11 replies to this topic

[orac69]

Hi,  Ive done a search and read every single post on this forum about cars sitting high after changing suspension.  I just thought I would add my experience and photos to the list...

 

I have a '94 SPi on 13" wheels and arches fitted by previous owner.   Ive had it 12 years now, pretty much lives in the garage.

 

The wheels started to rub on the arches, and suspension was harsh so did some research and decided to change it out (what a mission that was with no space in the engine bay in the spi's!)

 

I went with the Mini Spares hilos.  Red dot cones.  Knuckles without spacer.  KYB Gas-a-just shocks.  

 

Ive only done the fronts at the moment.

 

Ive checked and double checked everything is in place, fitting nicely, but even with the hilos wound right in to the stop it sits crazy high and looks ridiculous.   

I know the red dots sit a bit taller - I expected that - but didnt expect it to sit stoopid high.  

 

Ive asked minispares for their thoughts - but thought I would ask here too.

 

The thought of getting them top arms out and back in again is frightening.  So much hassle.

 

Help!

Attached Files

•  toohigh.jpg   43.34K   7 downloads
•  hilo.jpeg   31.81K   7 downloads

[68+86auto]

That picture makes it look like it's not assembled correctly. Probably just the picture.

Leave it for a few weeks and it'll sag to the correct level which isn't as low as you'll be expecting. Minis are not low cars. Your rear suspension is totally sagged.

Edited by 68+86auto, 14 February 2025 - 01:14 PM.

[stuart bowes]

you might find doing the back as well pushes weight forwards and makes the front sit a little lower (also will help it to settle over time with weight on it)

[orac69]

Thanks guys.  As suggested I'll crack on doing the rears then take it out for some driving and hopefully it will settle.

[68+86auto]

That picture makes it look like it's not assembled correctly. Probably just the picture.

Leave it for a few weeks and it'll sag to the correct level which isn't as low as you'll be expecting. Minis are not low cars. Your rear suspension is totally sagged.

Here's an example of a mini at the correct height.

 20240119_082227~2.jpg   49.77K   9 downloads

[Rubbershorts]

Is the top of the Hilo located into the cone properly? If it's sat on the lip it could add an extra inch or so. Also, has it moved since you dropped it down? You may need to run it backwards and forwards a couple of times in the garage for the wheels to find their correct camber. You could be sat on the outer lip of the tire somewhat. Daz.

[ings]

I had the same problem with this type of hilo…

You have to shorten the bolt of the hilo and remove the lock nut.

[roblightbody]

Based on my experience, driving it is essential!

[LD_Framework]

 

That picture makes it look like it's not assembled correctly. Probably just the picture.

Leave it for a few weeks and it'll sag to the correct level which isn't as low as you'll be expecting. Minis are not low cars. Your rear suspension is totally sagged.

Here's an example of a mini at the correct height.

20240119_082227~2.jpg

 

awww noooooo.... means that I need to change my suspension again after roughly  7 years  and 15000 miles. should't last a bit longer?

[nichmoss]

For what it's worth, this is what I did when I replaced my original 60000 miles cones and original trumpets. I bought standard cones and proper HILOs:

Screwed each HILO fully down and marked the HILO trumpet and the flat on the HILO adjuster.

Adjusted each HILO to match the original trumpet length. They were all around seven turns out but each was slightly different.

Fitted to the car at the length equal to the original trumpets. The car sat very high so drove a little and it was still very high and felt odd.

Adjusted both front and both rear HILOs down by the same amount, let's say two turns, to give me about 9.5 inches from floor to sill seam at the front and 10.0 inches at the rear.

Drove for 500 miles and the car was much lower. Adjusted both front out the same amount (again, let's say one turn). Repeated for rear and now back close to 9.5/10.0 inches.

Drove another 500 miles and set all HILOs back to the original trumpet length. The car now sits close to the 9.5/10.0 inch that I believe is correct.

This has worked for me. Don't forget to check the tracking.

My car is an MPI Sportspack on 13 inch wheels and 65000 miles.

Good luck, Chris

Edited by nichmoss, 15 February 2025 - 10:02 AM.

[68+86auto]

That picture makes it look like it's not assembled correctly. Probably just the picture.

Leave it for a few weeks and it'll sag to the correct level which isn't as low as you'll be expecting. Minis are not low cars. Your rear suspension is totally sagged.

Here's an example of a mini at the correct height.

20240119_082227~2.jpg

awww noooooo.... means that I need to change my suspension again after roughly  7 years  and 15000 miles. should't last a bit longer?

They only last a few years really. It's the time not distance. It's one of the reasons most minis are sitting low, not many people bother to replace anything when they should.

[LD_Framework]

 

 

 

That picture makes it look like it's not assembled correctly. Probably just the picture.

Leave it for a few weeks and it'll sag to the correct level which isn't as low as you'll be expecting. Minis are not low cars. Your rear suspension is totally sagged.

Here's an example of a mini at the correct height.

20240119_082227~2.jpg

awww noooooo.... means that I need to change my suspension again after roughly  7 years  and 15000 miles. should't last a bit longer?

They only last a few years really. It's the time not distance. It's one of the reasons most minis are sitting low, not many people bother to replace anything when they should.

 

well good to know! thanks! any tips or parts that I can choose to get last longer?