Riding on the bump stops

[73novaguy]

Hey guys,
I installed the Hotchkis 2" small block coils last fall and drove it around for a couple hundred miles, and didn't like the way the front end looked. The car sat level but I wanted a bit of rake to it so I took them out and cut one full coil out of them. This lowered the car another 1 3/4 to 2 inches. I have around 4 inches of ground clearence and love the way the car sits (no rub as to date) but it sits on the factory lower bump stops and limits my suspension travel. I have new springs sitting in the garage waiting to go on, but just wondering what my options are. I could go and cut maybe like a 1/4 of a coil out and gain some suspension back and live with the way it sits, but would really like it to be where it is now, just with more travel! Any ideas?

[gearbanger]

Remove or modify the bumpstops?

[73novaguy]

But won't modifying the bumpstops, effect how far my sway bar and misc items will travel? Right now it seems that the sway bar is fairly snug amongst all of the suspension components.

[baz67]

It seems you will need to live with the suspension a little higher. I would not remove the bumstops unless you want to create other problems. I bet your K member is taking a beating as well.

[alcino]

I wouldn't remove the bump stops, just shave them down a bit. They are there to stop metal to metal contact.

Do you have drop spindles? performancesuspension.com make 2" drop. Also ATS should be coming out with a really nice set as well. These will keep your car looking low but bring back the suspension travel. What sucks is that you got to buy spindles and new springs.

[MrQuick]

i agree, shorten the bump stops and shorten the sway bar end link bolts and sleeves.

one coil is alot. im willing to bet it will drop a few more inches after you cut the bump stop.

[Madspeed]

Get some dropped spindles and stock hight springs.
You will regain your factory suspension geomitry and ride quallitys.
Dont cut the bumps they are like having progressive spring rates.
your alignment will last longer as well without your a arms banging the frame and bending it inwards

hope this helps

Gl Ken F

[Steve68]

You should have cut 1/2 coil at a time,

[baz67]

Get some dropped spindles and stock hight springs.
You will regain your factory suspension geomitry and ride quallitys.
Dont cut the bumps they are like having progressive spring rates.
your alignment will last longer as well without your a arms banging the frame and bending it inwards

hope this helps

Gl Ken F

Uh, no. That is that last thing you want to do. First, the factory geometry sucks. Second, if you want to put wider tires on it, forget it. You will run into outer tie rod to rim issues. Unless they were spicificly engineered for a PT application like the ATS ones. I do agree in not cutting the bump stops, however.

[73novaguy]

It would be nice to get the new spindle with the improved camber setup, but at the same time I have now bought 4 Hotchkis springs and figure I better use them. So I will be cutting 1/4 to 1/2 coil out this time and see what I think. I'm already very happy with the ground clearence I have with the new Canton oil pan and would leave it alone if I actually had some suspension. I geuss I do have some suspension, it is the bump stop flexing 1/8 of an inch! LOL

[baz67]

You can get a great camber curve for free by doing the Guldtrand mod. You will still be able to use your springs. One concern though, with a 2" drop you only have around 2.25" of bump travel unless you modify the bumpstops. If you trim too much you may run into other interferance issues.

[73novaguy]

So even with the 2" spring in there non cut I only have 2.25 inch bump travel? That doesn't seem like very much! Then again I do race motocorss and to have 13 inches of travel is no big deal. So even if I cut a 1/4 coil I'm losing it out of my 2.25"?

[baz67]

Correct. That is about all ones needs for a properly set up car. However, your exact bump may be different because all chassis are different. It may be more or it may be less. The best way is to measure it with the springs you are going to use. It would be a PITA do do it correctly though.

[Grandpa Ronsy]

My experience with suspension hitting bumpstops while cornering is dangerous. When the suspension bottoms out it makes the vehicle step out during cornering. On a rough surfaced tight corner you could even loose it. The serious suspension guys can probably explain the technical reasons why this happens better than me.

Hasn't anyone else experienced this??

[MarkM66]

I'd cut the stops or get shorter ones. Energy suspension makes a bunch of different sizes.

If you want to raise the car just a tad, put a spring rubber between the coils. Most parts stores sell them.

[MrQuick]

yes grand pa, thats why I mentioned it. Your rubbers should not be a form of your suspension.
Rule of thumb is atleast a 1" space between your a arm and rubber tip.

Grand Pa rubbers?? anyone remember the Steve Martin skit? heeheee sorry