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lowered suspension

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 6:28 pm
by Ignis
jumping fro one part of the forum to another as learning more about my recently bought bongo...


I have an issue with my suspension, as it seems to have been lowered recently. The mechanics say it is all almost brand new, but the down-side is that it is seem significantly lower than an average Bongo (but it is just my guess). All the speed bumps in the city are mine, I constantly scratch the bottom and the front bumper. Really annoying and disappointing. Today, in the garage they managed to increase the front part for an inch or so (which helped slightly as I could see on my way back from the garage), but they cannot adjust rear bits, so new ones need to go in.

The question is whether scratching the car bottom is a common issue with Bongos and so whether changing the rear springs etc can help at all. They are not cheap (parts only around £440...), so have to think carefully.

Thank you for your comments/recommendations.

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 6:54 pm
by Gasy
Sounds like yours has been lowered
There's someone on here who has been after a set of lowering springs
Carnt remember name at mo tho
You would be able to sell them /swap them with someone for a standard set
Put a pic up sounds like yours has been lowered real low if you grounding out

Used to lower our air cooled vw 's years ago
We got a vw square back so low it woundnt go over a coke can laying sidewards

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 6:57 pm
by Gasy
Puma931 was after a set of lowering springs etc

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 7:34 am
by Puma931
Can you tell me the space between the top of the tyre and wheel arch (both F & R), as I might be interested in them. Do you have any pictures, and are they custom springs or originals that have been cut down?

I found a place that will make springs (60mm drop) at a cost of £45 each + VAT and P&P and I am sure they could make other sizes including standard if required.
Ignis wrote:jumping fro one part of the forum to another as learning more about my recently bought bongo...


I have an issue with my suspension, as it seems to have been lowered recently. The mechanics say it is all almost brand new, but the down-side is that it is seem significantly lower than an average Bongo (but it is just my guess). All the speed bumps in the city are mine, I constantly scratch the bottom and the front bumper. Really annoying and disappointing. Today, in the garage they managed to increase the front part for an inch or so (which helped slightly as I could see on my way back from the garage), but they cannot adjust rear bits, so new ones need to go in.

The question is whether scratching the car bottom is a common issue with Bongos and so whether changing the rear springs etc can help at all. They are not cheap (parts only around £440...), so have to think carefully.

Thank you for your comments/recommendations.

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 12:27 pm
by Ignis
Puma931 wrote:Can you tell me the space between the top of the tyre and wheel arch (both F & R), as I might be interested in them. Do you have any pictures, and are they custom springs or originals that have been cut down?

I found a place that will make springs (60mm drop) at a cost of £45 each + VAT and P&P and I am sure they could make other sizes including standard if required.
Hi,
These are the pictures of the wheels. The space between the top of the tyre and wheel arch is between 4 and 6cm at rear and 7-8cm at front (this after adjusting the springs for 1in).

Unfortunately, I have no idea whether they are custom or originals. Mechanics said that they are all new, but that's it.


Image

Image

Image

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 6:32 pm
by Gasy
Looking nice dumped down like that tho
Got any pics full side on

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 9:15 pm
by Mark Elvin
If you do decide to get rid of the springs I'd be interested in having them off you.

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 2:11 pm
by Ignis
Mark Elvin wrote:If you do decide to get rid of the springs I'd be interested in having them off you.
I am actually considering to change the rear ones as I like when a car is higher. Or would you be only interested in the whole set?

Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 1:44 am
by The Great Pretender
What you need to know is the standard spring rate, you can then calculate the spring rate of the shorter spring, and you only need a few measurements to do this.
You do need to keep the front to rear rates close to the standard as a percentage as possible.
http://www.reliablespring.co.uk/calculator.htm
:wink:


Re: lowered suspension

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 3:16 pm
by Ignis
I have finally changed my rear springs - it feels so much nicer now!!

If anyone is after shorter rear springs happy to sell them. I am going to attend Bongo Bash (Sat/Sun morning) and can take them with me.