm and lower the jack on your subframe to compress the new cones.

The new cones will settle after a few miles, I stand on the boot lip and bounce up and done a bit to settle it a bit.

[northernboy]

Yes - a few hours after my post, I did succeed by doing very similar - The body is currently in stands so got a trolley jack under the radius arm to lift it until it also started to lift the car. I then sat on the rear lip of the boot. This squashed the cone enough to get the top nut on the damper. Tighten up and job done. I guess the cones will settle down in due course.

 

Thanks

 

nick