Section : Suspension

Suspension and steering.

Front too high

Posted By : Martin Bryant, 20-Jun-2005, 05:35pm

Hi

I have been looking at many previous threads about front springs and shocks, because my Spitfire sits too high at the front.

I really don't like the look of it when I am walking towards the front of the car. The front springs currently fitted are 9 inches.

I'd like to lower it, I have seen Moss do springs at 7.25 inches, which I'd probably invest in, but what about the shocks?

Between Koni, Spax and Gaz, there seems to be a real mix of people saying a certain brand is awful, or didn't ride too well, then someone else says the opposite.

If anyone has experience of changing front shocks & springs do you recommend them?

Also, what else should I need, e.g spacers etc? Should I change the bushed while I'm doing this?

Is it an easy job for me to do in a day?

Thanks

Martin

Followups :

Front too high

Posted By : Philip Brammer, 20-Jun-2005, 06:15pm

Hiya Martin, took a look at the photo's of your car (chrome bumper) and what I saw was....wot a nice car! I'm very jealous. The front end is high and I very much suspect someone has fitted the wrong shockers. I bought some a couple of years ago brand new from a reputable Spit dealer, Armstrong standad ones. This raised my front end just like yours. I asked the redoubtable James Carruthers to rush out into the cold night with his tape measure to look at his, and indeed mine were the wrong ones... See

http://www.tssc.org.uk/messageboard2005.asp?board=...

Or see Spitfire archives - suspension - message thread 40.

for the piccy and James' measurement.

You need a good coil spring compressor, jack and suitable spanners/sockets, and probabley a workbench with a vice in it. new bushes will come with the new shockers. For upgrades from the standard setup you need the advice of the more sporty amongst us.... Best of Luck
- Front too high
  
  Posted By : Martin Bryant, 20-Jun-2005, 09:32pm
  
  Thanks Phil, but the just washed effect on a sunny day does do it some favours in the photos.
  
  I did see your thread prior to posting, but you didn't come back and tell us what you did after realising that you had been flogged the wrong springs, did you?
  
  Many thanks
  
  Martin
  - Front too high
    
    Posted By : Philip Brammer, 20-Jun-2005, 10:20pm
    
    Ah well you see, I bought some shocks with the right part number on them and that sorted the problem straight away. From the number of Spits I have seen (or photo's of) its a fairly common problem. I never did find out what I had been sold tho', maybe for a Herald. If anyone wants a pair of almost new shocks for a car thats not a Spitfire they are in the corner of the garage!!
    
    ps, so what you are saying is all I have to do is wash my car and it will look as good as yours!? What shampoo do you use?? Sshhh or we will get James all excited *smiley winkey thing*
    - Front too high
      
      Posted By : Martin Bryant, 21-Jun-2005, 10:39am
      
      I see, I am going to order the Spax shocks Height & Ride adjustable (TT3306) with some Fast Road springs (TT4301) from Moss, thanks for your help.
      
      OK, the last owner didn't do a bad job of painting the car BRG. Though I do polish it with green polish, and make a lot of use from the green chipstick to cover up the scratches. I have to remember to use the sponge in one direction as not to tear off the paint which has peeled away, but still attached if you see what I mean. Also spot treating rust, but it does look good in photos doesn't it!
      
      Martin
      - Front too high
        
        Posted By : Mark Stradling, 21-Jun-2005, 10:47pm
        
        Mark Field up at Jigsaw doesn't have many nice words to say about Spax shocks (or specifically their customer service if they go wrong) and recommends AVO's. OK, he also sells AVO's, but having fitted a set of fronts to my car I'd have to say I'm happy with them.
        
        Adjustable spring seats to tweak your ride height/match lowered springs and a big adjuster knob that makes changing the damping a case of lifting the bonnet and twisting.
        
        One other point, I bought one of the club spring compressors and have had both threaded bars fail on be - while they had a spring under load. Don't know if I'm using them incorrectly (but there isn't that much you can do!), but the threads on the threaded bar just crumbles. Thankfully most builders murchants carry M10 threaded bar...
        
        Front too high
        
        Posted By : Jason Chinn, 23-Jun-2005, 09:29am
        
        John Kipping also has strong negative opinions about Spax shockers buth in terms of design, build quality and durability. Cn't say I was impressed with them when I had them on a Vitesse, the Konis on my Vitesse now are however much better. I've never experienced Avos.
Front too high

Posted By : John Nicholls, 21-Jun-2005, 07:41pm

Wow, if you think that's too high I'm in trouble! I thought it was just something that happened to 1500s.
- Front too high
  
  Posted By : Philip Brammer, 21-Jun-2005, 08:42pm
  
  Hiya John, yep, thats what mine looked like with the wrong shockers on....or when its engine and gearbox were not yet in!! Check the Carruthers Minty Measurement and if it's 4 inches instead of 3 that clinches it. Have fun!