Non-Widetrack suspension & 2 1/4" Springs

[Allen Payne]

Does anyone know if the larger diameter front springs (2 1/4"?) can be used on non-widetrack DeDion suspension (Bilstein dampers)?

 

I'm trying to fit some to my car and the wider top spring cover, that Catherham supplied, is fouling on the rear part of the top wishbone by so much that the bottom of the damper cannot be lined up.

 

Or am I doing something wrong?

 

Thanks

Allen

 

[CHRIS CLARK]

Allen.

I can only speak from experience of the smaller springs and support collar, but even they are a tight fit and there is minimal clearance. Very easy to catch the paintwork on the wishbone (err, so I've been told.........!). I may be wrong, but I think you'll have a real problem here.

 

For your sake I hope I'm wrong!

Good Luck.

[Delberts Wallet]

Chris/Allen,

 

I had 2.25" springs on the front of my std track car with Bilstein shocks. The seats had to be change but that was all.

 

I still do have 2.25 springs but now on AVO shocks.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

 

Who Dares Twins smile.gifsmile.gif

[Rob Walker]

Allen,

 

The only way you will get them to fit with the standard wishbones is to invert the dampers.

[CHRIS CLARK]

Gareth.

In view of Robs comment, I assume you have managed to fit the AVO with the damping adjuster at the bottom. If you invert these shox the damping is affected & the oil can bypass the valve every now and then, but not all the time; a bit of a lottery! I had to ask as it is much easier to fit the damper inverted.

[elie boone]

Allen, I have 2 1/4" springs on my live axle, it is a tight fit. When the top link is level with the ground there is about 1/2" clearance.

Hope this helps.

[Allen Payne]

Thanks for all the suggestions/comments.

 

I've decided, having looked at it again, that is no way they are going to fit - there's just too little room. Even inverted it still appears too tight, but on the lower wishbone not the top.

 

Thanks

Allen

 

 

 

 

 

[Tazio]

I have run a VX car on both narrow track and wide track using VX racer spec bilsteins and 2.5 springs with the dampers mounted normally and inverted, with no problems at all. The VX racers did this for years, so there shouldn't be a problem...The chassis is a 95 spec where the top mount carries the damper and the top wishbone..

 

Alan

[Rob Walker]

allen,

 

I can`t think what you have done unless spec`d a very long spring coz I run with 2.25 X 7" springs with no problems. My dampers are the stock Bilstein with adjustable platforms. There is no problem inverting the Bilsteins.

[Delberts Wallet]

Chris,

 

Yes I've got the damping adjuster at the bottom. I asked at AVO if they could be fitted inverted but they said no, shame cos its esier to replace the springs if they're upside-down.

 

Gareth

 

Who Dares Twins smile.gifsmile.gif

[CHRIS CLARK]

D..n right it is. I found out after fitting one inverted and then deciding to call 'em!

 

It may be that your later suspension set-up allows the use of the larger springs, but it wouldn't fit my '93 de dion that way!!!