Installing coilover questions Options

[whatthe]

Im new to the whole coilover suspension. And wanting to have a few questions answered before i go ahead and install them.
1. Can i measure a drop from a stock strut and spring. Putting them side by side and adjusting the coilover 2" higher from the hub mount. Tho i was thinking spring would compress differently giving off a differnt ride height already than the coilover as its softer.
Whats the easiest way to know how much im dropping without dropping the car on the coilover and looking at it. Then raising it back up. Take off the hub/rotor/mount and adjusting accordingly.

2. Im almost certain im not suppose to play with the spring height andonly the hub/rotor/mount height (where the rotor connects on). Is this right?
Eg. In this pic the person is adjusting the spring height. In the manual it tells me do not, but i see countless pics of people doing so.


And only adjust from where his left hand is?


3. How certain will i know if i have gotten the right settings, in a scenario where i go over a pothole in the road and the
wheel hits the wheel arch and ****s it up?

4. Should i get the right ride height on one side first eg. f&r of left first. And match it up with the right? or just raise the rear, do both lower it and do the front?

5. Anything i miss that i should know about before installing on the weekend please let me know.

This post has been edited by whatthe: Feb 2, 2010 - 9:53 AM

[playr158]

you need to count threads from bottom till the perches and make sure it is equal from LEFT to RIGHT (so your car does not sit crocked)
As for the right settings i would turn the dampeners all the way hard then probably turn them back soft ~5 clicks and work from there depending on your preferences.

1) you can't compare the stock stuff to the aftermarket stuff. Normally the aftermarket stuff comes with a manual of some sort which gives you a starting point. After that you'll have to install, wheels on and sit it on the ground to know if its the ride height you are looking for. To adjust all you need to do is jack up the car (you can leave the wheels on) and spin the perches up/down accordingly.

2) you adjust height via the perches like in the picture. putting your hand on the actual spring and spinning will do nothing. (you move the perches (bottom gold bits) up and down to adjust the ride height)

3) test and tune

4) you adjust ride height to match left to right. Front and back are more than likely going to be different settings.

5) take your time, use lots of lube!


V-----his pictures help make good sense

This post has been edited by playr158: Feb 2, 2010 - 11:29 AM