2G Proper coilover adjustment

[TWOpointFORliter]

I have D2 coil overs and I noticed the gap between the front drivers side tire and fender is noticeably less than the other 3 tires. I just got this car running after 6 years of being on jackstands so not sure if this is a new issue or has always been present without me noticing. I figured the jam nuts had become loose and it was out of of adjustment. I jacked it up and pulled the tires off with my ruler handy to check the issue. Turns out spacing between the top and bottom jam nuts are exactly the same on both sides. What could be causing this issue? Could it be the fender is sagging/out of alignment causing a visual deception of one side sagging? Maybe the spring is weak on just that one corner? Or am I just adjusting them incorrectly? I’ve never really taken the time to learn how to properly set preload and dampening. Just kinda adjusted the height and left the rest alone. Could there be something other than the coil overs causing this issue? Or am I just overthinking all this and should just over adjust that one corner to compensate even if it means the measurement between the two sides would be different but the gap wheel gap would be the same?

 

[Cherry]

From what I have read people dont adjust them by measuring the actual coilover but adjust them measuring fender to ground on a flat surface. Preload is exactly what it sounds like, how much the spring is compressed at full extension of the shock which from many companies is about 10% from the factory. Dampening is just basically how well the suspension absorbs bumps as the wheel moves up.

So while the car is on the ground, measure the height of the top of the fender to the ground or from fender to a point on the tire or wheel that you can replicate on all 4 tires. Then you figure out how much you want to lower or raise the car or that section of the car so say one side is .5inch higher on one side than the other, you will either want to raise one side or lower the other. Then you measure the coilover between the nuts so say its 3 inches between that one coilover you will want to make it either 3.5 inches or 2.5 inches depending on which one you do. They might not all be the same just based on the spring and you have to do them individually. Clean the threads with a nylon brush and adjust them like the instructions say but they are all usually the same way and can look up online a basic coilover adjustment video.

Engineering Explained has a video on it, I think Tein has a video of it and they recommend the nylon brush which you can pick up a pack of brushes that usually have a steel wire, brass and nylon brush in them.

It also depends on how long the coilovers sat but if its just one then it might just be out of adjustment.

 

[rabenne]

You may have one spring that sags. How long were they in use before their time on jack stands?

I wouldnt worry about the gap between lock rings matching. Try to get the car level. Ideally you would corner balance it on scales but just making it level should help. Dont forget to replicate your own bodyweight on the driver's seat when you are making measurements. Bodyweight makes a difference.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

Setting ride height the correct way is a good time consuming job and takes time and lots of checking and adjusting. Ideally its best done with helper springs to avoid any springs coming out of seat causing issues and rattling around.

Here is my write up on such a setup and how to do the pre setup checks and then final adjustments. https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/h...t-the-correct-way-with-helper-springs.522547/

If you require any more assistance do feel free to ask any thing and I shall do my best to help out

 

[TWOpointFORliter]

That’s a great write up! I’m going to look into some helper springs tomorrow.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

That’s a great write up! I’m going to look into some helper springs tomorrow.

You dont need to have any that are super stiff to aid in spring rates and doing this is alot of calculsting to get it right with the car so just get the normal 4lb or similer versions