Front Coilovers

FredG · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2019, 05:50 PM

Hi everyone.
I have had my car #1209 for a little over a year and everytime when I need to find out something about it, the answer is always here. Last week I raised my Cobra on my Quickjacks and removed all four wheels to have the wheels balanced. While reinstalling the fronts I noticed there was no pressure on the spring. It was quite loose in the unsprung hanging position. Is this normal or do I need to take up the spanner nut a little to put a little tension on the spring. Thanks in advance everyone.

Fred

t walgamuth · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2019, 06:12 PM

I'd say not to worry about it. What matters is when it is loaded.

Ozzie Goat · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 05:24 AM

It is normal for the springs to hang loose, based on my experience.

Also, don't be alarmed by the LOUD POP when they seat. Either when you lower the car, or on that first drive. All normal.

tocheck · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 06:01 AM

Agree it is normal. If you adjust the coil over to some tension in full droop, the car will sit too high.

If you do a search for coil over helper spring, you can buy them a lot of places. For a street car I don't bother.

FredG · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 09:01 AM

Thanks everyone. I thought there would be a little amount of preload on them but I will take your advice. Thanks for the help.

t walgamuth · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

Thanks everyone. I thought there would be a little amount of preload on them but I will take your advice. Thanks for the help.

There could be but it is not required.

cycleguy55 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 11:13 AM

As others have noted, it's normal. The only way to eliminate it without raising ride height would be to use longer, softer springs. Pick your poison.

ERA 626 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2019, 11:15 AM

if you tighten the springs, this will raise the ride height of your car.

Quentin Z · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2019, 01:36 PM

I thought the BDR quickjacks were decorative?!!!

jhv48 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2019, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quentin Z

I thought the BDR quickjacks were decorative?!!!

Good catch!DO NOT TRY TO RAISE YOUR COBRA BY THE QUICKJACKS!
Use a floor jack under a frame member.

cycleguy55 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-24-2019, 02:59 PM

Here's the QuickJacks I use to lift my car:

Got mine from Costco on sale - best deal around.

FredG · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2019, 03:05 PM

Whats the issue with the QuickJacks. They work great. Rubber blocks mount right up against the main box frame. LOL.

FredG · #13 (**permalink**) 10-25-2019, 03:50 PM

All kidding aside.........Do not use these to raise your car.

Gaz64 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-25-2019, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

Whats the issue with the QuickJacks. They work great. Rubber blocks mount right up against the main box frame. LOL.

I don't like the look of that device myself.

Think of the weight on the base footprint.

What if one air line fails while going up or down?

Gary

FredG · #15 (**permalink**) 10-26-2019, 06:10 AM

Hi Gary.

They are hydraulic. The lifts have a locking bar to lock it in the up position. You must undo it to lower the car. It would take a serious amount of shaking to knock these off and not sure if I could do it by myself. Jackstands are recommend for added safety if you are really going to be poking around under there. Plenty of room for a creeper. I absolutely love them. Sturdy and convenient. Because the car is so light, you can use the smallest model.

Fred

cycleguy55 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-26-2019, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

Hi Gary.

They are hydraulic. The lifts have a locking bar to lock it in the up position. You must undo it to lower the car. It would take a serious amount of shaking to knock these off and not sure if I could do it by myself. Jackstands are recommend for added safety if you are really going to be poking around under there. Plenty of room for a creeper. I absolutely love them. Sturdy and convenient. Because the car is so light, you can use the smallest model.

Fred

I second all the above. Two positions - mid and full height. The former works great for tire changes, brake work, etc. The higher position gives you lots of room to work under there if you lift via outriggers. You can always lift, put jack stands in place and remove QuickJacks. The vehicle is very solid on the QJs once it's up and the safety bars locked in place.

I have the slightly longer, 7,000 lb version that still fits under my West Coast Cobra. With appropriate blocks I can also use them for any of the other vehicles I need to lift, whether frame lift (e.g. pickup trucks) or body seam lift (most unibody vehicles).

cycleguy55 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-26-2019, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz64

I don't like the look of that device myself.

Think of the weight on the base footprint.

What if one air line fails while going up or down?

Gary

Total footprint weight is no different than is being carried by 4 rubber, air-filled donuts. Pressure on floor (PSI) is probably lower with the QuickJacks as they have a fairly long steel frame, though I haven't measured mine to see how the total surface area compares to the footprint of the tires.

The hydraulic lines have much higher burst pressure than working pressure. My 7,000 lb lift is also barely working when I use it, as the heaviest vehicle I have is less than 4,500 lbs.

Gaz64 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-27-2019, 05:23 PM

Looks like I am now sold on this product, and will get one a bit down the track.
Thanks to the boys above for their info.
Gary

FredG · #19 (**permalink**) 10-27-2019, 05:51 PM

You are welcome and you will love them.