19 replies to this topic

[mini-fvr]

i posted this on my buikd thread but wanted to ask in the tech section.

I just fitted a lot of goodies this past week but I think I might have an issue with my front hi-Lo's.

The rear came out great and have plenty of adjustability but the front hi Los are spun all the way down and still have a 2 finger gap between the tire and fenders, so I can only go up from where I'm at...anyone have the same issue?
The car is sitting/looking nice at this height but I it's not dialed in yet.

Here's what I installed
Front/rear blue springs with hi Los
Lower adjustable control arms(set the the stock length rt now)
Rear adjustable camber brackets
7.5cooper s brakes with new hoses.

Here's some shots...in the garage but you can get an idea of how she's sitting.
Front pic




Rear pic


Took her for a ride to see if I had any rubbing and so far she's smooth!!
Just thought I'd have room up front to go lower..

Hope someone has the same issue...:/

Edited by mini-fvr, 22 February 2015 - 01:43 PM.

[rally515]

So you would like to go lower ?

How old are the front cones ?

[mini-fvr]

I like the option to go lower.
I replaced the cones with the mini spares blue springs...

[Rocket.]

How's the gap between the top arm and the bump stops ?

[Tamworthbay]

I am a little confused, there needs to be space so the wheels can turn without the tyres hitting the bodywork, the springs will compress when you hit a bump so that space will get smaller.

[Wise Old Elf]

He wants to raise the front but has no more adjustment left on the hi-Los. He has a blue spring kit instead of rubber cones.

It seems to me that the springs are too short.

[mini-fvr]

I would like to be able to lower the car more...
Have about 1/4" left on the bump stop.
Have the blue spring hi Lo kit. Same as the ones from mini spares...hi Lo is spun all the way down. Brought from mini mania here in the states, they said they supply mini spares spring kits.

[Rocket.]

You can remove the second locking nut to allow you to go lower the original design never included it

[Tamworthbay]

He wants to raise the front but has no more adjustment left on the hi-Los. He has a blue spring kit instead of rubber cones.
It seems to me that the springs are too short.

nope, that is what logic would suggest but it's the other way round. But if the tyres can't come out of the arch when the suspension compresses it will be dangerous and if it compresses during turning it will trash the tyres or the bodywork. The gap is there for a reason, But each to their own............

[racingbob]

looking at that gap yes you could come lower, mines a touch lower than yours

 

but you will have to just nik a bit off the end of the bump stop like I did

 

I have 3/8" between bump stop and top arm

 

maybe those springs may settle why not use it for a week and see if drops a bit

[mini-fvr]

looking at that gap yes you could come lower, mines a touch lower than yours
 
but you will have to just nik a bit off the end of the bump stop like I did
 
I have 3/8" between bump stop and top arm
 
maybe those springs may settle why not use it for a week and see if drops a bit

That's what I was planning on doing, I was just wondering if yours or other people had thier front hi lo's all the way down as well?
I was thinking about taking off some bump stop material. I guess I will if I decide to take off the lock nut to be able to go lower.... I don't want to mess up my body work...
Plus I still need to "set up" the entire suspension as far as camber/toe front and rear....

Going to have to Drive it for a while and see where She settles before I make any changes..
Thank you guys for the replies!

I just wonder How much clearance should I have between my tire and fender to be safe to start with?

Edited by mini-fvr, 22 February 2015 - 04:00 PM.

[racingbob]

mines got about 35mm

 

check your track roughly put a broom handle down the side

 

of your tyres and get the parallel to the body

 

you can also check total toe in or out by measuring

 

front and back of tyre in one of the grooves roughly

[mini-fvr]

Thanks again. I wish I could drive her this week but we just got hit with more snow/ice. Hoping to start driving her in March...

[mini-fvr]

double post...

Edited by mini-fvr, 22 February 2015 - 05:25 PM.

[Spider]

You'll probably find that the Bolt in the Hilo has 'bottomed out' on the plate in the base of the spring. Shortening the Bolt would allow you to adjust lower if this is the case. I've also seen a few that required machining off the main body of the Hilo so that it wasn't as tall. IMO, removing the Lock nit isn't a good idea, it only lets the threads in the Hilo body hammer themselves to death.

 

It's your car for sure and I'm not gunna say how to suck eggs, but I wouldn't go any lower than what you now have it for street use.