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Fixing preload (diy)

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Old 10-21-2008, 10:49 PM
  #21  
Colin_S
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Originally Posted by jibolean
When I spoke to Pete from BC, this is how he explained adjusting the rear springs and dampers.

1. You have to remove the lower mounting bolt from the dampers so it's disconnected from the rear suspension arm.

2. Assuming the springs are set to desired ride height use a jack and raise the lower suspension arm up 1/4" from this point, this sets the location for where to line up the lower shock mount.

3. Now thread the shock body up or down as needed to line up with the hole. Tighten up the lower lock ring.

Hope this helps.
Is this 1/4 inch thing the case for all Zs and setups to eliminate preload?
Old 10-22-2008, 03:29 AM
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jibolean
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Originally Posted by Colin_S
Is this 1/4 inch thing the case for all Zs and setups to eliminate preload?
I am not sure, it was what Pete told me to do for the BC.
Old 10-22-2008, 05:09 AM
  #23  
Kieran@DrivenDynamics
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Originally Posted by jibolean
I am not sure, it was what Pete told me to do for the BC.
Bit off topic, do you have Pete's number? I have a set of BC's and my right rear damper won't allow me to adjust stiffness (**** wont turn).
Thanks!
Old 10-22-2008, 05:16 AM
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Z1 Performance
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Colin - you're making it harder than it needs to be

Preload is simply adjusting the tension on the spring. Assuming you are not cornerbalancing the car, preload should be set to a minimum, just enough so the spring doesn't droop when the suspension is unloaded. From there, you can use preload to fine tune the suspension based on personal preference, and when you cornerbalance the car
Old 10-22-2008, 05:41 AM
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Colin_S
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Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
Colin - you're making it harder than it needs to be

Preload is simply adjusting the tension on the spring. Assuming you are not cornerbalancing the car, preload should be set to a minimum, just enough so the spring doesn't droop when the suspension is unloaded. From there, you can use preload to fine tune the suspension based on personal preference, and when you cornerbalance the car
I must be lol, the front is straight forward, and it was just the back that i was having difficulties with. I've have read about 5 different ways to do it now and when i was doing it myself it didn't seem too easy to see when there was no 'droop'.

All i want is neutral preload all round, not trying to do anything fancy with it regarding corner balance etc.
Old 10-22-2008, 05:48 AM
  #26  
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When I fixed my preload, it was quite simple.

Just raise the car, put a jack underneath the lower link where the spring is, add slight pressure.
Unbolt the shock bolt and nut and remove.

Unscrew the ring on the shock.
Now take the jack, pump it up about 1/4"-1/2" of an inch.
Now thread the shock so it meets with the mounting hole for the bolt.

Tighten everything up and see how the spring is snug. If you can't move it, you're good. If you can't move the spring, but can rotate it a bit, go back and adjust a little bit more.

And repeat for the other side, remembering how much you adjusted.

I just counted the threads on the shock (the ones visible from the bottom) and remembered to take away as needed on the other side of the Z.
Old 10-22-2008, 12:36 PM
  #27  
Colin_S
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Ok,so now i'm totally confused lol

I adjusted my coilovers tonight and i could adjust the rear pre-load no problem but i had trouble with the front.

On the front i adjust the ride height with the top 2 rings and the preload by screwing the threaded portion into the body. However no matter what i did the ride height changed.
Old 10-22-2008, 12:45 PM
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Colin - on the front, the height adjustment is done via the lower bracket that attaches the damper to the car itself. Preload is done via the collars that the spring sits on. On your coilovers, these two things (the body and the spring collars) move independantly of one another
Old 10-22-2008, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
Colin - on the front, the height adjustment is done via the lower bracket that attaches the damper to the car itself. Preload is done via the collars that the spring sits on. On your coilovers, these two things (the body and the spring collars) move independantly of one another
That's what's wrong, i was doing it the wrong way this time. I couldn't figure out what i was doing wrong.

Got it now lol
Old 01-08-2009, 10:17 PM
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jining
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When the car is in the air and the shock is not mounted on the bottom bolt, do the rear springs need to have preload or should the be loose until you get the shock mounted? Seems like the springs are too short to be able to create any, even when at max height they are loose.

Last edited by jining; 01-08-2009 at 11:53 PM.
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