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axle clearance

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chapelfarmer

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I recently fitted new rear springs to my BN4 and got a very pleasing increase in ground clearance. unfortunately I also got a big 'bang' from the rear chassis every time I go over a sharp bump. feels like the bottom of the axle tube connecting with the top of the chassis (there's now very little gap above the chassis rail before it meets the axle tube). Thinking maybe my shocks were failing to hold back the rebound I've replaced these too but that's made no difference. it's a scary sort of a bang (the little rectangular bump pads are in place on top of the rails but don't seem to make much difference). does anyone know how much space there ought to be between the two? thanks! I've put about 1000 miles on it to try to sink the springs a bit but without success. I could stick on a photo of the ride height but I can't see a widget for loading photos on the site...
 
When you reply or post under the "Post" column you will see "Mark Up" then beneath that "Post Options". To the right you will see "Poll Manager" and below that "File Manager" Icon, Click File Manager and then you can post your photo(s).

As to you query, I've not a clue. Agatha and I visit our doctor/mechanic frequently and both of us are still in the learning phase.

Good Luck.
 
HI it is my experience with this type problem that you may have inadvertently received the wrong set of springs-or the springs have been improperly arched. However, in either case the problem must be rectified ASAP or you may break the Frame at the impact point.--Fwiw--Keoke
 
Last year, I put new rear springs under my 100-6. The new springs that I bought were for a BJ series which has a dropped frame under the axle.

I had NO spring travel and the axle was on "bottom" all the time.

I ended up buying new U-bolts from a local spring shop (4 for $20) and adding a 1" aluminum spacer block between the lower boltpad and the springs.

Ride height = good
Ride = good

Tim
 
Badly arched springs are a long running problem it seems. One question though; did you tighten the shackle bolts and front spring bolt while the car was on the ground? If the car was on jacks, the bushings may be keeping the spring from sitting in the correct position.
 
wow! this forum certainly works fast! thanks for all th eadvice. my first try will be to refix the pins with the weight of the car on the axle. next I may try the spacer idea, simply because I can't face taking off another set of springs (these were replacements for a set that went horizontal after about 24 months...). crumby springs are everywhere it seems. also "recon" lever arms that just don't work....
 
dancrim said:
Denis Welch is the place to buy springs.
Click to expand...
I purchased new springs, "sprung" to my specs, from Marty at Jule-Enterprises. Not way across the pond but local if you consider Canada not too far.

My springs were sprung for my BJ8 to sit level(my preference), and not that weird looking rear jacked up look(my opinion). Price was $295.00 for the pair.
Patrick
 
I also bouht Jule springs, and I am quite happy. As Martin said it would be, the ride height is near perfect and the ride is a bit stiffer.
 
update: got sent a spacer kit (free!) by the spring suppliers and it's put the ride at the exact right place as per Tim's advice above. still feels a bit bouncy but my 'new' shocks may have something to do with that...there seems to be a lot of dodgy suspension parts out there.
many thanks John
 
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