Lowering advice needed

[temason]

Everyone

I think I've read a million comments regarding spring cutting but haven't read one that specifically addresses my question. So here goes...
I have rebuilt the suspension and removed front and rear bumpers on a '79 Spider with 14" wheels. I assembled the front first and did not cut the springs, thinking I would be ok with stock height. Well, it was absolutely terrible with bumpers removed, looking as if it was ready to make shallow river crossings or brave NYC potholes. So, while the rear was apart I cut the rear springs, removing 1.25 coils. Looks pretty good on that end now with the bottom lip of the fender at 25" from the ground. The front however, remains in a high altitude orbit at 26.5" above the shop floor. I will be disassembling some of my hard work to cut the front springs now. I'd really like to get this right with just one try. Let me stress "really".
Note that the 14" wheels (from the '81 special edition model?) have a diameter with tires a full inch larger than the stock 13's, so that would increase ground to fender lip by 1/2". This is actually very good, since it gives my sump a little more safety...

Suggestions on how much spring to cut??? I appreciate experienced opinions - thanks!

[Eejii]

Don't cut too much. The suspension will be very hard, if you do so. I suspect my cross member cracks were due to too hard suspension: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30#p239165

I installed those springs which are available also from So Cal Mark: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 73#p224368

They were a big improvement to those cut springs. Here is a picture of my old and new rear spring:


I don't remember how short were my cut front spring. I can check it later.

[70spider]

I just got finished with my suspension rebuild and used the springs from AutoRicambi, which lowered the front nearly 2" from the stock. This was unattended, but it does look a bit cooler.

[temason]

70spider and eejii,

Can you give me ground to bottom of fender lip measurements on your cars now? I really appreciate it!

[temason]

Eejii

I believe the stock rears were 8 full turns, looks like you removed 1.5 when you cut them which is a little more than I did.
Is ride height with new springs approx same as it was with your cut springs?

[RoyBatty]

Removed 1.5 coils from all four corners.

[70spider]

Can you give me ground to bottom of fender lip measurements on your cars now?

Front 59cm
Rear 62cm
The new rear spring is actually taller than the old stock but the height remained the same as stock. This gives the car a bit of a rake. I hope this helps and have a great day . If you want I could get a new pic and post.

[toplessexpat]

+1 on using lowering springs rather than coil cutting. The lowering springs aren't simply shorter springs, they're engineered with the right spring rates etc so your suspension still works correctly.

I used AR's springs on our 2000, bumperless, with stock shocks - and the ride is just perfect for touring and crusing. I think I'm probably using the same springs on the 1800 as that comes down - but with some sportier shocks.

If coil cutting is your only option though - I'm told measure the drop you want and cut half of that distance from the spring, that'll take account of it being loaded etc.

A

Edit: on stock springs with bumpers, the 2000 was 24" ground to wheel arch at the front, and 25.5" at the back.

[vandor]

Can you give me ground to bottom of fender lip measurements on your cars now?

Front 59cm
Rear 62cm ....

Interesting, my 71 with the same springs is 59.5 cm and 61.5 cm, even with the heavier 2 liter engine and A/C.

[toplessexpat]

Csaba - does this mean I need to go measure the 2000 now?

[70spider]

Interesting, my 71 with the same springs is 59.5 cm and 61.5 cm, even with the heavier 2 liter engine and A/C.

Maybe it is the shock I'm using, Monroe not KYB or Koni? As for the rear I do not have a spare tire and only 1/8th tank of fuel.

[vandor]

That might be it. I have a spare, a plastic bin with spares and basic tools, a few spare cables, gallon of coolant, folding chair, emergency triangle, wheel chock, etc

[Eejii]

Here is my old cut front spring:


My car current height from ground to the middle of fender is 61cm both front and rear. With those older springs it was probably 58-59cm, because I remember I got about an inch more space below the oil pan. I have 14" wheels.

[temason]

Thanks Eeji

You are at 24" height. I checked my measurements again and I'm at 24.5" rear and 26" front. I would love to change to progressive springs but it's not in the budget. I've got so many more $'s yet to spend!
Looks like best advice will be to cut the front 1.5 coils and cross my fingers!

[vandor]

Dunno, I would only cut them on coil. ~20 years ago I cut mine 2 coils and that was waaaaay too much. The upper a-arm were touching the bump stops even at rest.