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03-04-2008, 06:19 AM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Glenwood Landing or Southampton,
NY
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, FRP460 Big Block
Posts: 975
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Not Ranked
Coil over suspension FUN!
When I got SPF1052, (BB460 motor), I could not adjust the fronts to the recommended 27" floor-to-fender lip ride height. I got as low as 27 3/8". It had QA1 adjustables with 10" 450 lb. QA1 springs. I have 17" PSE wheels so the ride's a bit harsher than with 15"s. From previous experience, I decided to switch front springs to 8" Carreras 450 lb so I could lower the suspension. I experienced no ride deterioration at 26 3/4" ride height all around. Then, I heard about the wisdom of using variable rate, progressive springs ( that's another discussion) and saw that 10" 225/475 springs were available. I had just installed 12" 175/350# in the rear and loved the ride, although a bit soft for track work. I figured that with the softer initial rate, the front would settle a bit to get to the 27" or lower recommended height; so I bought them, installed the springs, then battled to try and re-install them to the fronts. the springs would extend the shock to 14", but the eye to eye length of the shock mounts were 13". I rented strut spring compressors from Autozone ( great loan program BTW) but with them on there, I couldn't massage the dang assembly into where they had to be. Next idea, compress them at the shop with wall-mounted compressors, then safety-wire the springs to install, then snip them once they're in there. While I was doing the compression, I thought I'd be basically transporting or handling a  'bomb' before installation and decided to abandon the idea. I re-installed the 8". Maybe I'll try them in the rear, once my back stops hurting 
My question is, how the heck did the factory install the 10" sprung shocks? They were pre-loaded at max. extension when I first took them off.
Special tools maybe?
"Safe" ideas, anyone?
__________________
Ray
New York
SPF#1052 11mpg
CAV GT40 MONO29 9mpg
'94 35th Anniversary Rover Mini Cooper 32mpg
'01 MB CL600 V12 18mpg
'08 Volvo S80 18mpg
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03-04-2008, 09:24 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Yorba Linda,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: SPF w/392CI stroker
Posts: 3,293
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Not Ranked
Ray, it's been a couple years since I swapped out the earlier factory AVOs for some Bilsteins from a 21xx car. I just remember that the backs were easy and the fronts were a PITA, especially with all the washers/spacers and trying to compress the shock just enough to align. I honestly can't recall just how exactly I did it...what I used. Maybe some 10 gauge electrical wire and then I snipped it once the through bolt was in? I just remember filling up the curse jar that afternoon and not even the dog wanted me to pet her.
FWIW, the Bilsteins ride a whole lot smoother than the AVOs. It's still a fairly stiff ride, but then again I didn't buy a Cobra with the expectation that it would ride like a Cadillac.
-Dean #747 |
03-04-2008, 09:39 AM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Germantown, TN,
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance #770, Stroked 351W (393 cubes) w/ Tremec TKO-600, 3.27 Torsen locker, 'Hi-Tech' Blue w/ White Stripes, Wilwoods, Bilstein coil overs...and a big ear-to-ear grin!
Posts: 1,147
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Not Ranked
Ratcheting Tie Down Belt...
Simple task...step back and think a minute, guys. Use a nylon, ratcheting tie down strap. Loop the tie down over the top lug of the shock, and over the bottom lug...then simply ratchet the belt tighter until the shock/spring compresses sufficiently to line up with the mounting holes.
This is the same way I installed my Olthoff-designed Bilsteins several years ago, and it worked great. Trick is to be gentle with everything...click the ratcheting assembly very slowly and make sure the belt doesn't slip off the mounting lugs on the shocks....or...BOI-YOIIIIING!
Hope this helps...
__________________
Flyin_Freddie
"An opinion on everything...an expert at nothin'!"
