problem with lowered springs?

[Jamie-b]

Hey,
i have lowered king springs in my ute, (Not sure how low)
After ive jacked up the rear i have to hold or move the spring into place so when i let it down its sitting right. Eg i have to let it down a little, then check and possibly move the spring and repeat..
When i had my standard wheels on it this was no problem, but now i have bigger rims on there is less gap to get my hand in, and to see where the spring is sitting.

I was wondering if this is normal for lowered springs? and if there is anything i can do about it?

Apart from it being an inconvenience i am worried that i might drive the back end over something and it gets air, then the spring is in the wrong position when the weight goes back on it and it causes damage...

any input is appreciated.

EDIT: Also what is the difference between IRS and live axel?
I have tried searching but can only find the positives and negatives of each, but what is the mechanical difference?

[axemurderer101]

buy some shortened shocks mate

[Jamie-b]

buy some shortened shocks mate

Would shortened stocks stop the body lifting as high off the suspension?
I think it already has aftermarket shocks in it (Bright yellow if thats any help) , but i will have to check out part numbers tomorrow..

[ephect]

the shocks at the moment are the only thing between the chasis and suspension (besides where its hinged). if u use shortened shocks, there is less extension on the shocks to drop the suspension.

what u've just experienced is what could have happend to u on the road if u hit a big enough bump. the shocks could drop enough and the spring could bounce out.. hence the need for shortened shocks.

[Jamie-b]

thanks mate,
Do the shocks need to be matched to the springs? Or will all/most shortened shocks fit my needs?
Also how much do you think this will roughly cost? I dont mind if they're 2nd hand parts

[ephect]

no probs man, generally u dont want a too soft shock with a lowered spring, u dont wanna be bouncing off the bump stops over bumps and coz u have a ute, u want it to be able to handle any sort of load.

go new, can never garrantee they arent stuffed already. u'll looking at roughly $100 for short throw shocks for the rears

[Sean880]

I had the same issue with the lowered springs (rear ) fitted to one of my commodores so it was necessary to ensure the springs were properly seated when lowering the car on the jack. So it is not unusual.

Never ever had a problem with the rear springs moving out of their seats when the vehicle was in normal operation. Unless you are driving offroad it is unlikely you would have upwards suspension travel sufficient to unseat the spring unless you have springs that are far too low. It's worth checking to see just how much upward travel there is when the spring is free to move out of its seat.

Body travel upwards is determined by the travel distance of the shocks when fully extended.. Don't just rush in and buy another set of shocks. You may already have shorter ones fitted and it may be that the springs are just a bit too low.

I would be inclined to have a suspension specialist - like Pedders - check your car and offer an opinion before doing anything. This is the safest option and the cheapest in the long run.

[Jamie-b]

ok thanks for all the suggestions,
when you say $100 is that per shock or for the set? also new or used?
Where would be the best place to get them from? Ive had a look on ebay but there all fair bit above that price..

[ephect]

thats a rough price on new rear set, so for the pair.

Sean880 makes a good point, but if the shocks are a short shock, and the spring can still fall out, get shorter shocks again, the last thing u want is a spring flying from under your car when in motion, yes it rare to happen, but it does and i've seen it happen at 100kmph. i was the car behind, all i can say is thank god it when scrub and not towards my car!

u can price them up at any of ur local auto store, always price compare. dont forget u have the brand makers websites for specs on all their shock range. also check the sponsors section of the forum, i've recently purchased a set of lowered struts from gslrallysport, good price and a very helpful and friendly bloke.

[tt460]

Ive seen the after affects of a cut spring come out in a VN or VP, it was a bunnings car park and the car had just gone over a speed hump. the result was the drivers side front wheel pointing at a right angle whilst the passengers side was pointing forward.

[Ozzie]

My rears i believe were 75 each from bursons. (monroe gt sport) Utes might be a lil more expensive.

Never buy used shocks! In the long run it will save you money and save lives.

[maldotcom2]

I'm about to install Boge turbo shocks. Anyone used these before?