Rear Suspension, ride height
#1 Rear Suspension, ride height
I know this has been visited before, but I'm still looking for a solution..
I recently had new shocks and springs fitted to my series 1. This has resulted in the ride height being increased by at least 2 inches. I've read that new replacement springs are often longer, or stiffer than the originals. But the ones I have fitted just seem to go beyond any acceptable change in ride height. (see photo)
Does anyone know what are the correct size of rear springs in terms of length/ steel thickness/ compressability etc. so I can check what I should have, with what I've been sold.
I recently had new shocks and springs fitted to my series 1. This has resulted in the ride height being increased by at least 2 inches. I've read that new replacement springs are often longer, or stiffer than the originals. But the ones I have fitted just seem to go beyond any acceptable change in ride height. (see photo)
Does anyone know what are the correct size of rear springs in terms of length/ steel thickness/ compressability etc. so I can check what I should have, with what I've been sold.
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#2 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Can you show a picture of the car from the side? Might help assess the height?
Malcolm
I only fit in a 2+2, so got one!
1969 Series 2 2+2
2009 Jaguar XF-S
2015 F Type V6 S
I only fit in a 2+2, so got one!
1969 Series 2 2+2
2009 Jaguar XF-S
2015 F Type V6 S
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#3 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
I've taken a picture of the rear of the car because it best shows the negative camber of the rear wheels, caused by a high ride height. Like I said, its 2" higher than what it's supposed to be.
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#4 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Mark...As you are aware there is no specified rear ride height for S1/S2 cars AFAIK....that said quite a while ago i asked on the forum for members to measure from the lowest lip on the IRS base plate to ground.....most came at about 7.25-------7.5in....so this is a good start point.....i currently have my shocks/springs off the car if this could be of use....they are boge/sng springs....as sold for all S1/2 models...on my S2 2+2 the rear measurement is 7.25in...im in Ludlow if its any help your welcom to come over to look at shocks/springs or i can photo/ measure..all the best...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#5 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
From the photo it looks like you have pos camber..top out....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#6 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your help. Yes, I did read your original post of ride-height, and I measured mine which is a little over 9". Which is why I said that mine is riding 2" too high.
I could really use some help with the length of the original spring (I've gone and stupidly thrown mine away).I understand that ride height will be determined by compressability and length of spring. I heard that the original (red) springs have a compressability of 220 lbF/inch. But I can't confirm that without measuring the dimensions with a vernier. (and of course, original springs will be tired, and a bit rusty, so it won't be that accurate)
Now then, after market springs are 280mm in length AND (I heard) had a compressibility of 300lbF/inch. But I can't confirm this... So, I wondered if anyone could shed more light on this...?
Thanks for your help. Yes, I did read your original post of ride-height, and I measured mine which is a little over 9". Which is why I said that mine is riding 2" too high.
I could really use some help with the length of the original spring (I've gone and stupidly thrown mine away).I understand that ride height will be determined by compressability and length of spring. I heard that the original (red) springs have a compressability of 220 lbF/inch. But I can't confirm that without measuring the dimensions with a vernier. (and of course, original springs will be tired, and a bit rusty, so it won't be that accurate)
Now then, after market springs are 280mm in length AND (I heard) had a compressibility of 300lbF/inch. But I can't confirm this... So, I wondered if anyone could shed more light on this...?
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#7 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#8 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Mark...just to add..its not just the springs that set the ride height but also the shock perches.....the distance from where the spring sits top and bottom to its mounting point.....As mine give a known ride height of 7.25 in it could be worth you comparing.....What shocks do you have.....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#9 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Steve,
I have Gaz shocks which are adjustable for ride height, and they are at their maximum position for lowering the ride height.
Thanks for the data. Now all I need is the OD.
By the way, is this spec from the FSM for Series 1.5 4.2 or is it the early and later 3.8s..? The reason I ask is because I found the same data on the JagLovers forum where the OP said he didn't have the data for the 4.2, which would be different. He, incidentally worked out the poundage as 205 and 190 (much less)
I have Gaz shocks which are adjustable for ride height, and they are at their maximum position for lowering the ride height.
