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LockedCapri front suspension

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2020/05/14 14:53:26 (permalink)
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Capri front suspension

Hi Guys, This is a bit left field and I won't be able to pull the suspension out for a couple of weeks.
 
I bought from Burtons, Gaz (GZGAI4108) inserts and coils (CS132), together they are meant to lower ~1".
I appear to have a problem. The front of the car appears to be sitting way too high. The distance from the centreline of the hub to the lip of the guard (both sides) is 375mm. Could someone please give me their measurements.
 
The new coil springs (CS132, 190lb) free length (10.5") is more than 3" lower than the originals (which measure 340mm uncompressed).
I have fitted a 24mm front sway bar and K-MAC (part# 180716- 1J) front caster/camber adjustable strut tops.
 
I am wondering if it is something like the super stiff sway bar not allowing the lc arms to pivot enough or something like that.
However it sat high even before I had the bar installed.
 
Help?
#1


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    gtv6capri
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/05/14 18:34:38 (permalink)
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    pretty sure the adjustable tops raise the car by an inch or 2

    Capri The car I always promised myself
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/05/14 20:10:41 (permalink)
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    Thanks John, I have heard as much but figured with the lowering by about an inch with the new coils and the possible raising by the adjustable tops, they would negate each other. I will put an old spring seat and top mount together and try to measure the difference to the current installation.
    Its really got me stumped as the difference in height between the unloaded OEM and new spring is 3"
    The compressed (with full weight of car) spring is measuring ~200mm (was 265mm free).
    So a couple of measurements from other V6 persons, vertically from the centreline of the axle (hub) to lip of guard and the loaded length of the coil, overall seat to seat, would help.
    Thanks.
    #3

    GTV6
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/17 11:11:20 (permalink)
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    I had the same problem a few years ago.  I bought the 1in lowered springs from Burtons and installed on standard tops and struts.  The height didn't change and measured 370mm hub to guard.  I raised it with Burtons and they said to give them time to settle.  I didn't believe that they would settle 1in so I took them out.
     
    They were cs118 and the specs Burtons gave me are
    od                   13 cm

    wire diameter    12 mm
    coils                 6.25
    free length       29.5 cm
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/17 20:04:35 (permalink)
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    Well then that rings true with me too. Burtons said the same to me about giving them time to sag. Load of crap.
    I spoke with a guy over there who thinks there may be a difference in the suspension setup (strut length) for the Capri imported to Australia. He was not too sure what but at least that kind of makes sense of things?
    I was chatting with John McCallum recently about my predicament and he had a acquaintance who purchased a pair of all Burtons springs range for the Capri. Apparently the one that did the trick was the CS117. I have purchased a pair of those and the CS116. I am waiting to get the car sorted to try them out.
    Keep you posted
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    gtv6capri
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/18 09:24:33 (permalink)
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    Australia did get "Country" suspension which was taller, possibly why the front sits higher

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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/18 12:54:52 (permalink)
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    My car is standard suspension so wasn't a country option thing.  These are the specs they gave me for  the CS117

     
    od                     13 cm
    wire diameter    12 mm
    coils                   5.5
    free length         26 cm
     
    I got side tracked so never sorted it out.  Would be interested to see how the 117's sit.
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/18 19:27:00 (permalink)
    +1 (1)
    I put the following table together a while back to try and make some sense out of the crap Burtons were telling me.
    I have the CS132 springs which gives me 375mm centre of hub to lip of guard (same as GTV6 had with the CS118 springs)
    If you do the math below and look at the table it makes sense.
     
    deflection(")= load(lb)/rate*(")         *formula based on linear rate springs
    So assuming 1000lb on the front end (500lb each side) and using 145lb springs we can deduce: deflection=500/145=3.5"
    If using 190lb springs then deflection=500/190=2.6" (basically 1" less)
     
    I figure I need to lose 2" therefore I am going to a CS116 which is a 145lb spring, 1" more deflection and 1" less in free height than the current CS132
     
     
     
     
    Part Number          engine/lowers by        free length/rate (lb)
    CS117                       4CYL  STD                 10.5”  145
    CS117                       3L    -2”                     10.5”  145
    CS116                       4CYL  -1”                   9.5”   145
    CS116                       3L  -3”                       9.5”   145
    CS115                       4CYL  -2”                   8.5”   145
    CS119                       3L  STD                     12.5”  145
    CS118                       3L  -1”                       11.5”  145
    CS132                       3L  -1”                       10.5”  190
    post edited by escfalcap - 2020/06/18 19:33:52
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    deano
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/06/18 20:01:49 (permalink)
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    ^^nice work.
     
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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/07/05 21:11:21 (permalink)
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    I had a capri out today so took some measurements.
     
    The white one is 325mm hub to guard with 205/60/13 tyres.
     
    The orange one is 310mm hub to guard with 205/50/15 tyres.
     
    Difference in tyre dia is the 15's are about 10mm bigger dia, so 5mm at the guard.  At 310 the rears occasionally rub but they are 225's.
     
    I also noticed that the orange ones plate specs country suspension.  Does anyone know what height that option gave?

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    Re: Capri front suspension 2020/07/06 18:03:28 (permalink)
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    John, I got the same answer from a contact in the UK, they did not know the difference either. John McCallum may know???
    Anyway I have installed the CS116 springs and ride height is now 310mm, (I too have 15" wheels, but rolling diameter is very close to OEM because of the lower profile rubber) which gives approx 50mm clearance from tyre to guard so alignment is done and car sits really well.
    The outcome of this only reinforces my dislike for Burtons and their lack of giving a &^$#.
    #11
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