WARNING: The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the management, editors, or owners. We welcome differing opinions, and recognize our responsibility to offer differing views. May cause drowsiness, restlessness, or irritability. Do not operate heavy machinery while using this product. Void in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, or where prohibited, licensed, or regulated by law. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Offer good while supplies last. No substitutions allowed. Please observe posted speed limits. Professional driver on closed course. Do not try this at home. Please wear your seatbelt at all times. Close cover before striking. Use at own risk. Please dispose of properly. Drink responsibly. Prolonged exposure to vapors has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Do not use this product of you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling fumes can be dangerous. Always wear safety glasses. In case of eye contact, flush with water and seek immediate medical attention. For occasional use only as directed. Avoid prolonged skin contact. Discontinue use if rash develops. If symptoms persist for more than three days, seek professional medical attention. Hearing protection required beyond this point. Danger: Hot surfaces. Use as directed. Proceed at own risk. Caution: Filling may be hot. Please don't litter. Actual results may vary. It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner other than as intended. Do not use this product if you have an enlarged prostate, or have difficulty urinating.
Last edited by Flyin_Freddie; 03-04-2008 at 09:42 AM..
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03-04-2008, 02:17 PM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Glenwood Landing or Southampton,
NY
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, FRP460 Big Block
Posts: 975
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Not Ranked
>>>>
....or...BOI-YOIIIIING!
<<<<
That's what I'm afraid of...
__________________
Ray
New York
SPF#1052 11mpg
CAV GT40 MONO29 9mpg
'94 35th Anniversary Rover Mini Cooper 32mpg
'01 MB CL600 V12 18mpg
'08 Volvo S80 18mpg
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03-04-2008, 09:19 PM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Germantown, TN,
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance #770, Stroked 351W (393 cubes) w/ Tremec TKO-600, 3.27 Torsen locker, 'Hi-Tech' Blue w/ White Stripes, Wilwoods, Bilstein coil overs...and a big ear-to-ear grin!
Posts: 1,147
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Not Ranked
Ray...it's really not that difficult using the ratcheting strap. The Olthoff designed Bilsteins are NOT that dangerous...should the strap slip off, the shock does "unload", if you will, but the internal valving prevents a rapid and dangerous unload....it's more gradual. It's not slooooooow by any means, but it's not an explosive KA-BAM, either.
Tell you what...here's how I found out how they unload. Place a towel, or some other padding on the floor to pad the mounting lug. Then, place the lower mounting lug on the towel, and press down with all your weight on the upper end of the shock. It will compress slowly. Now, stop pressing down...and the shock will extend again. Remember, when installing the coil over unit, the spring should be fully extended, and therefore no pressure on the shock itself. The only things that will cause the shocks to extend is the internal spring, which is controlled by the internal valving and nitrogen gas, in the case of the Bilsteins...or oil, in the case of AVOs, and some other shocks. I think you'll be surprised at how "gentle", if I can use that word, it will extend...it certainly won't be a violent extension, trust me...
It's easy...if I can mount 'em...hell, almost ANYONE can... 
__________________
Flyin_Freddie
"An opinion on everything...an expert at nothin'!"
WARNING: The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the management, editors, or owners. We welcome differing opinions, and recognize our responsibility to offer differing views. May cause drowsiness, restlessness, or irritability. Do not operate heavy machinery while using this product. Void in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, or where prohibited, licensed, or regulated by law. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Offer good while supplies last. No substitutions allowed. Please observe posted speed limits. Professional driver on closed course. Do not try this at home. Please wear your seatbelt at all times. Close cover before striking. Use at own risk. Please dispose of properly. Drink responsibly. Prolonged exposure to vapors has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Do not use this product of you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling fumes can be dangerous. Always wear safety glasses. In case of eye contact, flush with water and seek immediate medical attention. For occasional use only as directed. Avoid prolonged skin contact. Discontinue use if rash develops. If symptoms persist for more than three days, seek professional medical attention. Hearing protection required beyond this point. Danger: Hot surfaces. Use as directed. Proceed at own risk. Caution: Filling may be hot. Please don't litter. Actual results may vary. It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner other than as intended. Do not use this product if you have an enlarged prostate, or have difficulty urinating.
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