Spax/ERA - minimum/front shock rod clearance?

decooney · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2002, 09:56 AM

Hi Bob,

What is the "minimum" shock rod clearance that should be sticking out of the standard Spax ERA/front coilovers before the lower assembly actually bottoms out inside of the shock body?

How many rod/inches should be sticking out of the front shock - before its considered bottomed out?

I started to drop the front a bit (1") over the factory setup, and noticed a more harsh ride. When you push down on the fender, it was not moving much, if at all - but it could still be free. I see about 2-1/2" to 2-3/4"shock rod sticking out of the top of the shock. The rubber snubber is not getting smashed yet, and not touching the shock body or the hat at all. I know in most cases, this might be OK or appear to have enough shock rod sticking out (like 2"), but when I was working with Carerra Engineers on my last car, it was not fluid or safe to go below a certain point - or internal shock bottoming would occur. My front fenders lips are at 26.25 inches off the ground - for reference with the big letter GoodYear/Eagles on front. I did go ahead and back off on the set screw to wide open, and it did free up the travel a bit.

I just want to be sure NOT to go beyond the recommended internal shock travel range.

Thanks ahead for your response. ERA623.

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2002, 04:49 AM

Duane,

Our Spax dampers have 4" travel before the rubber bumper touches, plus about 1.7" more before the rubber is fully compressed. I've never seen damage from a shock going too far. Drive it a bit more - it may be that an internal valve is sticking.

decooney · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2002, 08:44 AM

Hi Bob,
thanks. I went ahead and backed out the adjuster to full-soft. It seems I can push down on the fender a bit now and get some shock and reflex; and its still firm though. I'll drive it when the rain lets up again. I only have 500 miles on thing, so I may just drive it a bit more before I draw any conclusions - but this is a good start on tuning.

I did notice, with the front end 1/4" lower than the rear, that the steering becomes noticeably heavier than before. I may go back to keeping the front level with the rear for a bit more of that mid-steer seet feeling I'm so inclined to achieve like in Karting. Just wanted to be sure about the shocks before I tried anything else.

Also, there is something I wish to speak with you about offline. I sent an email to the email address for ERA. I hope you received it. Thanks, Duane