loose springs

[snakeknuckles]

So I am assembling my '82 rear axle on the rotisserie upside down. (Sadly it took me two tries to get it oriented correctly suspended by forklift) Anyway I put the springs and konis that I got from IAP about 20 years ago (the car has been apart for about 14yrs) back in the shock towers in their seats and lowered the rear on top of springs and then bolted everything up. I had expected to need to compress the springs somewhat to get the shock bolts to line up with the axle flange but that was not the case. Now when I flip the car right side up the springs are loose byt about 1/2". Is that normal? It would seem that the shocks are too long? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[RoyBatty]

I think this is normal with aftermarket lowering springs.
I know when you cut 1.5 could from stock springs the same will happen.

[vandor]

My springs are not loose at full droop with Konis and the A-R lowering springs.

[So Cal Mark]

that's one big advantage of the progressive rate springs that AR and I both offer; they stay in position when the car is raised or gets full extension over bumps

[snakeknuckles]

Tx for the info. So I have red IAP springs front and rear with the konis. Is there a pair of konis available that have a shorter stroke than the stock ones that would eliminate the loose springs or should I change springs?

[81SPIDERMATT]

I am not sure you need to do either .... once the car is on the ground it should be ok I would think ... just check to make sure they are seated in the right spot as weight is dropped on them ..... i have the iap springs and kyb shocks and when jacking up the car at full drop the springs wiggle in their spots ... but driving i have never had them come out of their seats

[snakeknuckles]

Cooliyo. I talked to IAP and they said same that the springs will rattle at full extension... I don't like the design but don't know if it is worth the effort to change to AR's blue springs at this point... Thank you all for your input. I will continue the assembly.