15 replies to this topic

[andylep]

Mini mayfair 1992 1275

Just buying some shocks saw on the other threads on faqs that a few of you are running lowered shocks, is there a particular reason better performance or just cosmetic ? im on 13x7 wheels if that effects the lowered choice, personally not to fussed lowered or not just thought i would check as the gaz shocks come in both forms.

Also as my exhaust is hitting bumps and is pretty low im assuming this is because the back shocks are weeping near death ( as the exhaust brackets are fine), would the adjusta ride or Hi lo be a good choice to put on aswell while im doing the shocks.

Thanks

[The Principal]

Hi - Dampers are only part of the story with a good suspension set up....

If you car is that low and you have a standard set up I suggest you need to have a look at the dreaded rubber cones first.

once you start to get into hi-lo's and dampers for a lowered car you need to consider the effect on the suspension geometry that leads onto issues such as are your track rods long enough and do you have the correct front damper brackets (the ones that bolt too the inner wing)

For my 10 bob's worth stick with the standard set up check the rubber cones all round and replace as required (in pairs or quads ideally all four), plus new standard height dampers all round - its an expensive route to properly lower a car successfully, my road car is lowered and two things I would point out from my learning

(i) you have too plan your route to avoid ANY speed humps
(ii) With low profile tyres combined with lowered dampers the ride is so hard the smallest pot hole will cause your teeth fillings to fall out

signed Gummy

[jaydee]

13x7 and lowered height? i hope your is a show car only...

[leroy26]

standard gas shocks
new standard cones ( make sure there genuine)
hilos
sorted!

[andylep]

i was thinking it might be bit ruff ,
it was just the fact a lot of people had mentioned they had the lowered on the suspension threads i had read.

thanks for that principal will have a look at the cones tomorrow when i get the wheels off, these shocks say 36 point adjustment is there a recommended setting or trialling with preference

[leroy26]

yeah its usually twelve turns out or something like

if u have it too hard it will be undrivable

[The Principal]

Andy

this may sound boring but check the cones first, a new set of cones will transform the car and set you back the best part of £200 for all four. If you want to go further and purchase the lowered dampers remember you need to change other parts to facilitate the dampers.

Tip -

- with a standard set up buy all the matching parts do achieve a 'Standard' set up
- If you want to pursue a lowered look replacing the dampers for 'lowered' dampers will not get you the ultimate solution you need significantly more kit like Hi-lo's, long track rod's, new front brackets and consider the geometry impact

people like the lowered look as a personal choice or as a technical improvement either way its expensive to do it right

[tiger99]

Fit a new pair of knuckle joints while you are at it. They are cheap. They are the cause of many ride height problems, and if left too long, the nylon cup wears right through, and quite quickly the radius arm becomes scrap.

The dampers do not affect the ride height, although every other day someone seems to think that they do.

[bmcecosse]

As above - Rover actually raised the Mini when they fitted the 13" wheels to get clearance - so you need new cones now - and a nice set of standard length dampers of the make of your choice. I have to say I found Gmax to be good value for money. And make sure the front bump stops still exist - and the little rebound rubbers ??

[andylep]

Figured the dampers would contribute to the lowness as they have started to leak a bit now but yeah will have a look at knuckle joints to.
i have saw gmax good to know theyre an good choice too and will do, seems i have a lot to check thanks for the advice ill get on it.

[Cooperman]

The dampers have absolutely no effect on the ride height.

[tiger99]

Cooperman, you and I , and from memory I think at least bmcecosse and a few other regulars have said as much umpteen times, yet the myth that dampers do affect ride height still seems to be believed by millions of people, not just on this forum. It has even appeared in print, in certain magazines, by "journalists" who should know better. I find it rather amazing, and somewhat depressing, that there is such a vast lack of basic knowledge. I have even heard it said by garage mechanics, and it worries me that people who are as completely clueless are working on other people's cars.

[mini-luke]

There is one time dampers will affect ride height, and that is if they're seized in one position preventing suspension movement. Unlikely to happen though.

Another thing, they are dampers, not ''shocks''.

[tiger99]

Correct, mini-luke, and we have even seen a couple of such cases recently on the forum. If we say "when working correctly, dampers do not control ride height", I think perhaps that should cover it.

[iDemonix]

I recently bought some Gaz dampers, standard height. They have about 50 clicks!