I bumped a few posts in my storm through the search function didn't I?
RIP.... page torn out
Under re-construction.....
OK, where do I start?
I am attempting to correct a coil conversion done to an 87 Vortex 4WD Turbo. It was fitted with front struts marked "EA82 2WD FI" , which can be either a FWD Vortex or FWD Royale L sedan- who knows!
With these fitted, the FRONT measures, vertically from wheel centre to wheel arch is 380mm, just 5mm lower than NSW RTA spec that I am using as the guide.
The rear end coil/shock assy has also got wrecker markings as "L SERIES 4WD WAGON" and is giving me
(theshits) 385mm imstead of the 325mm RTA spec.
THINGS I HAVE IN MIND start
are claims just to fit the rear coils of FWD Vortex coz 4WD Vortex never got rear coils so no same donor about, or to fit rear coils of FWD L Sedan
My 'control' supplier has a different listing for each the Vortex and L sedan rear coils. So not the same spring
Also in mind is the coil conversion from air bags in my 86 4GLTA L Series sedan that happened before I got it. I wanted to lower its rear to similar of a FWD L Sedan so tried FWD springs, mounted to 4WD existing shock, I think, and achieved nothing. The wire section was thinner than those in my sedan, tossed the FWD rear coils a while back.
I now learn Subaru used same shock dimensions across the L's and Vortex in the rear, but cleverly used different spec for the location of the spring seat - seen figures quoted as 130mm, 142mm and 154mm from lower bolt hole centre to spring seats top side.Figure this can giv different ride heights and play with spring science.
Another shock to throw into the discussion is the rears found on 85 4WD wagons that were height adjustable like old motorbike shocks. Th bottom was 140mm with two more ~15mm increments achievable. These were fitted to the Vortex at their lowest setting of 140mm.
I should aslo add/ reinforce that 'heavy duty' is simply a heavier rating by about 20% over genuine, t does not increase or decrease ride height. Raised and lowered trms are used for that.
end
By fitting a shock 140mm and spring directly from above 4GLTA got 10mm drop? in wheel arch height. Difference must be in the spring from 4GLTA - black with yellow paint dab identifier on it.
Hoping with same spring from 4GLTA and 130mm shock, gain another 10mm drop.
Word is you can turn top shock mount bracket upside down, with outer face now facing inside. The gain is 35mm in strut assy length reduction. In order to fit the assy in this fashion has been said need to drill a hole directly above shock through 'that' hole to allow top of shock centre shaft threaded section to pole into boot section. It would pay to seal from dirt and water entering boot.
Further down the tinkering track I consult the 'control' suspension supplier who has internal notation on file specifically for the 4WD Vortex.It was apparently contributed by two branches of their experience.To see it marked not FWD or XT6 instills confidence in me. They list same rear coil spring for both 2WD and 4WD Vortex, fitted with these springs and the 130mm shock to achieve a measure of 475mm from tape hooked on the bottom of 13" rim - to the wheel arch.
I work out that equates to 600mm from floor to wheel arch, 275mm from floor to wheel centre vertically giving perfect 325mm from wheel centre to wheel arch - RTA tech spec - SPOT ON
So, to quote Big Kev - I'm excited!! Finally some real complete information on how to sort this baby!!
I want to do this correctly as feel that if I use same springs I will get same crappy arse in air ride I got when these spares of mine were fitted to my L Sedan, got an extra 40 and 50mm measured at the rear bumper centre at the time. I worked out the difference between the 40 and 50mm was not the spring but the shock coil seat position. Turns out one set was 140mm , the other 150mm
Springs are in warehouse, ordered , arrive after two sleeps. Rather than wait for delivery I go to collect them to find they went on a delivery run anyway. Got them !!
Now, as i go to fit these springs to my selection of shocks with intention to fit, measure up to determine which shocks will get height correct, the new spring is already 40mm odd over the free length of any others and needed compression clamps to get the nuts on the shock top. Immediately feel concerned things are not right, but coil science is not my strong pont, so have to give it al the benefit of the doubt - fitted - I gained 15mm wheel arch height not dropped to desired 600mm from floor at all!! Instead of getting the 475mm from wheel rim lower to wheel arch I got 585mm just 110mm over what was claimed to be achieved with these springs and 130mm shocks on the 4WD Vortex they had fixed.
I was using
my 130mm shocks so the lowest available.
(Right now, I really would like to be able to inspect the cars these guys did. If they are 4WD Vortex, sounds like they had FWD mounting points on rear shocks for the bottom bolt , like lower than the highr 4WD shock mountng point, which could explain the 80mm difference I now have. But surely if a 2WD rear was converted to 4WD, the driv shafts would get in the way??)
More benefit of the doubt, maybe I need to use same part number used in the notation, so go along to compare. Not necessary, I have done right thing.
The manager was really good about all this, suggested the standard Leone spring as its free height was same as the compressed coil, some 40mm less than my special Vortex only springs. He got in touch with their R & D fellow who advised the std Leone spring would be worse in this case!!
R & D came up with a suggestion based on close coil diameter (bit bigger than the seat cups) and free height. These are now on order - four more sleeps !!
I will try fitting to shock as best can to trial height - if good the 'eyes' of the coils can be permanently resized to suit the Subaru cups using a hydraulic press
Watch this space!!
The set up in the rear of an L Sedan 4WD differs from that of a 2WD sedan in the rear shock mounting ??
