Minimalist Handling/Lowering Set Up?

[DusterRT]

Thanks for posting the pic. I don't recall seeing any S197s with the bumpstop centered in the saddle. Maybe manufacturing variation, maybe design flaw. Maybe this is fixed on the '08s?

Nope, mine looks like that as well (stock suspension). *Hopefully* I'm going to get my suspension on this weekend, I'll take pics..

There was a note with my GC kit that said if you cut the bump stops, cut them in a wedge shape (like an inverted V) rather than just flat across the top. I wonder if this has something to do with that..

 

[RKW]

There was a note with my GC kit that said if you cut the bump stops, cut them in a wedge shape (like an inverted V) rather than just flat across the top. I wonder if this has something to do with that..

I already had short (Roush) bumpstops so I did not follow the GC directions. I am also be tempted to modify the front bumpstops as per Saleen's directions (page 12):

http://www.saleen.com/installation-manuals/Speedlab Suspension Kit Installation Manual - Rev A.pdf

Although this may not be necessary if you have the shortened GC Koni Struts.

 

[sixties kid]

Nope, mine looks like that as well (stock suspension). *Hopefully* I'm going to get my suspension on this weekend, I'll take pics..

There was a note with my GC kit that said if you cut the bump stops, cut them in a wedge shape (like an inverted V) rather than just flat across the top. I wonder if this has something to do with that..

RKW and Duster,
Thanks...now I don't have to get on my knees to check out the stock position of the bump stops.
Independant of this exchange, I have quized my tech people and the "design flaw" comment makes me feel the need to venture this: adj control arms would allow for pulling the axle forward proportionately to force what would appear to be the proper bumpstop positioning and suspension travel. I also have concerns about where the ds (one piece)transmission yoke is riding (since these recent suspension mod installs) based on some subtle but noticeable cavitation, especially under acceleration. Assuming pinion angle and yoke travel don't become an issue, how nuts is this thought?
dj

 

[DusterRT]

Things to look out for would be...

- Pinion angle
- Driveshaft length (don't want it to bind!)
- Even with 3 adjustable control arms, I don't know just how far you could bring it forward.
- That would put the wheel off center in the wheel wells; you may have clearance issues and might look odd if you're concerned with aesthetics.

 

[sixties kid]

Things to look out for would be...

- Pinion angle
- Driveshaft length (don't want it to bind!)
- Even with 3 adjustable control arms, I don't know just how far you could bring it forward.
- That would put the wheel off center in the wheel wells; you may have clearance issues and might look odd if you're concerned with aesthetics.

Duster,
The ability to "think out loud" in a forum like this is great. Those are all the points I have been working through since Friday. Aesthetics do matter, but visual measurements say I have the room to work with, especilally since any adj by the uca will pivot the bumpstop forward without moving the rear axle centerline. I have not needed to make any adjustments to compensate for the one piece ds yet, so probably a good place to start. From there, I will work off hard measurements from a fixed point up front and wheel well position. My currently unvarified supposition is that that mods and mass production variances may have effectively postioned the rear axle "back". The front ds yoke position coompared to the end of the output shaft is the most dynamic variable. Incremental measurements will tell. Thanks, all.
dj

 

[sixties kid]

Things to look out for would be...

- Pinion angle
- Driveshaft length (don't want it to bind!)
- Even with 3 adjustable control arms, I don't know just how far you could bring it forward.
- That would put the wheel off center in the wheel wells; you may have clearance issues and might look odd if you're concerned with aesthetics.

Duster,
The ability to "think out loud" in a forum like this is great. Those are all the points I have been working through since Friday. Aesthetics do matter, but visual measurements say I have the room to work with, especilally since any adj by the uca will pivot the bumpstop forward without moving the rear axle centerline. I have not needed to make any adjustments to compensate for the one piece ds yet, so probably a good place to start. From there, I will work off hard measurements from a fixed point up front and wheel well position. My currently unvarified position is that that mods and mass production variances may have effectively postioned the rear axle "back". Incremental measurements will tell. Thanks, all.
dj