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Shortened struts- Shock absorber options

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ratta tat tat
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2015/05/11 20:50:12 (permalink)
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Shortened struts- Shock absorber options

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??
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    jpayne
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/11 22:25:36 (permalink)
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    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
     
     
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    evobda2
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/11 22:27:33 (permalink)
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    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
    #3

    SFE
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/12 12:04:17 (permalink)
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    '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
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    Matt75
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/12 16:47:38 (permalink)
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    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
     
     

     


     
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    evobda2
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/12 18:03:44 (permalink)
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    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.
    post edited by evobda2 - 2015/05/12 18:31:58
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    ratta tat tat
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/12 22:33:42 (permalink)
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    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
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    ratta tat tat
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/12 23:13:24 (permalink)
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    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
     
     
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    Matt75
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/14 02:58:29 (permalink)
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    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)
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    #9
    jpayne
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/14 12:09:35 (permalink)
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    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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    ratta tat tat
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/14 19:18:49 (permalink)
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    Good stuff, cheers fellas
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    evobda2
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    Re: Shortened struts- Shock absorber options 2015/05/25 16:12:59 (permalink)
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    I forgot where i had seen these on the above reply.. It just came to me.
    Gartrac have these strut tops as well which lower 1" without losing any suspension travel. Cant say I've seen a car that has used them though..

    https://www.gartrac.com/shop/alloy-suspension-mount-less-1.html
     
     
    #12
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