Tomorrow, Mopar stage 2 coilovers go on!!!

[Rugger]

I been wanting to upgrade my suspension for a while now,I actually bought some Mopar stage1 springs this past winter, but I decided to go with something a lil better.Steve GLC had a good deal for me (Thanks a million Steve) that I could not pass up, so they go on tomorrow.

Any of you guys running Mopar stage 2 coilovers? What can you tell me about them in your own experence...what are your thoughts on these, damn I'm so exicited to finally get these on...here I come Steve !!!

[blueflame]

Can you do me a huge favour and measure your ride height after they're on, from the center of the wheel to the start of the fender ?
When I had mine installed a couple of years ago the mechanic moved the locking rings past where they should go (he thought it didn't loook low enough for him ) the result was all 4 struts blew within a year, I purchased new strut inserts from KW and need to know the correct ride height so I don't blow these ones. I've asked KW many times for this info but so far no luck. Or you could measure from the top of the lowest locking ring(with the funny screws holding it) to the top of the coilover right where the strut shaft comes out. Any help will be much appreciated. You're gonna love these coilovers, what a difference.
Thanks, Mike

[T U N E !]

I've been riding on my Stage 2 coilovers for 3 years - daily driver all year round. The ride and handling is excellent with this set.

My only problem was having the adjustment rings on the rear struts seize up. The shitty rings are plastic and I snapped off several teeth on the ring while trying to force it to turn.

I have a bit more than a 1-finger gap between the tire and fender. I lowered the ride height about 1cm below the stop rings on all 4 corners. Been that way since the beginning and the struts are still perfect. Overall it's a great set of coilovers for ride quality, but for what these things cost me, I probably would go with Teins next time.

[Rugger]

Quote: Originally Posted by T U N E !

I've been riding on my Stage 2 coilovers for 3 years - daily driver all year round. The ride and handling is excellent with this set.

My only problem was having the adjustment rings on the rear struts seize up. The shitty rings are plastic and I snapped off several teeth on the ring while trying to force it to turn.

I have a bit more than a 1-finger gap between the tire and fender. I lowered the ride height about 1cm below the stop rings on all 4 corners. Been that way since the beginning and the struts are still perfect. Overall it's a great set of coilovers for ride quality, but for what these things cost me, I probably would go with Teins next time.

Well the install went good, we hit a small snag with one of the coilovers in that the adjusting ring was also seized up, no matter what we tried we could not get it to move, but we will resolve this if I know Steve any.
My impressions:
The drop is just perfect, no ass end 20 stories high any more, it's sitting at about 1 1/2 fingers above the top of the tire to the fender.The ride back to Toronto from Steve's was awesome in that the car now tracks like it's riding on rails, there is a good positive feel to the handling of the car in general and definetly firmer than the stock struts...not bone jarring in the least, just a very "grounded" feel all around.
To me it's a night & day difference with this setup,and I know I'll enjoy it a whole lot!
The alignment is off a bit still, and there is some mild drifting to the right but I am not concerned at all seeing that the one passanger front strut needs to be removed again to resolve the current issue, than the final alignment will be set, we also need to raise it a lil more, front and back,2 fingers front/back will be perfect for me!
The work Steve did on this install is as always, amazing, and I know he will finish this install 100% as soon as the new part arrives.
Thanks a million Steve, I enjoyed the day and look forward to getting this completed.
I highly recommend Steve GLH for any work they may need to their ride...he knows our rides inside out and is very reasonable and pleasant to deal with.
My only real regret is I did not do this the first month I got the car!!!

[Rugger]

Quote: Originally Posted by blueflame

Can you do me a huge favour and measure your ride height after they're on, from the center of the wheel to the start of the fender ?
When I had mine installed a couple of years ago the mechanic moved the locking rings past where they should go (he thought it didn't loook low enough for him ) the result was all 4 struts blew within a year, I purchased new strut inserts from KW and need to know the correct ride height so I don't blow these ones. I've asked KW many times for this info but so far no luck. Or you could measure from the top of the lowest locking ring(with the funny screws holding it) to the top of the coilover right where the strut shaft comes out. Any help will be much appreciated. You're gonna love these coilovers, what a difference.
Thanks, Mike

Mike, I would'nt go below the stop rings...2 fingers above the tire is what you're lookin for, of course that is assuming you are not running really low profile tires to begin with, in that case take into consideration the actual height of the tire and adjust accordingly.
You also need to take into consideration if in general you will have 1,2 3,4 or 5 people riding with you, assume a round figure of 200lbs per person, times( x) say 4 puts you with a load of 800+ lbs...I think these are factors you need to incorporate into your final adjustment.
Just my thoughts, I hope this helps

[blueflame]

Thanks for the info. I definately don't want to go below the stop rings but the mechanic took it upon himself to move them lower ( I should say Ex-mechanic) I'll try the 2 fingers measurement. Since I no longer have back seats I'll only ever have 1 passenger.
If you don't have already, upper strut bars really tie everything together and better sway bars,bushings and links turn it into a totally different car. It's like an awesome go kart.
Thanks again, Mike

[T U N E !]

My problem when I first installed these coilovers was that the height of the passenger side was not even with the drivers side, even though all 4 coils were sitting on the stop rings. 2 of the corners appeared to have little difference over stock ride height.

.... So off went the stop rings.

I find it odd that some people have gone like 1 turn lower than the stop rings, and complained about blown struts. I am quite a bit lower and the struts have been perfect for 3 years.

[Rugger]

Quote: Originally Posted by T U N E !

My problem when I first installed these coilovers was that the height of the passenger side was not even with the drivers side, even though all 4 coils were sitting on the stop rings. 2 of the corners appeared to have little difference over stock ride height.

.... So off went the stop rings.

I find it odd that some people have gone like 1 turn lower than the stop rings, and complained about blown struts. I am quite a bit lower and the struts have been perfect for 3 years.

Hey Tune,sharing my thoughts on what you posted but the front left side and the front right side must have different weight sitting on the coilovers, so to get a specific identical height for both sides my guess would be to adjust the stop ring up or down to compensate for the difference in weight for the side being effected...( the lowest of the two sides)...measuring from bottom of fender to top of tire as you adjust the stop ring to even it out.
This might also add/decrese the preload within the spring itself, to what degree I don't know and to what end effect,but I don't think it would be that much.
I also noticed my front is not sitting equal in hight when I compare both sides, so as it stands passenger side does rub over bumps...( Lower of the 2 sides) I'm sure when Steve says it's done, it will sit just right at all 4 points, so at this stage I am not overly concerned.
Steve called me today with good news...he was able to order a brand new stop ring, which will correct the issue we are having with final setup.
I'm really looking forward to having the suspension set up and finished.
Steve if you happen to be reading this; remember I am coming in Saturday to help you out with the "other" project...be there for 9am with coffee in hand!