No springs at all
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Elkton MD
No springs at all
I recently lowered my '98 (A4, F45 suspension, run flats) coupe 1 1/2" all around. It now does a PERFECT imitation of a dump truck. I would prefer to keep the run flats (Brand new) due to costs. In looking at the F45 suspension system I noticed what appear to be height sensors connected to each suspension arm and the body by a link. It would appear that the lowering of the body has caused the lever positioning to change substantially. Do you think that restoring the levers to their original positions via new or adjusted linkage might help restore/improve the ride quality. Any thoughts?
:steering: :auto:
:steering: :auto:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: No springs at all (Old Timer)
I also have the Magnetic ride control and I lowered my car 1" all around, what your saying sounds interesting and could be done but I don't think that will change the ride quality. The reason the ride is stiffer now is because you've unloaded the weight from the springs by lowereing the car so when you hit a bump the first thing that happens is the spring gets loaded up before the shock gets to absorb the impact.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 36,453
Likes: 2
From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: No springs at all (BHP)
Your car has the FE1 springs which are weak. This limits the lowering point to 1" max.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 29,617
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From: Ice Scoob
Photochop Terrorist
Re: No springs at all (Umrswimr)
Your car has the FE1 springs which are weak. This limits the lowering point to 1" max.
I tend to agree... The FE1 springs are entirely too soft, especially once you lower the car. Try either raising the car a 1/2" back up or swapping to Z51/Z06 springs. :cheers:
I tend to agree... The FE1 springs are entirely too soft, especially once you lower the car. Try either raising the car a 1/2" back up or swapping to Z51/Z06 springs. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
Re: No springs at all (runamuk)
When I first got coilovers and lowered my car, I didn't have any shock travel and so I felt every single bump. It sucked. Make sure you give your shocks enough room to do their job...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 29,617
Likes: 0
From: Ice Scoob
Photochop Terrorist
Re: No springs at all (Paras)
When I first got coilovers and lowered my car, I didn't have any shock travel and so I felt every single bump. It sucked. Make sure you give your shocks enough room to do their job...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Elkton MD
Re: No springs at all (Old Timer)
I am really curious as to the "function" of the (Quote) "ride height sensors", as the internal valving changes for the F45 ride control are handled by a separate circuit connected to the bottom of the shock. GM tech's, jump in please!
Could the shocks be hitting their internal bumpers? If so, is there a solution short of trashing the F45 suspension and replacing the shocks with shorter shocks.
Also, the comments about spring loading, compression, etc. wouldn't seem to apply since the methodolgy of lowering does not change actual spring loading (assuming all corners are lowered equally) but merely changes "body position" in relationship to the spring.
More viewpoints please!!!
:skep: :skep: :skep:
Could the shocks be hitting their internal bumpers? If so, is there a solution short of trashing the F45 suspension and replacing the shocks with shorter shocks.
Also, the comments about spring loading, compression, etc. wouldn't seem to apply since the methodolgy of lowering does not change actual spring loading (assuming all corners are lowered equally) but merely changes "body position" in relationship to the spring.
More viewpoints please!!!
:skep: :skep: :skep:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 920
Likes: 2
From: Rogers, AR, USA
Re: No springs at all (Old Timer)
Old Timer, you've answered your own question. The rubber bump stops for the C5 suspension is inside of the shocks so you can't see them. If they were external so you could see them, many C5 owners would realize they are lowering their cars right down against the rubber bumpers and eliminate any normal travel of the suspension parts, resulting in a harsh ride and greater danger of bending suspension parts or wheels.
Try what I did and mark (with a pencil) (don't jack the car up) the position of the shock cover on the body of the shock prior to lowering. Then unbolt one end of the shock and compress the shock to the rubber bumper and mark it again. The distance between the marks is how much shock travel you normally have. Reconnect the shock and lower away, you'll then be able to see how close you are to the bumpers where the car bottoms out.
[Modified by alanh, 9:12 PM 4/21/2004]
[Modified by alanh, 9:14 PM 4/21/2004]
Try what I did and mark (with a pencil) (don't jack the car up) the position of the shock cover on the body of the shock prior to lowering. Then unbolt one end of the shock and compress the shock to the rubber bumper and mark it again. The distance between the marks is how much shock travel you normally have. Reconnect the shock and lower away, you'll then be able to see how close you are to the bumpers where the car bottoms out.
[Modified by alanh, 9:12 PM 4/21/2004]
[Modified by alanh, 9:14 PM 4/21/2004]