• Suspension
  • Shortened struts- Shock absorber options

2015/05/11 20:50:12
ratta tat tat
I want to get my MK2 quite low by shortening some 2L or Capri strut tubes by 2" and using shorter shock absorbers. The car will not be built for performance so Monroe etc will be fine. Can anyone make some recommendations? I read RX7 shocks can work but I'm not sure how much shorter they are??
2015/05/11 22:25:36
jpayne
Rx7 are 50mm shorter
look here for detailed explanation with photos.
http://rsmotorsport.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1112&hilit=rx7
I use Rx7 koni inserts in short capri 2.8i struts. but had to replace the tube as standard they are 2.5 or 3mm wall thickness and Rx7 konis didnt fit. had to use 2mm CDS.
 
JP
 
 
2015/05/11 22:27:33
evobda2
You know Capri struts sit 2" lower than escort ones anyway?
 
Here's a previous thread with more info also..
http://www.classic-ford.org/cfp/tm.aspx?m=56525
2015/05/12 12:04:17
SFE
'evobda2', I think you'll find that it is only the spring platforms that sit lower on the capri struts compared to escort ones. Fitting escort springs on capri struts will lower your car but also lessens your compression travel by the same amount. To maintain some reasonable travel the tube can be shortened and a shorter more suitable insert is fitted. I did this on my capri struts, shortened by 50mm and using one of the Koni 8611 series inserts.
 'ratta tat tat' would need a detailed insert catalogue listing dimensions to find a suitable street car insert unless somebody posts a suitable alternative.
 
SFE
2015/05/12 16:47:38
Matt75
I believe that Koni's from a Camry of all things is what you want for lowered capri struts. Part # 8610-1421Sport.
 
GAZ also do a shortened strut to suit too which may be the best option
 
Matt
 
 

 

2015/05/12 18:03:44
evobda2
SFE, yes that is right.. But also remember that 2.8i Capri also sat 1" lower than normal Capri. So I'm assuming that would be the same case vs escort strut as well. 
I could be wrong though.. as its been a while since I've looked at the struts i have, and my 2.8i's are coilover now.
2015/05/12 22:33:42
ratta tat tat
Thanks for all the comments.
I'm aware that capri struts will lower the car just on their own but I want to get it right down there :)
I already have adjustable coilovers on my Mk1 with standard Capri struts using Koni inserts and the car can be lowered to a nice height but 50mm of the piston rod (at ride height) needs to be exposed to prevent damage to the shocks. 
Matt thanks for your advice, I'll look into the camry ones. Whooligan please send me a PM, I may be in need of spare Capri stub axles. Thanks
2015/05/12 23:13:24
ratta tat tat
Matt75
I believe that Koni's from a Camry of all things is what you want for lowered capri struts. Part # 8610-1421Sport.
 
Matt

 
I looked up the Koni part and it specifies 02-06 camry. When I looked up 02-06 camry struts on ebay they all have integrated spring seats like this So they won't work. Did you know the model or year of the Camry? It's looking like the best/ cheapest option so far
Thanks
 
 
2015/05/14 02:58:29
Matt75
Hey Mate, I am not sure as i didn't buy them but they were purchased from this mob and they are very helpful -
 
Cheers
 
Matt

Toperformance (Aus Koni Dealer)
No 8 Trade Place
Vermont VIC 3133
Tel 03 9873 1722
Fax 03 9874 2200  
2015/05/14 12:09:35
jpayne
The Camry part mentioned is an insert or cut-a-strut solution. It wont come with the seat and mounting and will require the existing strut to be modified. The Ebay ones are most likely direct replacement ones supplying he whole assembly plug and play style.
 
 
JP
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