4 replies to this topic

[Winston1]

I’ve fitted hilos to the rear of my clubman estate but have found that I can’t lower it below standard ride height without the trumpets falling out. My understanding is that fitting lowered shocks will solve this. Here’s my problem though: I’m looking at Spax adjustable rear shock absorbers on Mini Spares and they are available in three lengths. Standard length for an estate (271.25mm-410.25mm) standard length for a saloon (261.5mm-385.25mm) and lowered (251.25mm-365.25mm.) So the standard saloon length are actually shorter than the standard estate length. Would they be best for my purposes or do I need the actual lowered length? I’m worried that the lowered ones would be too short for an estate? What I’m looking for is a level ride height front and rear.

[absx2]

I`ve used standard saloon length rear shocks on both estates with no problems.

 

There is also an old trick to fit a strong spring between the Hi-lo adjuster bolt and the rod.

This way when you jack the car up the slack is taken up by the spring and your trumpets stay put.

[Winston1]

I`ve used standard saloon length rear shocks on both estates with no problems.

There is also an old trick to fit a strong spring between the Hi-lo adjuster bolt and the rod.
This way when you jack the car up the slack is taken up by the spring and your trumpets stay put.

Yeah that makes sense. I just have a feeling that what counts as a ‘lowered’ shock will be too short for an estate. I’m not looking for something super low, just level with the front. Having said that, the front is a good couple of inches lower than the rear so I guess that is quite a drop!

[Spider]

Perhaps measure at what Shock Length the Hilo starts to get loose in the rubber cone, then say subtract 1/2" from that for your shock length at extension.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

How old are your cones?  If they are quite old then it was probably well below standard height anyway.