8 replies to this topic

[charlieheal123]

Hi all,

 

I've just about finished by mini and I'm going to be setting up the suspension some time soon.

 

I was wondering how much suspension travel the front and rear have so I know how low I can go with the HiLo's. (Yes I know this isn't optimal for handling but it's primarily for looks!)?

 

Is it the full throw of the damper, or does it hit the bump stop before that happens? 

 

Basically how close can the wheel be to the arch so that it doesn't rub when driving?

 

(12x6 Superlights, HiLo's front and rear, new but settled rubber cones, and standard dampers)

 

Also attached is a little photoshop of how I would ideally want the car to look (top) and how it is now (bottom)? Would this be possible?

 

Many Thanks.

 IMG_20180108_203030.jpg   73.83K   2 downloads

[nicklouse]

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.

So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

[mikal]

The car looks very cool as it is. I'd leave it alone....!

[mab01uk]

This link below may help...

 

Mini Suspension - Dangers to consider when altering ride height:-

https://www.calverst...ng-ride-height/

Edited by mab01uk, 10 January 2018 - 07:53 AM.

[charlieheal123]

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.

So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 

Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

[cal844]

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.

So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 
Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

That's what we do with all the minis. Then if we really need to(last resort) we cut metal

[charlieheal123]

 

 

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.

So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 
Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

That's what we do with all the minis. Then if we really need to(last resort) we cut metal

 

 

 

 

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.

So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 
Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

That's what we do with all the minis. Then if we really need to(last resort) we cut metal

 

 

Yeah, I'll have a go on Sunday. Might have to get some adjustable lower arms so that the top of the wheel tucks in under the outer arch if I go any lower... Have to wait and see what happens I guess!

[nicklouse]

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.
So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 
Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

That's what we do with all the minis. Then if we really need to(last resort) we cut metal

 

The bump stop is hit first. These can be trimmed down. The shock internal bump stop should stop at ultimate upward movment.
No rubbing standard height. But then you will need OE spec wheels and tyres to be sure.
So to sum up have fun and be prepared to cut metal.

 
Okay Thanks, It's a bit of a guessing game. I've already had to trim the front of the inner arch to clear wheel on full lock so I'm well acquainted with the angle grinder already! Have to just lower the HiLo's a little bit at a time, drive it down some rough lanes and see if it scrapes. Trial and error I reckon.

That's what we do with all the minis. Then if we really need to(last resort) we cut metal

 
Yeah, I'll have a go on Sunday. Might have to get some adjustable lower arms so that the top of the wheel tucks in under the outer arch if I go any lower... Have to wait and see what happens I guess!

You will not get them to tuck under but please note every time you change the ride height. You will need to re do the tracking.
You will also change the static camber and caster. The lower arms and tiebars should be adjusted to correct the settings to the required numbers.

[Cooperman]

Remember that lowering a car reduces its road-holding on normal roads due to the reduced suspension travel and the consequent need to have the dampers set at a stiffer rate.

Most classic car owners like their cars to be at standard ride height to optimise the way they drive and feel.

For racing it is different as tracks are totally smooth and the suspension needs little available travel.

With the current proliferation of speed humps a low car is far from ideal and susceptible to damage.

With accurate suspension settings at standard ride height the classic Mini is superb to drive on all types of road with true 'retro' driving feel.