Thanks for the data. Now all I need is the OD.
By the way, is this spec from the FSM for Series 1.5 4.2 or is it the early and later 3.8s..? The reason I ask is because I found the same data on the JagLovers forum where the OP said he didn't have the data for the 4.2, which would be different. He, incidentally worked out the poundage as 205 and 190 (much less)
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#10 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Mark.....data from 1st section in Jag manual..so 3.8 section.....other sections dont show a change..so dont know...would help if you try to put your name and car model in the Signature area......I would also double check your shocks with the supplier.....problems with springs are not usually 2 inches.....where are springs from...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#11 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
The springs were sold with the Gaz shocks. They were specific for the series 1.5, so they should be correct....
I won't be the first to complain about excessive ride height after fitting new springs from specialist parts suppliers. The springs they supply are not like the originals. Barrats show one with a different free-length. The diameter of the wire is also different.. all leading to a different poundage, thus ride-height.
Next week I will check with spring specialist.
I won't be the first to complain about excessive ride height after fitting new springs from specialist parts suppliers. The springs they supply are not like the originals. Barrats show one with a different free-length. The diameter of the wire is also different.. all leading to a different poundage, thus ride-height.
Next week I will check with spring specialist.
Last edited by MarkS on Sat May 04, 2019 5:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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#12 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Steve, why did you say, 'problems with springs aren't usually 2inches...?
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#13 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Mark...I dont think i have heard of anyone with 2in extra hight with just a spring problem.....you have gone for an adjustable after market option so you cant just dismiss the shocks......you have mentioned S1.5 twice now.....but you car is C reg...1965? S1?
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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#14 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
I think some more detailed photos would be helpful, from the side, from underneath and preferably with one shock off the car. Perhaps you have been sent springs off another model by mistake?
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#15 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Mark,
A while ago, I started a whole thread on this exact subject. Have a read through as it will give you a lot of info on standard and aftermarket springs:
http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php? ... ND+springs
Cheers
A while ago, I started a whole thread on this exact subject. Have a read through as it will give you a lot of info on standard and aftermarket springs:
http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php? ... ND+springs
Cheers
Simon
62 3.8 FHC
91 Porsche 928GT
Find me on Instagram and Facebook @oldcarfixer
62 3.8 FHC
91 Porsche 928GT
Find me on Instagram and Facebook @oldcarfixer
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#16 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Simon, Thanks very much for that.. wish I'd seen it before..!
-anyone want to buy a set of springs?
-anyone want to buy a set of springs?
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#17 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Exactly. The replacement springs are not suitable for E Types.
Put your old springs back on and throw the new ones in the bin.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
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#19 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
The positive camber looks exactly like a car with normal springs that has been lowered off the jack to the floor and not yet driven. Had you driven it before the photo?
For a 2" rise in ride height, identical rate springs would be less than two inches longer than before.
For a 2" rise in ride height, identical rate springs would be less than two inches longer than before.
1E75339 UberLynx D-Type; 1R27190 70 FHC; 1E78478; 2001 Vanden Plas
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#20 Re: Rear Suspension, ride height
Hi Peter,
Yes, I have driven the car about quite a bit.
Having said that, I believe the rate is far more important, and, (in the formula for stiffness/rate) that is largely governed by the thickness of the wire.
Yes, I have driven the car about quite a bit.
I agree that the relation between length and ride height is not a linear one, (mainly because of the angle from the vertical, (pythagoras)), but also because the angle must effect the loading on the spring.PeterCrespin wrote: ↑Sat May 04, 2019 11:01 pmFor a 2" rise in ride height, identical rate springs would be less than two inches longer than before.
Having said that, I believe the rate is far more important, and, (in the formula for stiffness/rate) that is largely governed by the thickness of the wire.
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