17 replies to this topic

[BlakeMcCall]

Just took out rear suspension cones to change ball joints and while im at it might as well cut them down to lower the rear of the car. However does anyone know the ratio for the amount cut of the cone : to the amount the car is lowered? Cheers.

[hepple]

I believe it is if you cut 1 inch your car lowers by 3 inches. someone can confirm this though

[BlakeMcCall]

Thank you for the fast reply. I thought i heard it was something like 1:3 as well, but would like to get a second opinion before i got back to garage and let the cutting begin

[xBR4DLEY]

Yeah , pretty sure its 1:3 too

[BlakeMcCall]

Well, i realised that i didnt actualy measure the gap before i took the cones out , so i decided to just cut of 8mm and see what happens, probebly wont be enough and have to do it all again

[Bungle]

don't cut the suspension cone cut the alloy trumpet

why no one told you not to cut the suspension cone god knows

[Pooky]

Also when cutting the trumpet make absolutely sure that you're cutting it perfectly flat to ensure complete contact with the knuckle when you re-fit it. Sticking it in a vice and slicing away with a hack saw isn't good enough.

[Shifty]

Ok then, I'm confused!!

Why did you remove the rear cones to change the ball joints?

Is it the front or rear cones you're doing.

I have heard of people cutting the rubber cone down to lower the car, its not the way I'd do it though, even cutting down the trumpets takes a bit of skill, or even better access to a lathe.

In either case the face you've cut will need to be cut square and true to be safe.

I think in your case the best way is to shell out and buy some Hi-los. If you manage to ruin the cone then that £40 down the drain, if you screw the trumpets up then they're also beyond repair.

Whats even worse is if you make a mistake, then it could very well be dangerous.

Just buy some Hi-los!!

[Carlos W]

Ok then, I'm confused!!

Why did you remove the rear cones to change the ball joints?

Is it the front or rear cones you're doing.

I have heard of people cutting the rubber cone down to lower the car, its not the way I'd do it though, even cutting down the trumpets takes a bit of skill, or even better access to a lathe.

In either case the face you've cut will need to be cut square and true to be safe.

I think in your case the best way is to shell out and buy some Hi-los. If you manage to ruin the cone then that £40 down the drain, if you screw the trumpets up then they're also beyond repair.

Whats even worse is if you make a mistake, then it could very well be dangerous.

Just buy some Hi-los!!

And sell the old ones, or keep them in case you ever want to put it back to standard!

[Carlzilla]

I agree with shifty, for the low cost you can pick up adjustable trumpets for its not worth running the risk of hacking away at things to lower the car.
We all laugh at people who cut down springs so why should cones be any different.

If you do have the money though, buy the Minispares Hi-los, theyre more expensive but seat the rubber doughnut so much better, and improve rebound rates a little.

Note that only the Hi-los minispares sell (have ripspeed on them, and are black powdercoated) are the only adjustable named trumped called a Hi-lo, most people get confused between the name of the part and the brand name of the better version

[Shifty]

Have a look here..

This is a very good guide

http://www.calverst...._dry_set-up.htm

[Dan]

Also, the above ratio is wrong for the rear. The front suspension ratio is 1:3, the rear is 1:5.

[BlakeMcCall]

I did not cut the rubber cone sorry, i mean the alloy trumpet sorry. Yes i cut it very flat but cutting it up and filling the rest using a spirit level If the ratio is wrong then i means i am going to have to take it all back out again and cut it lower tomorrow, fun

[Ethel]

If you cut it based on 1:3 you're a bit stuffed as it'll be too short now, though there are thicker knuckle joints available, assuming you don't already have them. Getting it right by trial & error is a pain; if it wasn't, Hi-Lo's wouldn't be half as popular. If you do cut the trumpets use the knuckle joint as a guide to check the end is true.

[BlakeMcCall]

I only cut 8mm off which if it was 1:3 should be around and inch. However i have left the suspension to settle all day (havnt driven it though) and it is still higher than the front. It was such a mission to cut the trumpets i cant be bothered to do it again and just going to leave it at its current height ha. Oh well, atleast i replaced all the nasty rusty knuckle joints

Edited by BlakeMcCall, 30 October 2010 - 03:33 PM.